Red signal - stop engine and start: is there any easier way?

[bmninada]

My CX-5 for whatever godforsaken reasons, the engineers decided NOT to incorporate the iElope system like they do in Mazda 6. Which means in a Red signal, the engine keeps running, consuming some fuel. My commute has red signals where the stop is significant. In my earlier car - Toyota Corolla, I switched off the engine and then switched it back on. After taking averages I realized by virtue of doing this, I jumped from 31 mpg to approx. 34 mpg.

I really would like to do this for my CX-5. But its currently a royal pain in the @##%^. Push stop. Then push twice. Okay, on hindsight doesn't look so bad but is there an option to go back to ON mode directly? I know I need to be in "P", that's given.

 

[robertmazda]

What am I missing? I turn off my car buy shifting to park, then hitting the button once. To restart I press on the brake and hit the button once. Not sure how that can be considered a pain or could be made any easier.
And to jump from 31 to 34 mpg just based on idling implies an incredible amount of idle time.

 

[inlinev]

Is the starter designed to handle these extra starts?

 

[Unobtanium]

I don't think the CX-5 was meant to be treated that way. If it were, Mazda would have. It's "free economy increase" and "value added". I wouldn't muck with it.

 

[CaboWabo]

i-eloop was recalled on the 6, so I think Mazda gave up on it and decided not to include it on the CX5

 

[optical_man]

I really would like to do this for my CX-5. But its currently a royal pain in the @##%^. Push stop. Then push twice. Okay, on hindsight doesn't look so bad but is there an option to go back to ON mode directly? I know I need to be in "P", that's given.

If you are just looking for a way to keep the accessories on when stopping the engine, hold the shifter button in while pressing the engine stop button.

Also posted here: How to keep radio playing when turning off car?

 

[rockthebeef]

I honestly don't know the real-world virtues of what you describe. Perhaps you can compare the actual money saved by going from 31-34 MPG (for example) vs. the cost of a new starter...

 

[wlong01]

My CX-5 for whatever godforsaken reasons, the engineers decided NOT to incorporate the iElope system like they do in Mazda 6. Which means in a Red signal, the engine keeps running, consuming some fuel. My commute has red signals where the stop is significant. In my earlier car - Toyota Corolla, I switched off the engine and then switched it back on. After taking averages I realized by virtue of doing this, I jumped from 31 mpg to approx. 34 mpg.

I really would like to do this for my CX-5. But its currently a royal pain in the @##%^. Push stop. Then push twice. Okay, on hindsight doesn't look so bad but is there an option to go back to ON mode directly? I know I need to be in "P", that's given.

You're chasing pennies with dollars. If you wanted a vehicle that shut the engine down when idling you should of went with a prius or some other type of hybrid.
Turning the engine off and restarting will put strain on the starter and possible drain the battery, if there isn't a long enough interval between stops/starts. There's also the wear and tear on other components. CX-5 was not designed for that. I don't know what you're paying for gas but around here it's dirt cheap and combined with the CX-5 mpg it's not even a concern.

On the Toyota you may of saved 3 miles per gallon but what's the downside of added repairs for starter/battery/ignition system, etc.

 

[bmninada]

Thank you for your responses. It helped understand the Mazda's starter may fail if I do, what I intended to do. I have been doing likewise in my Rolla for the last 4 years and no components failed, yet. I still have the original battery, 8 years running and am at 189,000 miles.

 

[craigo]

i-eloop was recalled on the 6, so I think Mazda gave up on it and decided not to include it on the CX5

Other CX5 markets have it. I think this is a pricing decision - it may push the CX5 into a level they're not comfortable charging in the USA. Sort of like the folding mirror option.

Interestingly, you can get ieloop with a top level Mazda3 tech package.

 

[craigo]

My CX-5 for whatever godforsaken reasons, the engineers decided NOT to incorporate the iElope system like they do in Mazda 6. Which means in a Red signal, the engine keeps running, consuming some fuel. My commute has red signals where the stop is significant. In my earlier car - Toyota Corolla, I switched off the engine and then switched it back on. After taking averages I realized by virtue of doing this, I jumped from 31 mpg to approx. 34 mpg.

I really would like to do this for my CX-5. But its currently a royal pain in the @##%^. Push stop. Then push twice. Okay, on hindsight doesn't look so bad but is there an option to go back to ON mode directly? I know I need to be in "P", that's given.

ieloop isn't a stop/start system. It recovers energy through braking and uses that to power accessories, eliminating some parasitic draw from the alternator.

