I have a B-Max 1 litre 120 purchased in December 2012. The stop/start system stopped working this month and I took it to the dealer who said the battery was only 75% charged hence the stop/start not working. This system doesn't work unless the battery is fully charged. What they do not tell you however, is also that if you do low mileage the system will switch itself off completely. If you have your aircon on the system will also not work. Could this be due to a low capacity battery or some other fault. I cannot be the only one having this problem - is there anyone else out there? I have been in contact with Ford who sent me to another dealer for a second opinion - they are now trying to contact my dealer without any success at present.
STOP/START
Dunston
81 - 100 of 197 Posts
I think the issue still needs a resolution from Ford. Have just had my car serviced prior to long trip in Europe. No problems with the standard service for the B-Max (£150) the mechanic is aware of my stop/start issue and has be
recorded as due an update whenever Ford decide
to get their finger out.
As mentioned previously, stop/start works immediately I turn of
the a/c and associated specs, put it back on an no stop/start.
Hoping Ford have come up with a fix by the time I get back
![Image]()
recorded as due an update whenever Ford decide
to get their finger out.
As mentioned previously, stop/start works immediately I turn of
the a/c and associated specs, put it back on an no stop/start.
Hoping Ford have come up with a fix by the time I get back
Makem
Interesting that your stop/start which seems to have been working ok up until now has suddenly stopped working. Ford aware and we all await a solution!
Ref the handbrake adjustment, I asked for that in my service last week as felt I was having to pull it too far up to secure the brake, on my service sheet they wrote cannot adjust handbrake further as it is already at full and any attempt to adjust will not prove successful. Good luck
Interesting that your stop/start which seems to have been working ok up until now has suddenly stopped working. Ford aware and we all await a solution!
Ref the handbrake adjustment, I asked for that in my service last week as felt I was having to pull it too far up to secure the brake, on my service sheet they wrote cannot adjust handbrake further as it is already at full and any attempt to adjust will not prove successful. Good luck
Interesting. My drive is quite a slope to the road and even with the handbrake full on (too high imo), when we open the doors I hear a noise in the rear drums which shows the shoes are slipping slightly. I often have to re-check the handbrake is full on. Opening the doors puts weight on the car as the doors reach their stop, hence the attempt to move down the slope.
I always leave the car in first gear as advised in the MANUAL (yes I do read it) and sometimes when I return to the car, take it out of gear I hear that slipping noise again. I assume the brakes are controlled via a cable and not software so I fail to see how all adjustment could already be taken up. However, in view of your experience I will see what this agent says.
Yes, I agree, I was surprised when it failed to stop throughout the journey today when nothing has changed and it was used yesterday without that problem. I wonder if the battery has reached a 'critical' point. I will be driving some 30 miles tonight so will see if that has any effect.
I always leave the car in first gear as advised in the MANUAL (yes I do read it) and sometimes when I return to the car, take it out of gear I hear that slipping noise again. I assume the brakes are controlled via a cable and not software so I fail to see how all adjustment could already be taken up. However, in view of your experience I will see what this agent says.
Yes, I agree, I was surprised when it failed to stop throughout the journey today when nothing has changed and it was used yesterday without that problem. I wonder if the battery has reached a 'critical' point. I will be driving some 30 miles tonight so will see if that has any effect.
Makem
will
be interesting to see how you get on.
In respect of stop/start there has been a ''development'' , earlier this month I sent an e-mail to Ford customer services, and today I received a very nice letter in response from the customer relationship centre
. The letter acknowledged my e-mail regarding auto stop/start issue and offered apologies for any frustration or inconvenience that has been caused by these issues affecting the vehicle.
The letter then went on to say that in regards to my auto stop/start issue, they can confirm that currently the logic on
the Power-Train Control Module (PCM) does not allow the feature to operate at the same time as the air-conditioning system. Due to continual improvements made by the Engineering Department within Ford Motor Company from feedback from customers; there is an update planned to revise the operation of the auto stop/start so that it can work whilst air-conditioning is engaged. When the resolution is available, they will notify customers via their dealershipnetwork.
