Second attempt at Range Technology Start/Stop device-- not good

[greenne]

Guys..I must have all the luck.

After my first Range Extender caused a "Reduced Engine Power" error(see previous post)...I chalked it up to buying a cheap model off Amazon. Range Technology tech support confirmed that no seller on Amazon is authorized and are most likely selling counterfeit, defective, refurbished or returned goods of unknown quality. That could have caused my error. returned device to Amazon for refund...lesson learned.

Last week I ordered an authorized device from autoanything-- an authorized reseller. I plugged it into the OBD port..no blue led light. Uh oh. Drove to work this morning and confirmed start/stop still active. Tried plugging and unplugging device and giggling the connection. No dice.

I unplug Range Extender and notice there is something loose inside...almost like it has been dropped and something is rattling around..so yeah there probably is a problem.

I will be returning item tomorrow..what bad luck.

So here's my question-- the troubleshooting guide suggests that if there is no OBD port then you should check the fuse to make sure the port is powered. OK. Located fuse box...looked in manual..trying to figure out which fuse powers the OBD port. Does anyone know? Would it be the one for "diagnostic link" located in slot #25..inside(drivers panel) fuse box? I checked that fuse and it was good...I have no reason to believe the fuse is blown..obd port worked fine prior to this..but just good info to know.

Please advise if possible.

 

[Anaduff]

Maybe this will help...

 

[greenne]

Update: I got a replacement RT device(3rd) and so far it works...no problems. I have driven 10mi with it. The device boots up and start/stop was disabled during the drive at multiple stops. The 2nd device from Autoanything was damaged in shipping I believe. As noted before, RT devices sold on amazon and eBay are likely bootleg devices or refurbished/returned and NOT authorized by Range technology.

Auto Anything is an authorized reseller. A+ customer service. When I called to return the defective device..they immediately processed a return and sent out a replacement that day.

So far good impressions of the device. I really hate the stop/start. Loving the instant throttle response and will be much easier to drive in traffic without worry of the car switching off unexpected.

Will post updates...

 

[Maxxfinn21]

Just received this email. I guess Range Technology Start/Stop Disable has been discontinued.

 

[Anaduff]

The company still (seems) to be marketing it--maybe they've just changed their part numbers...

Start/Stop Disabler

No more annoying Start/Stop in stop and go traffic! If your Ford or GM vehicle has Auto Start/Stop, we have the solution!

www.rangetechnology.com

 

[Maxxfinn21]

I guess they don‘t support 2019 Buick anymore because it doesn’t show up under “Make & Model.”

 

[Anaduff]

Sorry--you're right; 2019 is Cadillac and Chevrolet models only, 2018 to 2016 supports Buick, but only the Enclave & LaCrosse.

Fortunately (unless you're in California), the SmartStopStart module still supports the Regals.

Chevy-Buick-Cadillac-GMC Products

2025 support newly added! --> Automatically OVERRIDES the engine Auto Stop feature <--

www.smartstopstart.com

 

[greenne]

Sorry--you're right; 2019 is Cadillac and Chevrolet models only, 2018 to 2016 supports Buick, but only the Enclave & LaCrosse.

Fortunately (unless you're in California), the SmartStopStart module still supports the Regals.

http://[URL]https://www.smartstopstart.com/chevy-buick-cadillac-gmc-products.html

[/URL]

Just for clarification..so newbies don't get confused...

The device linked above is NOT the Range Technology device. The device above is a different method of disabling stop/start by fooling the car into thinking the hood is open. While this has worked for some members, I've heard it interferes with the remote start function and does require some minor installation in engine bay.

The Range Technology device simply plugs-unplugs into OBD port. Different item.

As others stated above-- it *appears* like it is still for sale, but the Buicks have been removed from the 2019 menu for some reason. The 2018 only features two models..the Enclave and LaCrosse.

https://www.rangetechnology.com/products/start-stop_disabler/

 

[greenne]

One week with the new device and it is working like a champ..no issues..does exactly what it says...no stop/start with no drama this time. No error messages.

On second look..it appears like they've (Range Technology) from all of the GM 2.0L Turbo applications. The only ones listed now are the 6 & 8 cyl models.

https://www.rangetechnology.com/products/start-stop_disabler/parts/RA005B

"Fits all V6 and V8 General Motors (GM) Auto Start/Stop vehicles, includes cars, trucks, and SUVs."

Wonder if it has to do with the "reduced engine power" error some of us were seeing on rare occasions?

 

[96americanluxury]

So when I went to purchase my Range Technology Device directly from Range Technology, they did not have the Buick Regal or turbo 4 listed for the stop/start device for any year. I went ahead and ordered it anyway figuring the systems worked essentially the same regardless of model/engine. And so far, 200+ miles later, it has been working great.

