Big Cars are killing Americans

[Dftodd]

My Ram has same annoying thing (auto idle shut down), but I have a feature where idle can be increased while in park with e brake on for doing jump starts. You use the cruise control buttons to raise idle. I have done this while charging tractor batteries and have high- idled for 15 minutes no problem.

Does Ford have that feature.

I'll have to do some experimenting.

 

[Hay Dude]

I'll have to do some experimenting.

It’s in operators manual.
Most chassis trucks have this feature for PTO.

 

[Pixguy]

My wife's Edge ST has that and I tried to remember shutting it off every time and then I went in and changed a bunch of preferences and it no longer does it at all. I just never liked it.

 

[bcp]

Bruce, does the engine always stop with a cyl at TDC and full compression? They're 180 CS deg apart in a four. How would that 'no-starter' idea work otherwise? Asking for a friend.

Found a good explanation from Mazda:

While conventional idling stop systems rely on a starter motor to restart the engine, Mazda's i-stop restarts the engine through combustion; fuel is directly injected into a cylinder while the engine is stopped and ignited to generate downward piston force. The result is a quick and quiet engine re-start compared to other systems and a significant saving in fuel.


To restart the engine by combustion, the compression-stroke and expansion-stroke pistons need to be stopped at exactly the correct positions to create the right balance of air volumes. Mazda's i-stop ensures precise control over the piston positions during engine shutdown. With all the pistons stopped at the optimum positions, the system then identifies the initial cylinder for fuel injection. It injects fuel and ignites it to restart the engine. Even at extremely low rpm, cylinders are identified for sequential ignition, making the engine quickly pick up to idling speed.


These technologies enable the system to restart the engine with exactly the same timing every time, to enhance fuel economy, and to deliver smooth and comfortable acceleration for the driver at restart. The restart takes place in a mere 0.35 seconds (internal measurement on vehicle with automatic transmission), which is about half of the time taken by conventional starter-motor idling stop systems.


Bruce

 

[stuckmotor]

A lady I used to know had been in two or three wrecks and I remember thinking she must be a careless driver. I also remember holding my tongue when she told me how the family had bought a big used Cadillac SHE'D be safe.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

2019 Ford Ranger has the auto stop feature. Not a fan. Other Ranger owners put an LED nightlight in the rear 120v outlet and it disables it. something to do with truck seeing a type of "load". Me, I just push the button...

 

[RoyJackson]

I am really torn on this. I don't see hands-free operation for a call being any worse than somebody in the passenger seat talking to you. Most new cars have Bluetooth, so this is possible.

It's not the talking, especially if you can do it hands free...my 2016 Tacoma has Bluetooth and I do make and receive calls.
It's the texting or cruising Facebook and such.
Mostly a personal responsibility (or lack thereof) thing...and, yes HEAVY fines and license suspensions...even vehicle confiscation, should be enacted

 

[MossRoad]

It's not the talking, especially if you can do it hands free...my 2016 Tacoma has Bluetooth and I do make and receive calls.
It's the texting or cruising Facebook and such.
Mostly a personal responsibility (or lack thereof) thing...and, yes HEAVY fines and license suspensions...even vehicle confiscation, should be enacted

While I agree that texting or scrolling through pages on the phone is super distracting, even using hands-free calling, or having any conversation, can be distracting.

Many times I've been on a hands-free call while driving, or even having a conversation with a passenger in the vehicle with me, and I cannot remember squat about how I got to where I'm going. I just arrive. It's like my brain has been on autopilot while I had that conversation.

 

[RoyJackson]

While I agree that texting or scrolling through pages on the phone is super distracting, even using hands-free calling, or having any conversation, can be distracting.

Many times I've been on a hands-free call while driving, or even having a conversation with a passenger in the vehicle with me, and I cannot remember squat about how I got to where I'm going. I just arrive. It's like my brain has been on autopilot while I had that conversation.

If the call is going to be any length (most call last 30 seconds, max), I'll pull to the shoulder.
I won't respond to any texts at all...they can wait or the texter can call...

 

[MossRoad]

If the call is going to be any length (most call last 30 seconds, max), I'll pull to the shoulder.
I won't respond to any texts at all...they can wait or the texter can call...

On short drives, I just keep my phone in my pocket and check texts/mail when I stop. On long drives, I put the phone in the instrument cluster so I can see who's texting or calling. If it's important, I'll pull over at the next safe place and answer it. My 2003 Suburban doesn't have bluetooth, so no answering calls in it. Our 2013 Impala has it, so hands free calls are fine.

My employer just got me a new Ford transit connect with bluetooth, so that's rather nice, too, compared to the rusty old van I was driving. Remote start is through my phone, not the key fob. So I can start it 15 minutes before I get to work and it's warm when I get there. Hop in, and the music on my phone is playing over the van sound system. Take off to answer work orders and my boss calls and I can talk with him hands free rather than stopping and pulling over. Man, we're spoiled.