So this is good news, full marks to Ford for responding with a positive letter and taking notice of this particular issue. It is also good to know that it is not me being a pain over nothing and that there is a problem with auto stop/start. I now await with eager anticipation the update which hopefully will solve the problem.
Thank you Ford for taking notice, for being pro-active and seeking a solution
![Image]()
will
be interesting to see how you get on.
In respect of stop/start there has been a ''development'' , earlier this month I sent an e-mail to Ford customer services, and today I received a very nice letter in response from the customer relationship centre
. The letter acknowledged my e-mail regarding auto stop/start issue and offered apologies for any frustration or inconvenience that has been caused by these issues affecting the vehicle.
The letter then went on to say that in regards to my auto stop/start issue, they can confirm that currently the logic on
the Power-Train Control Module (PCM) does not allow the feature to operate at the same time as the air-conditioning system. Due to continual improvements made by the Engineering Department within Ford Motor Company from feedback from customers; there is an update planned to revise the operation of the auto stop/start so that it can work whilst air-conditioning is engaged. When the resolution is available, they will notify customers via their dealershipnetwork.
So this is good news, full marks to Ford for responding with a positive letter and taking notice of this particular issue. It is also good to know that it is not me being a pain over nothing and that there is a problem with auto stop/start. I now await with eager anticipation the update which hopefully will solve the problem.
Thank you Ford for taking notice, for being pro-active and seeking a solution
Stop/start worked again!
Now tonight I spoke to my son-in-law who works for a company who do 'dashboard' electronics R & D for Ford. He prepares the hardware for the electronics.
He said that the stop/start will not work if the climate control is 'on'. I said, well mine always works, even with headlights on as it has done tonight. He said that if the climate control system wants to come on the stop/start will not work. It may be switched on but not actually 'on' as it it not needed at that time, therefore the stop/start will work.
Makes sense I suppose. All I know is that except for yesterday it has always worked but of course I have never checked if the climate control was actually 'on'. However, I do remember the heater was blowing when the engine stopped previously. I must take more notice.
Now tonight I spoke to my son-in-law who works for a company who do 'dashboard' electronics R & D for Ford. He prepares the hardware for the electronics.
He said that the stop/start will not work if the climate control is 'on'. I said, well mine always works, even with headlights on as it has done tonight. He said that if the climate control system wants to come on the stop/start will not work. It may be switched on but not actually 'on' as it it not needed at that time, therefore the stop/start will work.
Makes sense I suppose. All I know is that except for yesterday it has always worked but of course I have never checked if the climate control was actually 'on'. However, I do remember the heater was blowing when the engine stopped previously. I must take more notice.
Makem
The only trouble with modern technology is that sometimes it appears to confuse itself
![Image]()
Anyway I am more than happy that Ford has taken this issue and are now seeking a solution.
Well done again, as a lifetime Ford user good to know I made the right choice and, as I have said in previous posts, apart from the auto stop/start problem, I think the B-Max is an excellent car, still love driving it and at the risk of repeating myself the eco
engine performance is amazing.
The only trouble with modern technology is that sometimes it appears to confuse itself
Anyway I am more than happy that Ford has taken this issue and are now seeking a solution.
Well done again, as a lifetime Ford user good to know I made the right choice and, as I have said in previous posts, apart from the auto stop/start problem, I think the B-Max is an excellent car, still love driving it and at the risk of repeating myself the eco
engine performance is amazing.
Thanks Keytapper,Since your post I have been checking the ETIS site for my vehicle and the below has appeared in the last week or so.
Looks like somebody has been taking notice. There
are 15 Service/Module/Up-Date actions to be undertaken on my car and many of the 15 also have sub-sections in them. I will be onto my dealer this morning to talk about getting things done.
(I am only posting this service action that is relevant.)
PCM: Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Install a new module/Service functions:
Start-Stop ActivationThis service function can be performed to activate stop-start.It is only possible to enable this feature on vehicles that support start-stop functionality.SEW15102012 G1594199
Edited by: Specialk
Looks like somebody has been taking notice. There
are 15 Service/Module/Up-Date actions to be undertaken on my car and many of the 15 also have sub-sections in them. I will be onto my dealer this morning to talk about getting things done.
