Ford Escape Start Stop Not Working

The intended purpose of the Ford Escape auto-start stop system is to help reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a standstill. The engine will then automatically restart when the driver moves off.

The auto-start stop system is on by default at each manual ignition cycle but can be switched off by pressing the auto-start stop button if required. There is not an option to permanently switch off the Ford Escape start stop system.

It may appear that the Ford Escape start stop system is not working, but the likely cause is due to one of the many conditions that must be met in order for it to initiate. If the system is unavailable, the auto-start stop system unavailable warning light will illuminate in the dashboard display. For the Ford Escape start stop system to work, the following conditions must be met:

• The battery state of charge is adequate. This typically requires the battery to at a state of charge of 75 percent or greater. An inadequate battery state of charge is one of the more common reasons for the Ford Escape stop start system to not work. Frequent short driving trips that do not allow the battery to charge being a issue. Leaving the battery hooked up to a charger overnight may help.
• The battery temperature is too hot or too cold. Auto stop will typically be inhibited if the battery temperature falls below -5°C or above 60°C.
• The engine coolant is at operating temperature. If the coolant temperature is too cold at around 10°C or gets too hot above 100°C, the stop start system will not work.
• The brake vacuum is sufficient. Brake vacuum or brake booster is a system that helps to reduce the level of force required by the driver to press the brake pedal.
• The vehicle interior has been cooled or warmed to an acceptable level. If the current interior temperature deviates too much from the set temperature on the heating / cooling system, auto stop will not operate.
• Auto stop will not activate if the front windshield defroster is on.
• The vehicle exceeds an initial speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) after the vehicle has been initially started.
• The vehicle has come to a standstill.
• Your foot is on the brake pedal.
• The transmission is in drive (D).
• The driver’s door and/or the liftgate is shut. Faulty liftgate / door shut sensors are known to cause issues.
• The vehicle is not on a steep road grade. This is typically at a grade of around 9 degrees or more.
• The steering wheel is not being turned.
• Elevation is below approximately 10,000 ft (3,048 m).
• Ambient temperature is moderate. Typically engine start stop will not operate if the external temperature is below -5°C or above 35°C.
• The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is being cleaned (if applicable).

More about the Ford Escape
Ford Escape Warning Messages
Ford Escape Dashboard Warning Lights
Ford Escape Start Stop Not Working