Ford Escape Quiz

Auto Start-Stop

In this manual: Auto Start-Stop
Introduction — 1Symbol Glossary — 1Data Privacy — 7At a Glance — 1Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 9Personal Safety System™ — 1Airbags — 8Pedestrian Warning System. 911 Assist — 1Keys and Remote Controls — 8MyKey™ — 5Doors & Locks — 5Keyless Entry — 6Easy Entry and Exit — 1Liftgate - Vehicles With: Manual Liftgate — 3Liftgate - Vehicles With: Power Liftgate — 6Safety — 4Steering Wheel — 1Wipers and Washers — 7Exterior Lighting — 8Interior Lighting — 4Windows — 3Interior Mirror — 1Exterior Mirrors — 1Sunroof (if equipped) — 4Instrument Cluster — 16Instrument Cluster Display — 14Trip Computer — 3Head-Up Display (If Equipped) — 1Remote Start — 5Climate Control — 7Cabin Air Quality — 1Front Seats — 5Rear Seats — 1Rear Seat Reminder — 1Memory Function — 1Garage Door Opener — 7USB Ports — 3Power Point - Vehicles With: 12V Outlet — 1Wireless Accessory Charger — 1Storage — 1Starting and Stopping the Engine — 9Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information — 6Auto Start-Stop — 1Fuel and Refueling — 10Catalytic Converter — 1High-Voltage Battery — 1Charging Your Vehicle – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) — 7Automatic Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive — 1Brakes — 4Electric parking brake — 1Hill Start Assist — 1Auto Hold — 1Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 1Steering — 1Park Aid — 7Rearview Camera — 1Active Park Assist — 5Cruise Control — 1Adaptive Cruise Control — 10Drive Mode Control — 5Lane Keeping System — 6Blind Spot Information System — 5Cross-Traffic Alert — 5Pre-Collision Assist — 9Driver Alert — 4Traffic Sign Recognition — 4Loading — 6Cargo Area — 1Trailer Hitch Connection — 3Towing a Trailer — 4Trailer Sway Control — 1Driving Tips — 4Breakdown and Emergency Information — 7Towing Your Vehicle — 4Fuses — 4Maintenance — 14Vehicle Care — 5Body Styling Kits — 1Storing Your Vehicle — 1Wheels and Tires Information — 6Tire Care — 4Tire Sealant and Inflator Kit — 8Tire Pressure Monitoring System — 4Road Wheel Replacement — 1Capacities and Specifications — 16Vehicle Identification — 1Connected Vehicle — 4Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 8SYNC™ (if equipped) — 9SYNC™ 3 (if equipped) — 41Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 4Customer Information — 23Appendices — 3
~3min read

What is Auto-Start-Stop

The system helps reduce fuel consumption by stopping and restarting the engine when your vehicle is stopped. The engine restarts when you release the brake pedal.

In some situations, your vehicle may restart before you release the brake pedal, for example:

  • To maintain interior comfort.
  • To charge the battery.

Auto-Start-Stop Precautions

Switching Auto-Start-Stop On and Off

The system is enabled when the ignition is switched on.

Ford Escape. Auto-Start-StopPress the button to switch the system off.

Press the button again to switch the system back on.

Turning Off the Engine

Stop the vehicle, keep your foot on the brake pedal and the transmission in Drive (D).

Engine Restart

Release the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal.

A message appears in the information display if the system requires you to take action.

Auto-Start-Stop Indicators

Ford Escape. Auto-Start-StopThe Auto-Start-Stop indicator illuminates green when the engine stops. It flashes amber and a message appears when you need to take action.

Ford Escape. Auto-Start-StopThe Auto-Start-Stop indicator illuminates grey with a line through it when the system is not available.

Auto-Start-Stop – Troubleshooting

Auto-Start-Stop – Information Messages

A message appears in the information display if the system requires you to take action.

Ford Escape. Auto-Start-Stop

Auto-Start-Stop – Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the engine not always stop when I expect it to?

The system is designed to complement other vehicle systems and allow them to operate at optimum performance.

The system does not stop the engine if:

  • The driver door is opened.
  • Your vehicle is at high altitude.
  • The windshield defrost is on.
  • The engine is warming up.
  • The outside temperature is too low or too high.
  • The battery charge is low.
  • The battery temperature is outside the optimum operating range.
  • The engine must run to maintain interior climate and reduce fogging.

Why does the engine sometimes restart when I do not expect it to?

The system is designed to complement other vehicle systems and allow them to operate at optimum performance.

The system restarts the engine if:

  • You switch on the windshield defrost.
  • You switch on maximum defrost.
  • Your vehicle starts to roll downhill in Neutral.
  • The engine must run to maintain brake assist operation.
  • The engine must run to maintain interior climate and reduce fogging.

Can I switch the system off permanently?

No. The system plays an important role in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Will frequent engine restarts cause wear on components?

Your vehicle is equipped with a reinforced battery and starter motor designed for increased engine restart frequency.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.