ESS and BSG: The future is now

This would be great to get another couple miles out esp on a obstacle heavy trail. Doesn't help too much for freeway driving, unfortunately. Drafting is a major improvement in that realm.
 
Dave said:
Seeing these now in the 4x4 market

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As long as that starter or alternator, (depending on which system) are in positions to be easily changed I'm down with it, since these will be high wear parts. However, my experience with the engineering in late model vehicles guarantees they will be a PITA to change, and half the engine compartment will need to be disassembled. On our Subaru Outback, one has to jack up the front end, and remove the front wheels and fender well liners to change the headlight bulbs.
 
I think t would be a tremendous advantage to have a retro-fit system for vehicles today. It's certainly mature technology... my 2003 Prius with 205K+ miles still functions flawlessly. :thumbsup
 
GM products have been using the auto-stop feature for a couple of years now. Their system has a whole matrix of things that have to be within parameter for the system to work. The biggest thing it's looking for is the battery state of charge being above 60%.

When the system first came out there was an over ride button that could be used to turn the system off. Then the EPA came back and said they were going to ding the fuel economy ratings by 2mpg unless the over ride feature was removed. Customers seem 50/50 as to whether they like the auto stop feature or not.
 
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bob91yj said:
GM products have been using the auto-stop feature for a couple of years now. Their system has a whole matrix of things that have to be within parameter for the system to work. The biggest thing it's looking for is the battery state of charge being above 60%.

When the system first came out there was an over ride button that could be used to turn the system off. Then the EPA came back and said they were going to ding the fuel economy ratings by 2mpg unless the over ride feature was removed. Customers seem 50/50 as to whether they like the auto stop feature or not.
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Well, clearly the government will mandate it then... :D
 
(Start old man rant)

I hate auto stop, it's one of the many things keeping me from jumping on newer vehicles. I rent a lot of cars and I've watched the technology progress further and further across brands and models.

Out of what I've driven Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler seems to do it best. The stop/start is fairly seamless and quick and all the power accessories keep working. I still disable it though. I hate the auto stop on Ford vehicles the most. On an F150 the auto stop kills everything including power steering. If you come to a stop at a right turn and need to continue turning the wheel to the right you're in for a workout. I would think at a yield of just the right length this would be a safety concern.

(Stop old man rant)
 
Gallowbraid said:
(Start old man rant)

I hate auto stop, it's one of the many things keeping me from jumping on newer vehicles. I rent a lot of cars and I've watched the technology progress further and further across brands and models.

Out of what I've driven Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler seems to do it best. The stop/start is fairly seamless and quick and all the power accessories keep working. I still disable it though. I hate the auto stop on Ford vehicles the most. On an F150 the auto stop kills everything including power steering. If you come to a stop at a right turn and need to continue turning the wheel to the right you're in for a workout. I would think at a yield of just the right length this would be a safety concern.

(Stop old man rant)
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Yeah, but for the most part, the models I would care about, auto/stop/start is something that's defeatable w/ a switch. It's not like ABS which will send you off a cliff because you can't turn it off.
 
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