Some common Ford F150 Auto Start Stop Problems are rough idling, stalling and your engine power turning off all of a sudden. Along with that, you also get problems related to restarting the engine and random error messages. Furthermore, reasons like drained battery or temperature fluctuation that can cause the feature to not work entirely.
Both are Ford F150 Auto Start Stop Problems that need to be tackled. Frankly there seems to be a consensus that the auto start-stop feature needs to go but a fair share of people want to get this feature started on their F150. Regardless of what part of the argument you are in, here the discussion will cover a solution for all of you.
What are the Ford F150 Auto Start Stop Problems?
The auto start-stop feature turns off the engine when you press on the brake pedal. But when you release the brakes, then the engine will turn on.
Following are some of the common Ford F150 Auto Start Stop Problems. Now, let’s go through each of the problems in detail.
Problem 1: Rough Idling
Rough idling happens when the RPM of your truck keeps fluctuating. It happens for a lot of reasons, one of which is the auto start-stop feature. So, when this feature kicks in and the truck goes into full idle mode, it will need to be restarted again. But when it restarts the truck vibrates every time and becomes uncomfortable to drive.
Solution: Disconnect the Battery Management System (BMS) Power Source
Following are the steps for disconnecting the Battery Management System (BMS) Power Source.
Step 1: Pop the hood and locate the battery.
Step 2: You will find a red two-wire connector connected to the terminal. These are connected to the battery terminal with a pull tab.
Step 3: Pull the wire from the battery terminal. It should stop power flow to the auto start-stop feature.
Problem 2: Mid-Traffic Stalling
This is another common problem you will get from the auto start-stop feature. The engine will suddenly start stalling. Even if you take your feet off the brakes, the engine will not start. So you need to restart the F150. Drivers have complained facing this despite disabling the auto start-stop feature.
Solution: Disconnect the Dash Connector
Following is how you can disconnect the dash connector.
Step 1: Go under the driver side dash and you will find a small white module box.
Step 2: You will find wire harnesses plugged into the module box.
Step 3: There is a black wire harness in the bottom. Just unplug it.
Step 4: Now start the engine and you will find that the auto start-stop feature has been disconnected.
But remember, you can only do this if you do not use the towing feature. If you tow regularly, then connect back the black wire. .
Problem 3: Sudden Power Loss
The auto start-stop feature at least for F150 kicks in when it reads below five on the speedometer. Now, if you are driving above that speed limit and accidentally make a minor push to the brake then suddenly the truck will come to a complete power less. Again, it is the auto start-stop feature that is to be blamed here.
Solution: Trick the Auto Start/Stop Switch
You can turn off the auto start-stop feature every time you are using the F150. But the truck turns it back on when you start the engine. So, what you need to do is just jump the button so that it stays turned off all the time. The steps here are to just trick the auto start-stop switch.
Step 1: Grab a plastic pry tool and use it to open the upper dash lid.
Step 2: Unscrew the front dash above the switch using the 7 mm torque wrench.
Step 3: Using a jumper cable jump the purple and white wire in the image below.
Image Source: Ford f150 forum
However, just a reminder that this is a temporary solution. The best part is that it is free. But for a permanent solution seek professional help.
Problem 4: Restart Failure
It might seem like the previous problem but no. Auto start-stop feature will stop your truck from restarting even if you try again and again. Quite an annoying problem that a lot of drivers have been facing.
Solution: Use an Auto Start/Stop Eliminator
If you are booking for an efficient method to disable the auto start-stop feature then go for the eliminator option . Go to their website and you will find the eliminator product. Following are the steps of using an auto start-stop eliminator.
Step 1: Unplug the connector on the back of the OBD2 port and plug the female part of the eliminator in.
Step 2: Now turn on the engine and check for the update.
If you want a visual demonstration of how to use auto start stop eliminator then follow this Turn Off Auto-Stop Permanently? We Try the Autostop Eliminator.
Problem 5: Showing Random Error Signs
Auto start-stop feature conflicts with other functionalities such as it shows you are on towing mode even though you are not towing. It can get tricky to solve once problems like this happen.
