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Auto start-stop override module is now available!

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Michael Wells

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I checked the smartstartstop.com website tonight, and they are proudly announcing the availility of their new auto start/stop defeat module for the Buick Regal 2017 to 2018 MY! Great news. I have been shopping for a new wagon, and the ability to permanently turn off auto s/s has been a requirement before I will buy.

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Awesome, thanks for the heads up! Just placed my order 🙂
 
I checked the smartstartstop.com website tonight, and they are proudly announcing the availility of their new auto start/stop defeat module for the Buick Regal 2017 to 2018 MY! Great news. I have been shopping for a new wagon, and the ability to permanently turn off auto s/s has been a requirement before I will buy.

Chevy-Buick-Cadillac-GMC Products

I like that it doesn't occupy the obd connection. The price is too steep for me at this time.
 
Mine arrived a week ago, so I installed it immediately. I can say that overall I'm very happy; it works just as advertised and set up is very easy. The only gripe is the effect on remote start (look at the last page of the instructions: https://www.smartstopstart.com/uploads/8/0/2/8/8028029/website_buick_regal_instructions_ver._1.0.pdf). For remote start, points #1 and #2 don't bother me much, but point #3 a is minor annoyance - requires an extra unnecessary start/stop cycle, which is what I'm generally trying to avoid in the first place. However, I still think the module is a worthwhile 99% solution rather than any of the work-arounds.
 
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Can this be turned on and off? Or is it a permanent disable?
 
Can this be turned on and off? Or is it a permanent disable?
It's not entirely permanent, but there's no on/off switch with this module. It plugs into the hood-open sensor. However, it can easily be plugged in or unplugged and removed in under five minutes.
 
Sounds like it makes the computer think the hood is open. Will that affect the sensors, like active hood or airbags?
 
Sounds like it makes the computer think the hood is open. Will that affect the sensors, like active hood or airbags?

No, it just makes the computer think the hood is open for a fraction of a second after starting, then it is closed again. This activates a GM programmed safety feature in the vehicle to disable auto-stop for a tech working on the car to prevent surprise starts.
 
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No, it just makes the computer think the hood is open for a fraction of a second after starting, then it is closed again. This activates a GM programmed safety feature in the vehicle to disable auto-stop for a tech working on the car to prevent surprise starts.

So it sounds possible to "demo" the way the module will function by starting the car with the hood open, and then when I close it, it should not auto-stop that trip.
 
So it sounds possible to "demo" the way the module will function by starting the car with the hood open, and then when I close it, it should not auto-stop that trip.

Yes, that should work.
 
Here's a listing of what may disable the start stop funtion. Not sure if these all apply to the Regal-TourX but it what to look at when trying to do backwards engineering.

The one item that caught my eye was the exterior temperature sensor. If it's below a certain temperature it is disabled. So if a brilliant engineer can figure how to have it at a fixed temperature under the operating range, it should work and not interfere with other operations, but I am also unaware of what else may look at this sensor. I'm really not sure about unpluging it as it could create other problems, so do this at your own risk!
There are other suggestions, changing the shifter out of D, running the AC, of course the hood latch, faking it has a trailer, etc.

I have only vehicles that start and stop by turning the key, so it's a problem and possible solution for others.


The engine may not turn off at a stop or may restart if any of the following conditions apply:

A minimum vehicle speed is not reached.

The engine or transmission is not at the required operating temperature.

The outside temperature is not in the required operating range.

The shift lever is in any gear other than Drive (D).

The battery charge is low.

The climate control system requires the engine to run based on the climate control or defog setting.

The Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.
 
The engine may not turn off at a stop or may restart if any of the following conditions apply:

A minimum vehicle speed is not reached.

The engine or transmission is not at the required operating temperature.

The outside temperature is not in the required operating range.

The shift lever is in any gear other than Drive (D).

The battery charge is low.

The climate control system requires the engine to run based on the climate control or defog setting.

The Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.

Stop-Start also won't activate if you came to a full stop solely using adaptive cruise control.
 
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Mine arrived a week ago, so I installed it immediately. I can say that overall I'm very happy; it works just as advertised and set up is very easy. The only gripe is the effect on remote start (look at the last page of the instructions: https://www.smartstopstart.com/uploads/8/0/2/8/8028029/website_buick_regal_instructions_ver._1.0.pdf). For remote start, points #1 and #2 don't bother me much, but point #3 a is minor annoyance - requires an extra unnecessary start/stop cycle, which is what I'm generally trying to avoid in the first place. However, I still think the module is a worthwhile 99% solution rather than any of the work-arounds.
Mine arrived a week ago, so I installed it immediately. I can say that overall I'm very happy; it works just as advertised and set up is very easy. The only gripe is the effect on remote start (look at the last page of the instructions: https://www.smartstopstart.com/uploads/8/0/2/8/8028029/website_buick_regal_instructions_ver._1.0.pdf). For remote start, points #1 and #2 don't bother me much, but point #3 a is minor annoyance - requires an extra unnecessary start/stop cycle, which is what I'm generally trying to avoid in the first place. However, I still think the module is a worthwhile 99% solution rather than any of the work-arounds.
now that you have had it installed for a few months, any problems? Still happy with your purchase?
 
I ordered one. But haven't installed it yet.
 
now that you have had it installed for a few months, any problems? Still happy with your purchase?
I'm still very happy with it. The issue I talked about has just made me use remote start a lot less often. Otherwise, it hasn't caused any actual problems.
 
I'm still very happy with it. The issue I talked about has just made me use remote start a lot less often. Otherwise, it hasn't caused any actual problems.

Doesn't sound like a huge problem but, it is getting cold here and I am remote starting everyday for sure. The site says one of the restrictions is are
  • After a remote start, when you get in the car, you must cycle Ignition off and on again manually in order to activate the Auto-Stop Override
I mean I can live with that granted it wont auto stop/ start any more but that sounds like a bit of a pain. The sad part is I am sure GM/ Buick will have an override switch in the 2020 or 2021 model. Just like they have done with the rest of them. I truly hate the start/stop feature!! Any feedback is appreciated.
 
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You all realize that after coming to a stop simply releasing the brake and letting the car roll 6 inches will restart the car, and the engine will keep going even when you depress the brake pedal again... right?
 
You all realize that after coming to a stop simply releasing the brake and letting the car roll 6 inches will restart the car, and the engine will keep going even when you depress the brake pedal again... right?

Rather spend a hundred some odd bucks to turn it off completely. I have been putting it over in manual every time I stop to avoid it.
 
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Rather spend a hundred some odd bucks to turn it off completely. I have been putting it over in manual every time i stop to avoid it.

I'd rather take my wife to dinner...to each their own 😁
 
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