(I am only posting this service action that is relevant.)
PCM: Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Install a new module/Service functions:
Start-Stop ActivationThis service function can be performed to activate stop-start.It is only possible to enable this feature on vehicles that support start-stop functionality.SEW15102012 G1594199
Edited by: Specialk
My service schedule says: No Campaign Message(s) found. Any idea what that means?
Where did you find, "There
are 15 Service/Module/Up-Date actions to be undertaken on my car"?
I can find nothing that needs to be done but I do find a list of things that could be done if needed, 16 in all. eg. they removed a wiper blade and replaced it in a different position some while ago. I can ask if they set the swept area.
Perhaps I read the list wrongly?
Edited by: makem
Where did you find, "There
are 15 Service/Module/Up-Date actions to be undertaken on my car"?
I can find nothing that needs to be done but I do find a list of things that could be done if needed, 16 in all. eg. they removed a wiper blade and replaced it in a different position some while ago. I can ask if they set the swept area.
Perhaps I read the list wrongly?
Edited by: makem
Hi Makem,I would have thought that your vehicle is pretty much up to scratch re: No Campaign Messages found, and directly underneath that message I found this
Vehicle Software<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">Vehicle software information is available for your selected vehicle. Clickhereto view further information.
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">When I clicked on the prompt that is where all the service actions/ updates / software issues are listed.
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">The statement '
There
are 15 Service/Module/Up-Date actions to be undertaken on my car' was my statement for the post, it does not actually say that on the ETIS site. On counting the
Service/Module/Up-Date actions thats how many there are for my vehicle. If you do not see the vehicle software message , then I assume that there is none for your particular vehicle.
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">
Vehicle Software<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">Vehicle software information is available for your selected vehicle. Clickhereto view further information.
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">When I clicked on the prompt that is where all the service actions/ updates / software issues are listed.
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">The statement '
There
are 15 Service/Module/Up-Date actions to be undertaken on my car' was my statement for the post, it does not actually say that on the ETIS site. On counting the
Service/Module/Up-Date actions thats how many there are for my vehicle. If you do not see the vehicle software message , then I assume that there is none for your particular vehicle.
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">
<div id="modules" style="padding: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Trebuchet, _sans; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">
Yes I clicked on that link and saw the list (In my case a list of 16 items). The way I read it, these items 'could' need attention and if so the instructions were there for each item:
"The list of modules on the left are known to be installed on this
vehicle. For each module listed, the possible actions are displayed.
Actions are categorised as:"
There follows notes on when and how to use each.
I did not read the list as being a list of things that 'need' to be done to my vehicle.
As for the campaign notes I mentioned, I now get this error message:
Outstanding Field Service Actions
MAX NUMBER OF LOGON SESSIONS REACHED, ACCESS TO GOASIS DENIED
I tried using a proxy but still could not get access. Any idea what GOASIS actually is?
"The list of modules on the left are known to be installed on this
vehicle. For each module listed, the possible actions are displayed.
Actions are categorised as:"
There follows notes on when and how to use each.
I did not read the list as being a list of things that 'need' to be done to my vehicle.
As for the campaign notes I mentioned, I now get this error message:
Outstanding Field Service Actions
MAX NUMBER OF LOGON SESSIONS REACHED, ACCESS TO GOASIS DENIED
I tried using a proxy but still could not get access. Any idea what GOASIS actually is?
It seems you need to register, pay and login to ETIS to make any real use of the site.
Users must be employed by a recognised company.
I still cannot find what has been done and what needs to be done on my car. Assuming no campaign messages means nothing to be done, but I doubt that meaning.
Users must be employed by a recognised company.
I still cannot find what has been done and what needs to be done on my car. Assuming no campaign messages means nothing to be done, but I doubt that meaning.
So, here we go again, but with some interesting observations.As reported previously, when the A/C is on or set I could not even turn the fan on before the Start / Stop would not function.
