Stop/Start when running A/C?

[PaviTake]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 2018 Encore (direct injection engine with stop/start). Never driven a car with the s/s feature before. What I'm wondering is, if I am the type of driver who ALWAYS has his a/c on-- and set to manual fan level settings, not AUTO-- will this habit of mine automatically override the s/s feature? My understanding is that if the a/c is constantly running it will not permit s/s to occur. AUTO a/c setting cycles on and off, which would give the s/s opportunities to engage. But since I am always running the fan at constant temp, I'm guessing the a/c will override the s/s? Anyone have experience with this specifically with the Encore?

 

[playklax01]

If my A/C is on, manually set like yours, the S/S will kick in regardless. It's annoying as all get out, and you can't disable the S/S. But they do sell a part on Amazon for cheap that hooks to the switch on the hood latch to disable S/S. It just tells the computer the hood is open for a second, even though it's not, when you start the car so the computer will not engage the S/S. That's one option for you. I just got the device a little while ago and have not installed it yet (it's so simple to do!). Hopefully this weekend.

 

[mshultz]

I have a 2019 Encore with that engine. I run the controls in manual because I want air coming out of the floor, dash, and defogger vents at the same time. Automatic temperature control will not let me do that. Stop/Start runs normally. It may stay running when the temperature controls are set to full cold, but I don't use that setting enough to be positive. I also don't use the recirculate setting. The Stop/Start feature works well on the Encore, and I enjoy the quietness. It turns the fan speed down when the engine is off.

 

[PaviTake]

I have a 2019 Encore with that engine. I run the controls in manual because I want air coming out of the floor, dash, and defogger vents at the same time. Automatic temperature control will not let me do that. Stop/Start runs normally. It may stay running when the temperature controls are set to full cold, but I don't use that setting enough to be positive. I also don't use the recirculate setting. The Stop/Start feature works well on the Encore, and I enjoy the quietness. It turns the fan speed down when the engine is off.

Thanks @mshultz. So in your experience, when s/s is engaged the a/c fan speed slows down-- it does not turn the a/c off completely? I live in the desert (Nevada) and thought that s/s usually just turns off the a/c completely as part of the s/s action. Was worried that if stuck at a long light on a really hot day, I'd be cooked.

Also, just to clarify, when the car is in Park mode-- say it's 100 degrees out and I'm waiting in the car to pick my son up from school-- the a/c will stay on right? s/s does not engage when the car is in Park?

 

[mshultz]

The fan speed goes down, but does not stop when the engine stops. The compressor turns off because it is driven by the engine. The engine will only remain off for a maximum of about 2 minutes, and remains on in Park. I run the fan on the 2 light position in heat, 2 or 3 lights with A/C. The fan probably runs in the 1 light position when the engine is stopped. I know it continues to run because I have put my hand in front of the vent when the engine is off. Stop/Start is really handy when at the drive-thru. It's really quiet, although the direct injection engine is fairly quiet at idle anyway.

 

[PaviTake]

Hi all, checking in at the 5 month point. I did end up purchasing the 2018 Encore (direct injection) and so far I have been pleased with it as a run-around-town vehicle. It does pretty much everything I need it to, and in comfort. To follow-up with my impressions about the S/S feature... it doesn't really bother me EXCEPT my experience with it stopping the engine while it is hot outside and my A/C blowing lukewarm while waiting for the light to turn green is a little annoying.

I am considering purchasing the disabling module from SmartStartStop. Anyone have experience with it? Unlike the company's modules made for many car models that plug in at the code reader port on the inside of the car, their module for the Encore requires some minor installation underhood at the battery. I'm wondering if there's any concerns about doing this? I can't find anyone posting that the module has bricked their Encore, but I also can't imagine that many people out there are using the device. Just trying to calm my anxious mind and fears that my battery is going to shut the car off in the middle of an intersection, lol. Thanks!

 

[playklax01]

I am considering purchasing the disabling module from SmartStartStop. Anyone have experience with it? Unlike the company's modules made for many car models that plug in at the code reader port on the inside of the car, their module for the Encore requires some minor installation underhood at the battery. I'm wondering if there's any concerns about doing this? I can't find anyone posting that the module has bricked their Encore, but I also can't imagine that many people out there are using the device. Just trying to calm my anxious mind and fears that my battery is going to shut the car off in the middle of an intersection, lol. Thanks!

From my post above, I did install the wire harness from Amazon (it was cheap, like $10). It works like a charm! I really dislike S/S and this solved that problem. Only caveat is that it won't activate (or deactivate S/S) if you used remote start. You need to start it from inside. And installation is super easy, just unclip the existing plug to the hood switch, plug in this cable, plug back in the original. And you can easily take it out if you didn't want the dealer to see it or something.

 

[Undo_em]

The SmartStartStop device is over a hundred dollars. If the amazon device works as well then that's the way to go then. I just got my 2019 Encore and I just drove it out from the dealer and ran a few errands to the grocery store and I haven't experienced stop/start function yet. I know my wife may just like to keep that feature because she always complain engine running while waiting in long lines at drive thrus.

 

[Undo_em]

I haven't had any start/stop incident so far. I have the LUJ engine and I think only the LE2 engines has that feature.

 

[General Maintenance]

Here is my 2cents on the auto stop start feature. It pertains to the LE2 version engine introduced in late 2016-2017. The LE2 engine has a regular spin on type oil filter if that helps anyone out. I will attach a pdf file. I am not sure of this forums rules on adding files but guess I will find out.

 

[Spinall]

Nice ideas

 

[dfg985]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 2018 Encore (direct injection engine with stop/start). Never driven a car with the s/s feature before. What I'm wondering is, if I am the type of driver who ALWAYS has his a/c on-- and set to manual fan level settings, not AUTO-- will this habit of mine automatically override the s/s feature? My understanding is that if the a/c is constantly running it will not permit s/s to occur. AUTO a/c setting cycles on and off, which would give the s/s opportunities to engage. But since I am always running the fan at constant temp, I'm guessing the a/c will override the s/s? Anyone have experience with this specifically with the Encore?

Typically, when the air conditioning is set to manual fan level settings, the s/s feature may be overridden and not activated. This is because the s/s system is designed to temporarily shut off the engine when certain conditions are met, such as when the vehicle is at a complete stop, the brake pedal is depressed, and the engine is adequately warmed up.

However, running the air conditioning continuously may prevent the s/s feature from engaging. The s/s system aims to conserve fuel by shutting off the engine during idle periods, but if the air conditioning is constantly running, it creates a higher demand for power, and the system may decide not to activate the s/s feature.

It's worth noting that different vehicle models and manufacturers may have varying implementations of s/s technology, and the behavior of the system can vary. Therefore, it's best to consult the specific owner's manual or reach out to a Buick dealership for accurate and detailed information about the s/s functionality in the 2018 Encore.

 

[oregon_rider]

There are companies that make a small module that will disable the start stop.

They usually work by installing a circuit on the hood open switch. It makes the car think the hood os open right when you start the car. This disables the start stop.

Jeff

 

[oregon_rider]

There are companies that make a small module that will disable the start stop.

They usually work by installing a circuit on the hood open switch. It makes the car think the hood os open right when you start the car. This disables the start stop.

Jeff

Chevy-Buick-Cadillac-GMC Products

2026 support newly added! --> Automatically OVERRIDES the engine Auto Stop feature <--

www.smartstopstart.com

 

[playklax01]

This is the one I bought from Amazon. $15 and does the trick!