 

[greenne]

So when I went to purchase my Range Technology Device directly from Range Technology, they did not have the Buick Regal or turbo 4 listed for the stop/start device for any year. I went ahead and ordered it anyway figuring the systems worked essentially the same regardless of model/engine. And so far, 200+ miles later, it has been working great.

I'm thinking RT was seeing sporadic problems with the 4 turbo like we've seen on this board. Every once in awhile, an RT will cause a reduced engine power message. I think overall this is rare and varies unit to unit, car to car. I also think there is literally no risk of actual engine damage..the car is just going into this mode as a proactive defense mechanism. However, it was probably just enough that RT decided they didn't want to risk it-- or pehaps their legal team advised them not to sell for the turbo 4.

Seriously doubt the device has actually changed at all and so far so good on this unit. I'd still recommend it to anyone..I hate the start-stop and think that system is dangerous. If you need to scoot in traffic, stop-and-go or across an intersection there is a delay. I also had the start-stop shut off as I was inching into my garage, then restart causing the car to lurch forward.

 

[Uniqez]

I only had issues with reduced power when I unplug the device at the airport for car to seat there for a week or two, then when I plugged it back in, I have started the car too soon (you must wait until RT device fully boots up for the first start).

 

[96americanluxury]

@greenne You may be onto something with that, because when it is plugged in, I have no communication with the car via the MyBuick app, so it definitely takes up a CAN/BUS line. Perhaps it interacts differently on that line vs. other cars/engines.

 

[greenne]

I only had issues with reduced power when I unplug the device at the airport for car to seat there for a week or two, then when I plugged it back in, I have started the car too soon (you must wait until RT device fully boots up for the first start).

That's interesting because my OBD is not getting power with the ignition off. If I leave the RT plugged in(with the car off and not in ACC mode)...there are no blue lights showing at all. Mine only boots up when I hit the ignition switch to start the car.

Haven't had an issue with the new device that arrived last week. I also don't see how the device can't be left plugged in as since there is no power going to the OBD at "engine off"/ no key-- I fail to see how it can draw any power, even if sitting for several days.

Conversely I have not seen any issues with the mybuick phone app. I am still getting data..granted I haven't ever checked it while the car was on and/or driving.

 

[Uniqez]

That's interesting because my OBD is not getting power with the ignition off. If I leave the RT plugged in(with the car off and not in ACC mode)...there are no blue lights showing at all. Mine only boots up when I hit the ignition switch to start the car.

Haven't had an issue with the new device that arrived last week. I also don't see how the device can't be left plugged in as since there is no power going to the OBD at "engine off"/ no key-- I fail to see how it can draw any power, even if sitting for several days.

Conversely I have not seen any issues with the mybuick phone app. I am still getting data..granted I haven't ever checked it while the car was on and/or driving.

As soon I plug the unit , I have power to it. Light starting to flash. So I assume the power is available there with ignition off. Also, it says on the box to disconnect the unit, if car is not being used for more than two days, to prevent power drain from the battery.
Keep that in mind - mine is from 2018, maybe they have changed something in 2019 models?

 

[greenne]

As soon I plug the unit , I have power to it. Light starting to flash. So I assume the power is available there with ignition off. Also, it says on the box to disconnect the unit, if car is not being used for more than two days, to prevent power drain from the battery.
Keep that in mind - mine is from 2018, maybe they have changed something in 2019 models?

They must have changed something for 2019 or my car is unique. I most definitely DO NOT have power to the OBD with the ignition off//not in ACC mode. If I plug in unit with car off..nothing...nada. Only when I hit the ignition "button" do the lights flash and device boots up.

Interesting

 

[Uniqez]

They must have changed something for 2019 or my car is unique. I most definitely DO NOT have power to the OBD with the ignition off//not in ACC mode. If I plug in unit with car off..nothing...nada. Only when I hit the ignition "button" do the lights flash and device boots up.

Interesting

Hmmm, interesting. Wondering if this has something to do with the different infotament system and the way it is communicating with CPU

 

[50Joe]

I've got a 2019. Bought my RT unit first week of December and my unit has worked perfectly since I got it. In fact, I totally forget my car has the auto stop/start capability.

 

[96americanluxury]

So I used the myBuick app again today, and turns out I can communicate with the car just fine with the Range device plugged in. Must have been a fluke the one time it didn't work.

 

[greenne]

So I used the myBuick app again today, and turns out I can communicate with the car just fine with the Range device plugged in. Must have been a fluke the one time it didn't work.

I've had the app stop working once or twice. An app reboot usually does the trick. I don't think the app has anything to do with the OBD port. I think it use onstar and/or the built in wifi to communicate with GM