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
141 - 160 of 197 Posts
Stop startis unlikely to work on any car if you are using air conditioning. Having had several cars with this feature I can report that any excessive use of the electrics will over ride the system. For example having the heater fan on position two together with the rear demist will cancel it out. It is a good job this technology is built in to the system, as the alternative could be insufficient power to start the engine.
Dunston
Uh oh I was called by my dealer to say similar although to be fair he did comment he wasn't sure it would prove to the fix. In addition Ford Customet Service called me to say there was a fix and to contact my Ford dealer. The upshot is I have the car booked in for this Thursday to 'fix the stop/start issue'. Quite frankly my expectations are low and like others who bought the B-Max because this feature was one it's main attributes, I am now becoming totally disillusioned with the whole fiasco, not least because each time I have to take time off work to drive to Ford dealer and collect.
Sorry FORD, your customer service may be pro-active and very helpful but your techs need to get this extremely annoying fault sorted once and for all.
Will report back after Thursday
Uh oh I was called by my dealer to say similar although to be fair he did comment he wasn't sure it would prove to the fix. In addition Ford Customet Service called me to say there was a fix and to contact my Ford dealer. The upshot is I have the car booked in for this Thursday to 'fix the stop/start issue'. Quite frankly my expectations are low and like others who bought the B-Max because this feature was one it's main attributes, I am now becoming totally disillusioned with the whole fiasco, not least because each time I have to take time off work to drive to Ford dealer and collect.
Sorry FORD, your customer service may be pro-active and very helpful but your techs need to get this extremely annoying fault sorted once and for all.
Will report back after Thursday
Keytapper,
Following the update on Monday, I can report favourably. Tried running with headlights, aircon, climate control, heater on 28 and fan on too. Believe it or not it worked perfectly, cutting out as it should. Going to carry on experimenting, but so far have great expectations. Keeping fingers crossed.
Following the update on Monday, I can report favourably. Tried running with headlights, aircon, climate control, heater on 28 and fan on too. Believe it or not it worked perfectly, cutting out as it should. Going to carry on experimenting, but so far have great expectations. Keeping fingers crossed.
Just sounded like a good phrase; may be a switch, fuse, or wiring that bypasses some of the electronics. But I guess there must be some device that identifies when the battery is feeling lethargic. I know for a fact that the Hyundai i40, ix20 and VW Passatt all had inoperative stop/ start systems if the battery was even slightly under full charge, or if the outside temperature fell below 6 * C. It even said in the Hyundai handbook, that it could take up to 35 miles before the system activated.
Good news, the update has worked and stop/start appears to be working as it should. Tried it several times on way from the Ford dealer and with all air on systems etc on it worked every time.
However, early days let's give a week or so but for now credit where credit is due, well done Ford, looks like you have, not before time, finally resolved the problem ‘�
˜„˜ƒ
However, early days let's give a week or so but for now credit where credit is due, well done Ford, looks like you have, not before time, finally resolved the problem ‘�
˜„˜ƒ
Hi all,
Re: By passing electrics/batterymine was recalled for a new battery monitoring sensor andI would have thought that thebatterymonitorcannot be by passed as suggested as it is part of the negative terminal on the battery so as such is always attached.
Thought you might like to know
![Image]()
Re: By passing electrics/batterymine was recalled for a new battery monitoring sensor andI would have thought that thebatterymonitorcannot be by passed as suggested as it is part of the negative terminal on the battery so as such is always attached.
Thought you might like to know
Well folks the stop/start works a treat now but........last weekend I hit a greasy patch on a very sharp bend and ended up in a ditch, fortunately not full of water as is usual in the fens. Whilst it was a pure accident ( was not speeding) I have to heap praise on the Sync emergency system fitted in the Titanium. Not only did the car anti-skid work as I side swiped the metal safety barrier ( apparently it's a known blackspot area) but the vehicle braking also brought me to a stop safely as I slid across to the other side of the road (thank God no other vehicles involved).As it was a side swipe the airbags did not deploy. Hazard warning indicator lights kicked in, and as my Wife and I sat there shaking as we recovered from the shock a voice came over the Sync asking which emergency services I required. Now if that ain't a safe car, what is.