Solution: Reprogram Using OBD Tool
Let’s say you have had enough of this auto start stop feature and want to get rid of it completely. So, you need to know the steps of disabling the system. Lucky for you, the process of disabling this feature is quite simple. Following are the steps of disabling auto start-stop feature on the Ford F150 using Forscan.
Before we get into the details of the process, you need to grab a laptop and get Forscan installed in it. It is free but you can pay around $50 to get the lifetime membership.
Step 1: Connect the laptop to your truck’s dashboard using the OBD Link EX.
Step 2: Start the laptop and click on the ForScan software.
Step 3: Wait for the software to communicate to the truck and detect everything.
Step 4: Click on the ‘Programming’ icon at the very left which is third from the bottom.
Step 5: Next click on the ‘BdyCM Module Configuration (AS BUILT format)’ and then hit the play button on the corner.
Step 6: After clicking ‘OK’ you will see data to change.
Step 7: For Auto Start Stop, find the column ‘726-48-02’ and change the second number to zero. If it was ‘0100’, change it to ‘0000’. Do not worry if you make a mistake, just hit the ‘restore’ button.
Step 8: Now after the change is done, click ‘Write’. The software will start programming and soon you will find a message that says ‘Block(s) Programmed Successfully’.
Step 9: Hit the ‘Stop’ button below and then go back.
Step 10: Find ‘FCIM Module Configuration (AS BUILT Format)’ and hit the play button.
Step 11: Look for the column ‘7A7-01-01’ and go to the second block and change ‘0100’ to ‘0000’. Click ‘Write’ and the programming will begin.
Step 12: Now go back and click ‘IPC Module Configuration (AS Built Format)’. Find the column ‘720-01-01’.
Step 13: Change the ‘3’ in the second block to ‘1’. Write the program after that.
Step 14: Stop the program and run DTC. You will find information on which features are blocked and then click on ‘Reset DTC’.
Step 15: You will find a pop up that tells you to cycle the ignition OFF and then back on. Click ‘OK’ to that.
Step 16: Finally go to the vehicle selector on the top left. Disconnect the OBD from the truck.
Step 17: Start the truck and you will find that the auto start stop feature is gone.
To know more about permanently disabling the auto start stop feature 2020 F150 Auto Start Stop Permanent Disable Using Forscan.
Why Is My Auto Start-Stop Not Working?
When it comes to Auto Start-Stop there are two groups of people. One group is overwhelmed and annoyed by this feature. They want to get rid of it. Whereas the other group just can’t get enough of it.
Mainly due to its increased fuel economy result. If you are in the second group, then you only need to check a few things to get the feature running again.
Before diving into the reasons, you need to check a switch. You will find a switch on the dash with the word ‘A’ on it surrounded by a ring. If the light on this switch is on then the system is working.
If the switch is on then you need to look for another reason. Following are some of the reasons your auto start-stop is not working on Ford F150.
Reason 1: Drained or Damaged Battery
The system needs a lot of electric current to flow for the auto start stop feature to work. Of course there is other equipment in your truck that needs electric power as well. Now when the battery does not have enough power or is damaged then the feature will not get enough electrical power and end up not working.
Solution: Recharge Battery
The easy solution here is to recharge the battery for the Ford F150. Following are the steps of recharging the battery.
Step 1: Grab the jump starters and connect the red jump starter to the positive battery terminal and connect the negative jump starter to the negative mount on the body.
Step 2: Connect the charger to the electric power source and then select the ‘Amps’. You can select 2A for slow charge.
Step 3: Finally hit the ‘charge’ button and then wait until the battery gets into 100% capacity.
To get a clearer idea on recharging battery follow this Recharge a Ford F150 Battery The Right Way!
Solution: Replace Battery
If the battery is entirely damaged then auto start-stop is not the only feature that will stop working. Your entire electrical system will not work. In fact, your truck will not start.
Following are the steps of replacing the battery on a 1997 – 2003 Ford F150.
Step 1: Grab an open end wrench and remove the battery cables. Start with the negative battery terminal cable and then remove the positive cable.
Step 2: Now grab a socket wrench with an extension to remove the bolt holding the battery block in place.
