Vauxhall Astra

Annie1960

I had an earlier thread where many of you gave advice on buying a Vauxhall Astra.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6249940/negotiating-on-a-used-car-deal#latest

Generally I like the car. I've not driven it much, under 1,000 miles in total since March. I notice when I slow down for a junction or traffic lights that there is a sound from the engine, as though the engine has stalled and has started itself again. It sounds like the engine starting up when I turn the ignition key, but I've not turned the car off, or indeed turned the key.

It's very strange. 

Can anyone explain this? Is it an eco feature? Any other thoughts on what this might be?

NSG666

Sounds like your car has stop start - might want to read the handbook unless you're a bloke, there might be other useful features you are unaware of.

Annie1960

NSG666 said:

Sounds like your car has stop start - might want to read the handbook unless you're a bloke, there might be other useful features you are unaware of.

What's stop start?

Car_54

Annie1960 said:

NSG666 said:

Sounds like your car has stop start - might want to read the handbook unless you're a bloke, there might be other useful features you are unaware of.

What's stop start?

When you stop temporarily, the engine shuts down to save fuel and emissions, and starts again automatically when needed. As above, it will be explained in the handbook!

oh_really

Annie1960 said

What's stop start?

A bloody nuisance, turn it off.

Grumpy_chap

Annie1960 said:

I had an earlier thread where many of you gave advice on buying a Vauxhall Astra.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6249940/negotiating-on-a-used-car-deal#latest

Generally I like the car. I've not driven it much, under 1,000 miles in total since March. I notice when I slow down for a junction or traffic lights that there is a sound from the engine, as though the engine has stalled and has started itself again. It sounds like the engine starting up when I turn the ignition key, but I've not turned the car off, or indeed turned the key.

It's very strange. 

Can anyone explain this? Is it an eco feature? Any other thoughts on what this might be?

Hi Annie,

I am glad you got the car and you are liking it - you certainly got a good deal

This behaviour certainly does sound like the "Stop-Start" feature.  It is an eco feature that shuts the engine down when the vehicle is stationary (e.g. traffic lights) and then re-starts, usually when the clutch is next depressed.  When the stop-start is activated, there is often an indicator light in the dash somewhere (there certainly is in my wife's Fiesta).  That will allow you to verify that the experience you have is definitely the stop-start function and nothing else.

You can easily check the manual at the following link:
https://www.vauxhall.co.uk/owners/information-and-safety/owners-manuals.html

I am not sure exactly which age of Astra your's is (two versions of the manual cover 2019), but the stop-start does seem to be a feature that is available.

BOWFER

oh_really said:

Annie1960 said

What's stop start?

A bloody nuisance, turn it off.

To be clear, for the OP, you can't turn it off permanently.
If you don't like the feature, you have to press the stop/start button every journey.
Alternatively, assuming it's a manual, just keep the clutch pressed when you're stopped.
Stop/start will only activate in a manual when the car is in neutral and the clutch is out.

Annie1960

Grumpy_chap said:

Annie1960 said:

I had an earlier thread where many of you gave advice on buying a Vauxhall Astra.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6249940/negotiating-on-a-used-car-deal#latest

Generally I like the car. I've not driven it much, under 1,000 miles in total since March. I notice when I slow down for a junction or traffic lights that there is a sound from the engine, as though the engine has stalled and has started itself again. It sounds like the engine starting up when I turn the ignition key, but I've not turned the car off, or indeed turned the key.

It's very strange. 

Can anyone explain this? Is it an eco feature? Any other thoughts on what this might be?

Hi Annie,

I am glad you got the car and you are liking it - you certainly got a good deal

This behaviour certainly does sound like the "Stop-Start" feature.  It is an eco feature that shuts the engine down when the vehicle is stationary (e.g. traffic lights) and then re-starts, usually when the clutch is next depressed.  When the stop-start is activated, there is often an indicator light in the dash somewhere (there certainly is in my wife's Fiesta).  That will allow you to verify that the experience you have is definitely the stop-start function and nothing else.

You can easily check the manual at the following link:
https://www.vauxhall.co.uk/owners/information-and-safety/owners-manuals.html

I am not sure exactly which age of Astra your's is (two versions of the manual cover 2019), but the stop-start does seem to be a feature that is available.

Thanks very much, I've taken a look at the link. I see where my button is, so next time I use the car I'll try turning it off.

oh_really

BOWFER said:

To be clear, for the OP, you can't turn it off permanently.

As a point of interest, not relevant to the op, the feature can be deactivated through the OBD socket. When one of my sons borrow my car, I set the speed limit beforehand, again accessed by OBD.
There's a range of items to be altered by this means.