ECO stop/start intermittently working : C220d 1/2018

[zena123]

Hello, hope this is the right place for this post ...

Purchased approved-used C220d automatic 2 weeks ago. ECO stop/start is variable - most often not working. Have checked handbook which indicates 8-9 variables (aircon as chief culprit, internal temperature (cabin) + external temp, battery ... condensation etc etc. ) that can cause S/S to not work ... & I can see why, if it overloads a small battery. (Not sure if my car has 2 batteries or not, spec doesn't specify.)
I have driven it short distances (didn't work), then suddenly engaged several times mid-day (warmer temp outside) then after a 2 1/2 hour break for lunch, no S/S. No S/S since then, even though on Saturday, to charge battery, we drove London-Duxford & back. Since getting back: no S/S. Friend suggested I put it into Neutral & then try again, so will go & do that this afternoon. Just wondering if anyone has other solutions ? (I have a bit of previous experience with a Toyota Rav4, where S/S worked perfectly, but it was a brand new car.) What do people generally think about S/S ? ... An Australian YouTuber says he has it turned off but that S/S shouldn't cause undue wear&tear on modern cars (which seems to be the greatest long-term criticism of S/S). If that's the case, then I'd rather have S/S & be able to turn it off when I want, & not have it unpredictable. Is this a matter to refer to the Merc garage before the warranty expires ?? Would greatly value any offered solutions .... and opinions.

 

[jdrrco]

If you've only had the car two weeks, go back to the garage that sold it and ask them to look into it.

 

[Gazwould]

Don't go back, the car has improved .

 

[zena123]

Gazwould: Sorry ... not quite understanding. S/S was variable. Then it worked on one short journey. Since then it hasn't worked.

Doh ! .... I get it now ... (bit slow on the uptake, sometimes!)

 

[markjay]

While there are may factors that can affect Stop/Start, 9 out of 10 it is down to faulty battery (either main battery, or auxiliary battery / capacitor).

1. Get the codes read with STAR.

2. In no related codes are found, ask the dealer to load-test both batteries.

3. If no faults are found, try and get the dealer to replace either one or both batteries under warranty.

Good luck.

 

[markjay]

Gazwould: Sorry ... not quite understanding. S/S was variable. Then it worked on one short journey. Since then it hasn't worked.

Doh ! .... I get it now ... (bit slow on the uptake, sometimes!)

Gazwould dislikes the Stop/Start function, and he also dislikes having to turn-off Stop/Start at the start of each journey.

So Gazwould is saying that he would have been happy if his Stop/Start stopped working due to a fault.

 

[Tramper]

Had the same problem with mine the battery n the boot was changed and is fine now.
I was told for the eco s/s to work certain conditions have to be met i.e., engine up to working temp, also as you mentioned cabin temp vs outside temp if there is a sizeable difference between the two.

Having said all that I turn mine off, I find it annoying in stop start traffic with it going on and off all the time.

 

[zena123]

Thanks, jdrrco. Have booked the car in for Thurs a.m.
Meantime, the guy I spoke to (at a call centre for MB), asked if I'd had a Service Care Plan explained. Assuming my annual mileage : 4,000 p.a. (probably more, now that I have the MB) & that I keep the car for 4 years, this would include: 1 service annually, parts/labour/oil/VAT at cost of £36 p.m (by DD, '0' interest). They would run the plan for 4 years.
I declined (politely) the offer of taking this up with him straight away, but said I would refer the idea to an MB forum. Upon which, he offered car collect/return or loan car & also 12 months' free roadside assistance - apparently to be renewed by MB each year, but within the 4 year cost.
My car (approved-used, bought 2 weeks ago) is 18 months' old & is covered by MB warranty for a total of 3 years. Is taking up this plan now a good idea ? There seem to be no end of different ways of spending money .... !!
FWIW I find this forum amazingly helpful & also enjoy reading posts about other car issues ... some people leave no stone unturned in order to help others out ! Wish we could say that about the UK in general ! Tx again idrrco, Helene

 

[zena123]

Thank you Markjay ...... it's v. kind of you to explain ..... best wishes, Helene

 

[Deletedmember130310]

When you break to a stop, do you squeeze the pedal a bit harder to activate the stop/start? Or maintain a light pressure?

Alternatively, if the car was sitting around for a long time before you acquired it, the battery might not be at 100% - the alternator rarely charges batteries above c80% so it might need a session on a charger.

 

[Dippo]

If you don't need to make a decision on a service plan immediately, it's probably worth waiting until November as MB have been known to offer Black Friday deals on service plans, saving around £150.

 

[Gazwould]

Gazwould dislikes the Stop/Start function, and he also dislikes having to turn-off Stop/Start at the start of each journey.