Car is damaged but repairable, emergency services were great, only bruises and shock for both of us and most of all we are alive. That's our Christmas present for this year. Thanks to FORD for designing what I think is a very safe car. Happy Christmas forum users.
Car is damaged but repairable, emergency services were great, only bruises and shock for both of us and most of all we are alive. That's our Christmas present for this year. Thanks to FORD for designing what I think is a very safe car. Happy Christmas forum users.
Funny thing,I have never considered the use of winter tyres!
Here in N I we have usually wet miserable winter but not a lot of snow or frost,but think I would like to understand the use of these tyres a little better.
Perhaps someone will enlighten me.
1. Cost. 2. Best tyre for the job. 3.does one use same rims or buy complete wheels. 4. If same rims is it expensive having the tyre swop Autumn and Spring 5.Is it really worth while? I am retired and confess I can and do stay inside in worst weather conditions,long gone the days of having to struggle with heavy snow or ice!
Arm987
Here in N I we have usually wet miserable winter but not a lot of snow or frost,but think I would like to understand the use of these tyres a little better.
Perhaps someone will enlighten me.
1. Cost. 2. Best tyre for the job. 3.does one use same rims or buy complete wheels. 4. If same rims is it expensive having the tyre swop Autumn and Spring 5.Is it really worth while? I am retired and confess I can and do stay inside in worst weather conditions,long gone the days of having to struggle with heavy snow or ice!
Arm987
Hi arm987,
I have had winter tyres fitted for the first timefollowing research and recommendations. I have to go out 3 days a week to hospital whatever the weather. if you want to get an idea of the benefits look on YouTube where there are some impressive videos which made my decision a lot easier.
Re: your questions:
They do not cost any more than regular tyres but go up in price depending on brand (I can say that if you look at and compare the EU tyre label then the cheaper ones are just as good as the expensive ones )
Rims: I was going to have some steel rims because that is what people seemed to do however when I checked at my Ford dealer I was told that if I bought from them they would do the tyre swap for the life of the tyre in winter and summer, so that is what I did and the tyres were competitively priced. I don't know if all Ford dealers offer this service !
Is it worth while: Have a look on You Tube and make up your mind like I did. It did not take many videos to convince me.
To finish, winter tyres also give benefit when there is no ice or snow. They are designed to work better when the temperature drops below 7 degrees because they are a softer rubber so remain more pliable in cold temperatures and gripthe road better where the summer tyres we use start to go hard below 7 degrees and thereforelose grip on the road.
Hope this helps.
I have had winter tyres fitted for the first timefollowing research and recommendations. I have to go out 3 days a week to hospital whatever the weather. if you want to get an idea of the benefits look on YouTube where there are some impressive videos which made my decision a lot easier.
Re: your questions:
They do not cost any more than regular tyres but go up in price depending on brand (I can say that if you look at and compare the EU tyre label then the cheaper ones are just as good as the expensive ones )
Rims: I was going to have some steel rims because that is what people seemed to do however when I checked at my Ford dealer I was told that if I bought from them they would do the tyre swap for the life of the tyre in winter and summer, so that is what I did and the tyres were competitively priced. I don't know if all Ford dealers offer this service !
Is it worth while: Have a look on You Tube and make up your mind like I did. It did not take many videos to convince me.
To finish, winter tyres also give benefit when there is no ice or snow. They are designed to work better when the temperature drops below 7 degrees because they are a softer rubber so remain more pliable in cold temperatures and gripthe road better where the summer tyres we use start to go hard below 7 degrees and thereforelose grip on the road.
Hope this helps.
I think Specialk has covered every aspect of winter tyres professionally, and there is little I can add.
I have used them for years, even when I have had a four wheel drive vehicle. A Landrover Discovery with standard tyres is more vulnerable than a B Max with them. I have been promised one free exchange in the Spring, but from then on will cost around 60 per year for two swaps; but still well worth it.
