[Tippster]

Anyone else experiencing the auto shutdown only lasting like 20-30 seconds at a traffic light?
I seems like whenever it shuts down, it only lasts for like 20 to 30 seconds, then stays running at that light or stop sign.
Is this a software issue? I'vegot a 2017 Q4, but purchased it "new (with 2k miles and for $33.9k :smile2" and the dealer updated the software a week before it was sold, in mid March of this year.

 

[lessthanjoey]

Do you ease off the brake? If you do that it'll restart and stay started. I have a recent 2018 though, so you may be seeing something real and unintended.

 

[Tippster]

Nope. Firm brake pressure, and nothing messed with on the dash. 9 and 3 here.
I know, at a stop sign, I can release the brake pressure a bit, and it'll start back up... or mess with the HVAC controls.
Seems like it does it every time I stop for more than 2 seconds, and leave the auto-stop button activated.

 

[Nik]

Do you have the A/C running on auto? I’ve noticed that when my temp controls are off, the engine will stay off until I let off the brake. I noticed the 20-30 second issue a few times but my a/c was running on auto. My thought was that the cabin temperature sensors cause the car to turn back on after 20-30 seconds to maintain the temperature if left on auto.

 

[Tippster]

Yes,I usually have it on auto. I'll try it tomorrow on a steady 67°.

 

[juz]

I think there are a couple of parameters that will trigger the restart. A/C being one of them. I believe that if the battery voltage drops, it may restart as well.

 

[Nik]

I think there are a couple of parameters that will trigger the restart. A/C being one of them. I believe that if the battery voltage drops, it may restart as well.

Yes so far I’ve found that A/C running or if off, turning to auto will restart, as well as switching the car into manual mode on the shifter will also force a restart. Low voltage will definitely trigger a restart or not allow the shut off in the first place.

 

[Sensei]

Think I saw something about the A/C temp as well. If the cabin temp starts raising the car will restart to maintain the temp.

 

[Tippster]

I;ll try it tomorrow with a 70° instead of 66, and turn off auto. There have been no signs of low voltage though, so I doubt it's that.

 

[Chipshot]

This is a switch. Most auto shutdown threads are about how to defeat it permanently.

 

[Nik]

When I forget to turn it off at the start of my commute and it activates at a stop sign, i get infuriated. But on my daily commute there are 3 lights that if I get caught at I know I will be sitting for a while, so I actively enable and disable auto start/stop throughout my commute. I see the use of the feature, but only on those long lights. Otherwise its a nuisance.

 

[Tippster]

This is a switch. Most auto shutdown threads are about how to defeat it permanently.

Turning it off at the left knee switch works, but leaving it on from the start, only yields a shutdown of 20 to 30 seconds of no engine... every shutdown, and it automatically restarts, with my hands still on the steering wheel, and no movement of the brake pedal.

 

[GMcA]

Tippster, you're not on your own with this, mine does the same thing. There are various reasons for the restart, one already mentioned is the air conditioner. Other cars I've had with the start/stop feature also behaved in similar fashion.

 

[julianm]

In some other cars, you'll get a wider band of temperatures when engine is stopped on Auto climate before the car restarts the engine.

But I think like many little programmed details for this car, this one isn't quite as refined as it could be. If the A/C thinks it wants to turn on, even for a few seconds, it'll restart the engine.

 

[Zephrus]

This is the short list of things that can effect the Start/Stop, the engine can restart automatically without any action by the driver, under special conditions, such as:

•Battery not sufficiently charged.
•Reduced braking system pressure (e.g. if the brake pedal is pressed repeatedly).
•Vehicle moving (e.g. when driving on roads with a grade).
•Engine stopping by the Stop/Start system for more than approx. three minutes.
•With the automatic climate control active, an adjustment in cabin heating or cooling is made or with MAX-DEF function active
•Engine still cold.
•Especially cold outside temperature.
•Driver's door not shut.
•Driver's seat belt not fastened.
•Reverse gear engaged (e.g. for parking maneuvers).
•With the automatic climate control active, an adequate cabin heating or cooling comfort has not been reached.
•During the first period of use, initialization of the system.
•Steering angle beyond threshold.