So Gazwould is saying that he would have been happy if his Stop/Start stopped working due to a fault.

Mines improved also !

Not to mention the possible link to timing chain issues and that annoying drive by wire throttle delay is bad enough without stop strain .

 

[markjay]

If you don't need to make a decision on a service plan immediately, it's probably worth waiting until November as MB have been known to offer Black Friday deals on service plans, saving around £150.

As above.

Service Care Plan will work-out cheaper overall compared to paying for each service individually, assuming you are planning on having the car serviced at the MB dealer (i.e. as opposed to using a specialist).

 

[Riva811]

My experience with the ECO mode is that it depends on:

1. How fast you are going / how heavy your foot is
   
2. Engine temperature
3. Climate system temperature set below ambient by 2-3C
4. How far away you are from traffic lights although this appears to be random at traffic jams
   
5. Use of climitised seats
6. How cold ambient temperature is - mostly observed on my uncles E220d which hates ECO/ S/S during winter

 

[zena123]

Hello Greenmansilk : I've tried both : applying harder pressure (at different stages in the braking process & when stopped fully) & also soft & slow. Neither seem to impact on S/S. I had wondered if applying stronger pressure might activate something - but doesn't seem to make a difference. As I get more experience with it, I might develop a bit more sensitivity to the conditions that cause it - can't say more at the moment ! Tx for the note about low battery:
I suppose the garage will try that first. Does anyone know how long it might take to recharge a battery for a diesel ?
Gazwould: Is there a connection to the timing chain (which I seem to remember had to be replaced every 3 years in the Golf). Btw it's hardly an effort to turn off S/S at the start of a journey ... or is it ?

re: Service Plan ; thanks Dippo & Markjay : noted to wait till Black Friday.... if MB is offering any benefits, they should be taken up with alacrity! Though you raise an interesting point:
next service is due in 12 months, which is precisely when the car will have 6 months left on the MB warranty. If I get the car serviced by an Indie/specialist, won't that invalidate the remaining 6-months of warranty with MB ?

This is beginning to feel like going into a doctor's surgery for one thing & discovering that there are loads of other things to follow up on ! Many thanks to all who take the time to respond. bw Helene

 

[zena123]

Just seen 2 new replies above, which I obv. missed. Thanks Markjay for your points 1-3 (sent at 4:42 today) re: STAR codes & battery/capacitor : I'll raise each point at the garage on Thursday & see how far I get. At least armed with your information, I may not appear totally naive when I get there.
Riva: thanks for your list: wasn't aware of the climatised seats (I imagine that's connected to battery overload ...). But weather has been hot recently, so no question of using heated seats (yet!). bw to all, Helene

 

[Riva811]

Just seen 2 new replies above, which I obv. missed. Thanks Markjay for your points 1-3 (sent at 4:42 today) re: STAR codes & battery/capacitor : I'll raise each point at the garage on Thursday & see how far I get. At least armed with your information, I may not appear totally naive when I get there.
Riva: thanks for your list: wasn't aware of the climatised seats (I imagine that's connected to battery overload ...). But weather has been hot recently, so no question of using heated seats (yet!). bw to all, Helene

I have "cold" seats as well and ECO seems to stop working when thats on for sure.

 

[markjay]

1. My money is still on the battery (main or auxiliary).

2. The timing chain on your car is good for the life on the engine, no need to replace it (unless it develops a fault).

3. The starting of the engine gives the timing chain a pull. Over time, this contributes to the chain stretching. The stretching itself is normal and it is compensated for by the built-in tentioner. When the stretching is excessive, the chain will start rattling and will need to be changed. The Stop/Start function will increase the number of times that the engine is started throughout its service life and will therefore marginally accelerate the chain stretching. But these chains are pretty reliable and unless you are planning on reaching 6-figure mileage there's no need to worry about the timing chain either way. The best maintenance routine for timing chain is frequent oil changes and using the MB specified oil spec. If you intend to get the car serviced by an MB dealer than you need not worry about the oil changes either.

3. A service at an independent specialist that uses original MB parts and checks the car to the MB schedule will not invalidate your warranty. Said that, most owners prefer to have the first 3 services carried-out at the dealer before deciding if thet wish to stick with dealer servicing or move to a specialist. Ultimately it's your call.

 

[SG94]

Well, I don’t want to scare you but.....
My 2015 W205 eco SS never worked from new. Over 50 visits to the dealer in the 4 years since and they finally got it going in May this year.

 

[markjay]

Well, I don’t want to scare you but.....
My 2015 W205 eco SS never worked from new. Over 50 visits to the dealer in the 4 years since and they finally got it going in May this year.

...how?