Fiat Introduce Stop Start on the New Fiat 500

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System Overview

The Start & Stop system automatically stops the car’s engine whenever the car’s stationary e.g. in standing traffic. The system then restarts the engine automatically when the driver wants to proceed again.

The Start & Stop system is based on a starting system (battery and cranking motor) performing a faster engine restart with a higher number of restarts than in a normal system.

Several sensors and control mechanisms manage stopping and starting to ensure safety, driveability and energy balance of the car, without impacting the heating and air conditioning systems inside the car.

Engine Stopping

• Manual Transmission – when the vehicle is stationary, the engine stops if the transmission is in neutral and the clutch pedal is released;
• Semi-Auto Transmission – The engine stops when the car is stationary and the brake pedal is pressed. It’s possible to keep the engine stopped without pressing the brake pedal by engaging neutral.

Engine stopping is only allowed once a speed of 10 km/h has been achieved after pulling away.

An “S” icon is visible on the instrument panel when Stop & Start is engaged (see image below).

Engine Restarting

• Manual Transmission – the engine restarts when the clutch pedal is pressed;
• Semi-Automatic Transmission – if in neutral then the engine is restarted as soon as a drive gear is engaged; otherwise release the brake pedal.

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System Manual Activation and Deactivation

The Stop and Start system is activated every time the car’s engine is started.  With the semi-automatic transmission, if the Stop & Start system is on then it’s automatically set to Economy gear change mode.

The Stop & Start system can be activated and deactivated with the Stop and Start button switch. When deactivated an LED is visible on the instrument panel showing an “S” with a line through it (see image below).

With a semi-automatic transmission, if the S&S system is deactivated, the transmission is automatically set to normal gear change mode.

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System Conditions

For comfort, safety and and emissions requirements, the Start and Stop system will not stop the engine in the following circumstances:-

• When the engine is still cold;
• When the battery is in a low charge state;
• When the heated rear window is activated;
• When the front windscreen wiper is at maximum speed;
• For diesel engines only, when the DPF filter is regenerating;
• When the driver’s door is not closed;
• When the driver’s seat belt is not fastened;
• When reverse gear is engaged;
• When the automatic climate control (if fitted) has not yet reached the desired temperature.

In these cases the warning “S” icon on the dashboard blinks to show that the system can not be activated.

The Start & Stop system will automatically restart the engine without any driver involvement if the system detects the following circumstances:-

• Battery in a low charge state;
• Front wiper at maximum speed;
• Low pressure in the braking system;
• Car not stationary, for example, when on a slope;
• Car stopped by a system intervention for more than 3 minutes.

With any gear engaged, the automatic restart of the engine is only allowed by a full depression of the clutch pedal, the warning light will blink on the dashboard to alert the driver. If the clutch pedal is not depressed after a 3 minute period, an engine restart will only be possible using the key.

If the engine stalls unexpectedly, it can be restarted by depressing the clutch pedal or by selecting neutral gear.

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System Safety Functions

With the engine stopped, when the driver unfastens their seat belt and opens either the driver or passenger’s door, an engine restart is only possible with the key. When this is the case a buzzer will sound and a message will appear on the instrument panel and by the “S” dashboard warning light blinking.

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System “Energy Saving” Function

If after an automatic restart, the driver does not operate the vehicle for a long time, the Stop and Start system permanently stops the engine to save fuel. The vehicle can then be restarted using the key.

Fiat 500 Stop & Start System Other Info

The car must only be left if the ignition has been turned off and the key has been removed.

With a semi-automatic transmission, when the engine stops uphill, it’s recommended to restart the engine by moving the gear lever to + or -, without releasing the brake pedal.

Before opening the bonnet, make sure that the ignition is off with the key in the off position. Remove the key when other people are inside the car.

When refuelling, ensure the ignition is in the off position and remove the key.

The Stop and Start system can be turned off so that the climate control system operates continuously if desired.

In case of a fault with the system, the user will be informed by a warning triangle icon on the dashboard and a system message. In this case a Fiat approved repairer should be contacted for assistance.