 

[lockem]

Here is a different issue that I had yesterday. I religiously disable auto-start/stop when I start the engine. However, I pulled up to the flagman on SR-108 and knew the wait was going to be 20 minutes plus. The engine was still a bit hot so I let it idle for a minute or two. Being bored, I called my wife to let her know I would be late. Now I wanted the engine to stop running without hitting the start button (which would cut off my phone call), so I enabled auto-start/stop.

The engine would not stop. The A/C was turned off. I tried putting the car in gear and creeping forward 2 feet or so (all the room I had), but still no shutdown. I ended up having to end my phone call and then manually stopping the engine.

So, why wouldn't my car shut off on its own the one time I wanted it to do so? Plenty of charge on the battery, comfortable temperature outside, no A/C demand, engine at proper operating temp, doors closed, seat belt on, tried both park and drive transmission selections, wheels not turned.

 

[Nik]

Here is a different issue that I had yesterday. I religiously disable auto-start/stop when I start the engine. However, I pulled up to the flagman on SR-108 and knew the wait was going to be 20 minutes plus. The engine was still a bit hot so I let it idle for a minute or two. Being bored, I called my wife to let her know I would be late. Now I wanted the engine to stop running without hitting the start button (which would cut off my phone call), so I enabled auto-start/stop.

The engine would not stop. The A/C was turned off. I tried putting the car in gear and creeping forward 2 feet or so (all the room I had), but still no shutdown. I ended up having to end my phone call and then manually stopping the engine.

So, why wouldn't my car shut off on its own the one time I wanted it to do so? Plenty of charge on the battery, comfortable temperature outside, no A/C demand, engine at proper operating temp, doors closed, seat belt on, tried both park and drive transmission selections, wheels not turned.

You have to get the car moving to at least 10 mph before auto start/stop will enable again. Once under 10 mph, if you have it disabled and try to turn it back on, the car won't shut off. I believe this is designed so the car doesn't shut off every couple of feet when creeping along in standstill traffic.

On a separate note, there is an option in the infotainment settings to allow the infotainment system to remain on for 20 mins after the car is shutoff or until you open the door. It keeps my phone connected via bluetooth and music playing so I assume it would maintain your phone call as well if you're ever in that situation again.

 

[DeanDep]

Tippster, you're not on your own with this, mine does the same thing. There are various reasons for the restart, one already mentioned is the air conditioner. Other cars I've had with the start/stop feature also behaved in similar fashion.

Absolutely correct. This is not an Alfa issue, this is a modern car issue. My other BMW does exactly the same thing as my Alfa, the previous BMW I traded for my Jag did it, and the Jag I traded for the Giulia was probably worse. That thing would sometime shut down for less than 5 seconds and restart. Now, all that being said, at least the BMW is intelligent enough not to shut down when in Sport or Sport + modes.

 

[AlfaRomeoCares]

Anyone else experiencing the auto shutdown only lasting like 20-30 seconds at a traffic light?
I seems like whenever it shuts down, it only lasts for like 20 to 30 seconds, then stays running at that light or stop sign.
Is this a software issue? I'vegot a 2017 Q4, but purchased it "new (with 2k miles and for $33.9k :smile2" and the dealer updated the software a week before it was sold, in mid March of this year.

Hello Tippster,

We're sorry to hear you're having such a hard time with your Giulia. If you decide to take it back into the dealership for inspection, please let us know. We're available via direct message and would be happy to help.

Jasmine
Alfa Romeo Social Care Specialist

 

[MrMegadeth]

It's the AC in auto. It was confirmed here that a swing of interior temp beyond ~7 degF between actual and set-point will restart the car. The car tries to use the overcooling technique but in Texas, when it is 100 degF outside that last 5-8 seconds tops. It is beyond annoying.