Yesterday, a little cooler and heavy rain and dark, so the auto wipers were on, the lights came on and I had the heater on 22 degrees with the fan on 2 and when I stopped at the traffic lights after only 2 minutes of driving,I could not believe it when the Start / Stop worked with all these things on.
The only conclusion I can come to is that it just does not work when you have the A/C set or operational. Cannot be anything else! Unless you know different
![Image]()
or can try to replicate my situation and see if you get the same result!
Yesterday, a little cooler and heavy rain and dark, so the auto wipers were on, the lights came on and I had the heater on 22 degrees with the fan on 2 and when I stopped at the traffic lights after only 2 minutes of driving,I could not believe it when the Start / Stop worked with all these things on.
The only conclusion I can come to is that it just does not work when you have the A/C set or operational. Cannot be anything else! Unless you know different
Hello Specialk, I have an Ecodrive 120 Titanium. I tend to leave the climate control permanently on at about 18 or 19 when the weather is warm. In the cold I switch the climate control off. The start/stop seems to kick in fairly quickly. If I am stopped for any great length of time eg train crossing, the engine kicks in after a while if the a/c is on as I guess it is heavily drawing on the battery. If I am in a traffic queue I tend to switch the start/stop off as it is annoying when there are loads of stops with creeping traffic.
Not sure if this helps
Not sure if this helps
Dont know what happened there so typing again.
Have just returned from holiday trip
to Gibraltar, a round trip of just over 3000 miles. The B-Max performed faultlessly, the only problem I encountered was a puncture in Angoulemme! unfortunately
the only tyres
the garage had were
Michelin and mine are Continental, result...had to buy 2 new rear tyres
ouch!! as
it is illegal to have different make tyres
fitted, or so they told me, had no choice as I needed to press on, sadly could not fit the 'good' tyre
in the car (full of all sorts of holiday stuff!) result Garage 1 Me 0
Had no cause to use the stop/start at any time...French and Spanish motorways are normally great to use, one change this year, I purchased the electronic toll device for
France which meant all I had to do was drive up to the lane with the yellow t and wait for the device to beep and the barrier to open, so much easier than rooting around for euros!
Throughout the journey the B-Max didnt
miss a beat, set the cruise control at 75 for most of the time unless of course the speed limit dictated otherwise. Averaged around 48 to 50mpg using 95 octane fuel.
All in all the B-Max remains a comfortable car to drive, I am a little sad that there is no arm rest for the front passenger (used to have it on the C-Max) and there is a distinctive 'whine ' around 70-75mph which ceases immediately you accelerate or decelerate but otherwise I am very pleased with the car, now clocked up almost 10K miles. I will be even happier once Ford have sorted
out this stop/start issue
![Image]()
Have just returned from holiday trip
to Gibraltar, a round trip of just over 3000 miles. The B-Max performed faultlessly, the only problem I encountered was a puncture in Angoulemme! unfortunately
the only tyres
the garage had were
Michelin and mine are Continental, result...had to buy 2 new rear tyres
ouch!! as
it is illegal to have different make tyres
fitted, or so they told me, had no choice as I needed to press on, sadly could not fit the 'good' tyre
in the car (full of all sorts of holiday stuff!) result Garage 1 Me 0
Had no cause to use the stop/start at any time...French and Spanish motorways are normally great to use, one change this year, I purchased the electronic toll device for
France which meant all I had to do was drive up to the lane with the yellow t and wait for the device to beep and the barrier to open, so much easier than rooting around for euros!
Throughout the journey the B-Max didnt
miss a beat, set the cruise control at 75 for most of the time unless of course the speed limit dictated otherwise. Averaged around 48 to 50mpg using 95 octane fuel.
All in all the B-Max remains a comfortable car to drive, I am a little sad that there is no arm rest for the front passenger (used to have it on the C-Max) and there is a distinctive 'whine ' around 70-75mph which ceases immediately you accelerate or decelerate but otherwise I am very pleased with the car, now clocked up almost 10K miles. I will be even happier once Ford have sorted
out this stop/start issue
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