Step 3: Once free, lift the battery out.
Step 4: Before installing the new battery,make sure to clean the positive and negative battery terminal using a wire brush.
Step 5: Put in the new battery and make sure that the positive and negative terminals coincide with the battery cables.
Step 6: Now reinstall the rubber hold down block. Install it and tighten the bolt.
Step 7: Remove the plastic protective caps from the terminals and put anti-corrosive washers. Red to the positive and green to the negative.
Step 8: Apply thin film battery grease to avoid corrosion. Connect the positive battery cable to the positive battery terminal.
Step 9: Repeat the same for the negative battery cable.
Step 10: Finally put the grease over the connections.
Step 11: Start the engine and check the battery condition.
This How to Replace Ford F150 Battery | Advance Auto Parts video shows a detailed method to replace the battery from the Ford F150.
In conclusion, remove the cables and bolts first. Bring out the battery and then clean the surroundings. After that, you have to put the new battery in.
Reason 2: High/Low Outside Temperature
When the temperature is extremely hot or cold then the auto start-stop will not work. This has to do with the extremities of the condition. In extreme heat, your engines become hot and to avoid overheating the fan needs to draw in more power. Similarly, in extremely cold conditions the engine will require a lot of power to work.
So, in both extreme conditions you need more power than normal. Power that could have been used to work on the auto start-stop features.
Solution: Keep the Truck in the Garage
The best way to deal with the weather conditions is through protecting the truck. To protect your Ford F150 just keep it in the garage in cases of extreme heat or cold.
Reason 3: Blown Fuse
Finally it can be the power supply fuse that got blown out. No power supply means not just your auto start-stop feature but the entire truck will not function properly.
Solution: Replace the Fuse
The solution here is to just replace the power supply fuse. Disconnect the battery terminals first. Go to the fuse box. It is in slot 210 under the passenger side hood near the fire wall. Open it and you will find the blown fuse. Replace that with a new one.
Why Does Auto Start Stop Not Turn Off My Engine?
In some cases, your engine will not stop despite the auto start-stop feature functioning. This can happen for the following reasons.
- Driver door is open
- Driver seat belt is unfastened
- Heated windshield is on
- You are driving at an altitude of around 3048 meters or 10,000 feet
- The truck is on a steep grade
- Engine is overheating
- Steering wheel is turning rapidly or at a sharp angle
- Battery has a low charge
- Battery temperature is below 5 degrees celsius or 60 degrees fahrenheit
- Gear selector is not drive or sport mode
- Engine temperature is below 45 degrees celsius or 115 degrees fahrenheit
- Engine temperature is below 60 degrees celsius or 140 degrees fahrenheit and the hvac system is on heat mode
- The defroster system is on
Therefore, when the engine does not come to a stop there are a number of other factors you need to keep in mind apart from the auto start-stop. Some of these factors are related to the engine itself.
FAQs
Does Ford F150 Auto Start Stop Help to Maintain the Fuel Economy?
Yes, the Ford F150 auto start stop helps to maintain the fuel economy. The key concept here is to automatically stop the engine performance when you are at a halt for example in a traffic jam. By doing so it restricts fuel consumption rate and CO2 emissions. So, it is good for your engine fuel economy and the environment.
How Does the Ford F150 Auto Start Stop Affect the Towing Capacity of the Truck?
No, the Ford F150 auto start stop does not affect the towing capacity of the truck. One of the best parts of this feature is that for extreme activities such as towing, hauling or driving in four wheel drive the F150 will automatically disable the auto start stop system.
Does Ford F150 Auto Start Stop System Affect the Engine?
No, the Ford F150 auto start stop system does not affect the engine. Although theoretically one might think that the engine will be prone to wear out with constant start and stop but in reality the engines of Ford F150 are built with features that make it more rigid and ensure long term protection against wearing out.
Conclusion
That should answer all your questions regarding Ford F150 Auto Start Stop problems. Whether you want to solve problems related to the auto start stop feature or want to restart this feature you know how to solve the problem. Just keep an eye out for the symptoms and go through the steps as mentioned here.
