The HCH II definitely will not auto-stop repeatedly. If you stop and then let off the brake pedal, the engine restarts. In some cases you get one more chance to autostop again, after a short creep forward. But never more than one such chance. That is, at least, my experience.

One thing I don't understand is why it keeps the engine running in Park. I think they should have designed it so that the ICE turns on only when you shift into neutral or into gear, and it shuts off when you shift to Park. The only reason I can think of for not doing so is they were afraid of customer calls complaining that "my car won't start".

 

This issue has also been discussed here at length. The annoying part is that, say, you arrive at your home and the engine autostops. Then, as one shifts from "D" to "P", the engine will re-start, only to be shut off for good as one removes the key. A waste of starting energy, if you ask me...

So, by following an advice from a fellow forum poster, as I reach home (or any other final destination) and the engine autostops, I proceed to take it to "N", turn off the ignition by turning the key, then shift to "P" and only now completely remove the key.

"Manic-Compulsive disorder", is how my wife describes the sequence, but I think I'm saving a few milliamp hours of energy...

 

Heh. I'll try that tonight, Fernando

 

That does no good. The engine starts when you shift to N. The only way to avoid a restart would be to turn off the ignition while still in D with your foot on the brake.

 

I have to back into my parking spot, so it doesn't work for me either. I wonder why they didn't decide to auto-stop in park. Probably for logistical reasons I'm sure, I just wish I knew what they were. Now its got me thinking....

 

I shift into neutral to coast without turning off the engine (which I never do while moving). I see great benefits there, so I am not tempted to turn off the engine because at any significant speed, I feel like coasting gets at least 90% of the benefit of a full-on FAS, so with safety in mind, the extra little bit isn't worth it.

I have not heard of the seven second rule, so I don't worry about it auto-stopping too often.

 

You are right.....
when one is fully conditioned to do a sequence, one does it in "automatic brain mode" witout giving any thought to it. Thus, the innacuracy in the description.

 

Normal operation by design..see below

Per the '06 HCH owners manual (always a good reference when trying to determine if what your observing is happening "By Design" ) answers both the above comments. this of course assumes all the other conditions (Engine warm, no defrost, battery chanrged...etc) are met.

 

I think the only trade here (at least in my 03) is that in Neutral the regenerative braking disengages, so I'm able to truly coast. In Drive, if I coast there is some amount of recharging going on. Unless I'm on a steep hill, coasting always slows me down, so I don't go as far.

 

The regen can be kept in check by keeping a little pressure on the gas pedal - enough to not regen but not so much that the mileage comes down.

It's hard to tell if that's any better than using neutral because in both cases the mpg is pegged. We don't know if one is 121 mpg and the other is 500 mpg, so who knows which is better at that level.

120+ mpg is going to do good either way, so frankly it's my feeling that you're better off with whichever makes you feel more comfortable. Staying in gear in most cases will be safer in an emergency situation as you can react immediately with full capabilities, and not so if you're in N at the time.