Several of edmunds long term cars have stop/start and they're often a source of complaint - noise, vibration, sluggishness even from expensive brands. I can see why Mazda is not incorporating it yet.

 

[mazdadude]

The Mazda I-stop does NOT use the starter. It uses a crank angle sensor and lights the spark and fuel in the piston waiting at proper position, and when you lift your foot from the brake pedal. It is a software based system.

The Mazda I-eloop is the capacitor system that uses tin foil and coconuts to store energy for powering the engine accessories.

Mazda has not implemented these systems in the USA due to the fact they do not change the US EPA MPG Loop figures. However they do improve MPG in real world scenarios, which is why Mazda implements them in their other markets.

Mazda I-Stop http://www2.mazda.com/en/technology/env/i-stop/

Mazda I-ELOOP http://www2.mazda.com/en/technology/env/i-eloop/index.html

 

[yrwei52]

The Mazda I-stop does NOT use the starter. It uses a crank angle sensor and lights the spark and fuel in the piston waiting at proper position, and when you lift your foot from the brake pedal. It is a software based system.

The Mazda I-eloop is the capacitor system that uses tin foil and coconuts to store energy for powering the engine accessories.

Mazda has not implemented these systems in the USA due to the fact they do not change the US EPA MPG Loop figures. However they do improve MPG in real world scenarios, which is why Mazda implements them in their other markets.

Mazda I-Stop http://www2.mazda.com/en/technology/env/i-stop/

Mazda I-ELOOP http://www2.mazda.com/en/technology/env/i-eloop/index.html

Glad finally you pointed out what the OP really wants is the Mazda i-stop system, NOT the i-eloop system. According to all the document I have seen, the starter seems still involved although the start-up is much quicker and smoother than everybody else with similar system. I do agree the i-stop only helps the real-world fuel economy hence got eliminated in the NA market which is very unfortunate!

 

[bmninada]

I apologize, yes: meant i-Stop.

 

[mazdadude]

I apologize, yes: meant i-Stop.

(friday)

I wish there was an easier way, but yes, the only way I can see how to do what you are asking, is to cycle through the START BUTTON Sequence like you are already doing.

I use your technique when waiting at train crossings, waiting at construction zones, and when going through slow moving drive thru's.

However, when I am at traffic lights, I really want to be able to floor it at a moments notice if needed, so I keep the engine running.

 

[Lbear]

I drove a BMW X5 that had the start/stop function and it was absolutely a PIA to deal with. There is always a delay when releasing the brake pedal at a traffic light. The engine would run hot since the coolant stopped flowing during the stop period.

Here is the biggest problem. The battery gets destroyed and needs to be replaced every 10,000 miles since it sees so much wear and tear. BMW replaces the battery at every oil change.

The starter will eventually die an early death and it will be close to $800 for the parts and labor. How much fuel saved will it take to see that return?

I think the start/stop function on gas powered cars is a dumb idea and a band-aid to reduce fuel consumption.

 

[mazdadude]

I drove a BMW X5 that had the start/stop function and it was absolutely a PIA to deal with. There is always a delay when releasing the brake pedal at a traffic light. The engine would run hot since the coolant stopped flowing during the stop period.

Here is the biggest problem. The battery gets destroyed and needs to be replaced every 10,000 miles since it sees so much wear and tear. BMW replaces the battery at every oil change.

The starter will eventually die an early death and it will be close to $800 for the parts and labor. How much fuel saved will it take to see that return?

I think the start/stop function on gas powered cars is a dumb idea and a band-aid to reduce fuel consumption.

That is what is SO BRILLIANT about the MAZDA system. IT DOES NOT USE THE BATTERY OR STARTER!

 

[craigo]

The Mazda I-stop does NOT use the starter. It uses a crank angle sensor and lights the spark and fuel in the piston waiting at proper position, and when you lift your foot from the brake pedal. It is a software based system.

The Mazda I-eloop is the capacitor system that uses tin foil and coconuts to store energy for powering the engine accessories.

Mazda has not implemented these systems in the USA due to the fact they do not change the US EPA MPG Loop figures. However they do improve MPG in real world scenarios, which is why Mazda implements them in their other markets.

Mazda I-Stop http://www2.mazda.com/en/technology/env/i-stop/

Mazda I-ELOOP http://www2.mazda.com/en/technology/env/i-eloop/index.html

I actually hadn't heard of i-stop until now. Interesting, I wonder how it compares to others for driveability. i-eloop is available in the USA, it's on the Mazda 3 and 6 Grand Touring with a tech package.