STOP AND START

A stop and start system has been adopted that stops the engine when the engine is idling with the vehicle stopped such as when at a red light or traffic jam, and automatically restarts the engine at the time the vehicle starts off.

When the vehicle is stopped with the shift lever in D, the stop and start system stops/restarts the engine in order to reduce exhaust gas, idling noise and fuel consumption without the need to operate the engine switch.

Idle stop is now performed even when the vehicle is stopped through the brake hold function. As a result, the idle stop time has increased to achieve a greater reduction in fuel consumption amount.

When the vehicle is stopped with the shift lever in D and the brake pedal is released or brake hold is canceled, the stop and start system restarts the engine.

The stop and start system consists of an engine stop and start ECU, backup boost converter and tandem solenoid starter assembly.

Based on signals from various sensors, switches, and the ECM, the engine stop and start ECU controls the stopping and starting of the engine.

The adoption of the tandem solenoid starter assembly enables the engine to start even when the engine is still rotating under inertia.

When the engine is stopped, the ECM stores the crankshaft angle. This is used to determine which cylinder to inject fuel into and ignite the next time the engine is restarted. This shortens the amount of time necessary to restart the engine.

During idling stop, the oil pump with solenoid assembly operates to ensure a stable ATF pressure, achieving a smooth start off.

A hill-start assist function is provided in order to assist smooth starting on a slope while the engine is restarted after idling stop. The skid control ECU retains the brake hydraulic pressure until sufficient driving force is generated.

To allow management of the lifespan of the starter assembly, the engine stop and start ECU counts the number of times the starter operates. If the number exceeds a threshold, the ECU blinks the stop and start cancel indicator light to inform the driver that a replacement is required.

Operating conditions of the stop and start system, such as the amount of time idling stop was performed, and various advice and warnings are provided using the multi-information display, stop and start indicator light and stop and start cancel indicator light in the combination meter assembly.

Stop and start operation time when the air conditioning is operating can be changed between "Standard" and "Extended (the stop and start system has priority)" by using the steering pad switch located on the steering pad or by pressing and holding the stop and start system cancel switch (combination switch assembly), enabling the user to select the preferred setting.

An operation limit which prohibits stop and start system control under certain conditions is provided to protect the battery when a non-specified battery is used.