In answer to Arm 987 who like me is retired; if you do not have to go out in bad weather, there is no point in fitting them. In my case I always travel 125 miles each way to rugby internationals in Cardiff, a journey that takes me over both the Cambrian Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, so I need them.
I have used them for years, even when I have had a four wheel drive vehicle. A Landrover Discovery with standard tyres is more vulnerable than a B Max with them. I have been promised one free exchange in the Spring, but from then on will cost around 60 per year for two swaps; but still well worth it.
In answer to Arm 987 who like me is retired; if you do not have to go out in bad weather, there is no point in fitting them. In my case I always travel 125 miles each way to rugby internationals in Cardiff, a journey that takes me over both the Cambrian Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, so I need them.
Thanks to you and John for all of this info. No doubt our b max club is providing very useful info other than just a place to grumble about bits and bobs.
I will follow up the tube items and make up my mind what's best for me. The big decision is really will I stay with ford
b max, buying a second set of boots would tend to tie one down a bit. I am at present very happy with my mount but in my heart am really a Citroen Picasso fan and fancy the new C4. The sliding door on bmax has many advantages but the loss of visibility due to large pillar has caused me a few heart stopper moments.
![Image]()
Have had a drive in the Peugeot 3008 with the 1.6d (same engine as used by Ford and Picasso) and am most impressed.
Middle of next year before I can give any serious thought to the matter.
Arm987
I will follow up the tube items and make up my mind what's best for me. The big decision is really will I stay with ford
b max, buying a second set of boots would tend to tie one down a bit. I am at present very happy with my mount but in my heart am really a Citroen Picasso fan and fancy the new C4. The sliding door on bmax has many advantages but the loss of visibility due to large pillar has caused me a few heart stopper moments.
Have had a drive in the Peugeot 3008 with the 1.6d (same engine as used by Ford and Picasso) and am most impressed.
Middle of next year before I can give any serious thought to the matter.
Arm987
Topic Stop/Start
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Hi there, I have a B-Max 1 litre 120 too. Received delivery here in Amsterdam (won't be joining your meetings I'm afraid ;-) a week and a half ago. A truly perfect allround little car. Really don't understand why I don't see many more on the road here in the Netherlands.
Guess what I traded in as part of our family's downsizing programme: a BMX X1. And I hardly ever miss it, really.
What I find very odd about this Stop/Start Don't Start-issue is first that my car is brandnew and has the same problem as you people noted here many months, even a year ago... So it could and should have been corrected in the meantime. Right?
And secondly, cudo for this Owners site (high time that one is started in Holland): I find this S/S problem not described anywhere on Dutch car sites. All that is being complained about here is, besides mentioning the many excellent points(!), the unexpectedly high fuel consumption of the new 1 liter 3 cil turbo engines. Problem is that the car very much invites sporty driving and has lots of -mine is a black Titanium one- electricity consuming gadgets. With (fortunately?) only one not working, haha.
<div ="msg">
Hi there, I have a B-Max 1 litre 120 too. Received delivery here in Amsterdam (won't be joining your meetings I'm afraid ;-) a week and a half ago. A truly perfect allround little car. Really don't understand why I don't see many more on the road here in the Netherlands.
Guess what I traded in as part of our family's downsizing programme: a BMX X1. And I hardly ever miss it, really.
What I find very odd about this Stop/Start Don't Start-issue is first that my car is brandnew and has the same problem as you people noted here many months, even a year ago... So it could and should have been corrected in the meantime. Right?
And secondly, cudo for this Owners site (high time that one is started in Holland): I find this S/S problem not described anywhere on Dutch car sites. All that is being complained about here is, besides mentioning the many excellent points(!), the unexpectedly high fuel consumption of the new 1 liter 3 cil turbo engines. Problem is that the car very much invites sporty driving and has lots of -mine is a black Titanium one- electricity consuming gadgets. With (fortunately?) only one not working, haha.
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