Have you glanced up at your dashboard in the past week and spotted one of those little warning lights in the shape of a yellow exclamation mark with the text ‘Service Stop Start System’?
The light is likely flashing up and down because your vehicle’s stop start system is malfunctioning. This light can be an indication that some component in the stop start system that saves fuel and cuts carbon emissions by shutting down the engine.
Here is a step by step guide to explaining the service stop start system warning light and what you might need to do to deal with it.
Article Summary
What is the Stop Start System?
The stop start system is designed to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental impact in terms of carbon emissions and associated by products. If the driver puts the foot on the brake and stops, say, at a red light, the engine immediately turns off.
The engine engages again as soon as the driver lifts his foot from the brake. In usually urban driving conditions with many stop signals, this system can save a great deal of fuel.
‘Stop Start Unavailable Service Stop Start System’ that’s the message you saw displayed on the dash when you tried to start your car the other day.
It meant that the system had to save fuel when idling by turning off the engine and restarting it when I accelerate has run into trouble.
If the stop start system is unavailable, this could be caused by a variety of issues, including a weak battery. This alternator is not charging the battery and has a defective voltage sensor and glitchy sensors.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check the Battery: Ensure it’s in good condition and properly charged.
- Consult a Mechanic: Have a professional diagnose and address the problem.
- Avoid Ignoring It: Address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.
This should allow it to continue running for the maximum period and at the lowest possible engine speed. With the stop start system now on your periphery, you can take care to keep it in good working order.
What Does Service Stop Start System Warning Light Indicate?
The ‘Service Stop Start System’ light on your dashboard means that there’s something wrong with the stop start system that needs attention. A number of issues trigger the warning light:
Battery Health
The stop start system depends on the vehicle’s battery to function properly. If the battery is weak or failing, it could affect how well the system works.
Alternator Problem
The alternator (the big box at the front of the engine) charges the battery. If the alternator isn’t working, it might prevent the stop start from working properly.
Sensor Fault
The stop start system uses a number of sensors to monitor how the engine is behaving, the battery charge, and many other things, so if one of these goes wrong, this warning light will come on.
Engine Components
Faults related to engine components or other systems, however, can also make the stop start system unreliable and illuminate the warning light.
System Recalibration/Update
The system may only recalibrate/update in the next few years.
How To Fix When the Warning Light Appears?
If the warning light appears on your vehicle dashboard, do not ignore it. Instead, follow the listed measures to fix the service stop start system warning light.
1. Check the Battery
Check the battery for any visible signs of wear and damage. If it is old or weak, have it tested and replaced if necessary.
2. Go To Mechanic
If it’s just the battery, replace it, and you’ll be on your way.
If everything checks out, take it to a mechanic or dealership who will conduct a diagnostic check to find the specific problem and deal with it.
3. Avoid Ignoring the Warning
The stop start system warning light may not emit anything like a stark emergency red, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it.
More serious issues may arise from letting this particular problem slide. Get it addressed right away and see to it that your vehicle remains serviceable.
4. Regular Maintenance
Having your vehicle serviced regularly including checking your battery and updating system components can help prevent stop start failure.
FAQs on Service Stop Start System Warning Light
What Does the “Service Stop Start System” Warning Light Mean?
The light labeled “Service Stop Start System” alerts to a malfunction of the system by which a vehicle’s stop start mechanism aims to save fuel by automatically switching off the engine when the car is standing still and then reactivating it once the brakes are released.
What Should I Do If the Service Stop Start System Warning Light Appears?
Keep an eye on this light, and if it does come on, first check to see if the battery looks worn and normal, then have it diagnosed at a reputable facility of your choice. This light is also an early identifier of increasing battery drain, so it’s important to get it checked right away in order to avoid further damage that will limit your transportation options.
Can I Drive with the Stop Start System Warning Light On?
Although it’s usually possible to drive with the warning light on, the stop start system, which saves fuel when the car comes to a stop, may have detected a fault and simply needs to be checked. Continued driving with the fault light on could create further and more expensive problems with the system. Get it fixed as soon as possible.
How Can I Prevent Issues with the Service Stop Start System?
Other than this, the only way in which stop start can cause problems is if regular car maintenance is neglected. These are basic tasks that any car owner should be performing to keep everything in good working order, such as checking the battery isn’t a week away from dying, that the alternator is outputting enough current to keep the battery charged, and that the engine parts are free from serious wear. Regular servicing, timely repairs, and following advice from specialists should ensure that stop start components perform as they should and that warning lights stay dark.
Conclusion
If you see the “Service Stop Start System” warning light on the screen, it may indicate there is a problem with your stop start system.
If so, do not ignore it. Continuing to use your vehicle in such a condition can not only dent your pride but also waste fuel and cause extensive damage to the engine.
First, check your battery to see if your vehicle actually has the system. If so, have a mechanic diagnose the problem and give your car the care it needs.
With proper maintenance and repairs done on time, you should be able to drive your car smoothly and efficiently.
