Mercedes-Benz ECO-START® System Explained

A standard feature on the vehicles in the new Mercedes-Benz inventory at Fletcher Jones Motorcars of Fremont, the Mercedes-Benz ECO-START® System not only helps you to conserve fuel on your Sunnyvale commute but also reduces harmful emissions. This smart feature boosts efficiency while making your drives in and around San Jose more eco-friendly. Learn more about the Mercedes-Benz ECO-START® System in this guide from Fletcher Jones Motorcars of Fremont.

Auto Start-Stop History & Benefits

The Auto Start-Stop feature shuts off the engine when the vehicle is idling, thus saving fuel consumption and reducing emissions. The engine will automatically start again when the brake pedal is released or the accelerator pedal is pressed down.

The Auto Start-Stop system was first introduced in 1974 and was featured on the Toyota Crown. The system was developed in direct response to the increase in and widespread concern over carbon monoxide emissions. The gas shortage that occurred during the 1970s was also a factor in automakers looking for a way to help conserve fuel, and early estimates determined that the auto start-start system could conserve up to 10% of fuel consumption when a vehicle is driven in stop-and-go traffic. In the 1980s, both Fiat and Volkswagen began to include an Auto Start-Stop system in select vehicles, and by the 1990s, the usage became more widespread throughout the automotive industry.

In the mid-2000s, Mercedes-Benz began to equip their vehicles with their own ECO Start/Stop system, which is currently a standard feature on Mercedes-Benz models. Here’s how the Mercedes-Benz ECO-START® System works to help you save gas and cut down on emissions when driving in stop-and-go traffic on San Francisco streets:

1. You must bring your Mercedes-Benz vehicle to a complete stop by pressing on the brake pedal.
2. When your car is idling, the Mercedes-Benz ECO-START® System will automatically shut off your car’s engine.
3. With the engine off, your car is not using fuel or putting emissions into our environment.
4. When you release the brake, the engine will restart automatically.
5. To continue driving, just place your foot on the gas pedal and go.

The Mercedes-Benz ECO-START® System will not turn the engine off when:

• You are on a hill.
• The engine temperature is not optimal.
• The battery charge is low.
• Climate control is needed to maintain a comfortable setting.

How to Disable Mercedes-Benz ECO-START®

While we recommend that you keep your Mercedes-Benz ECO-START® System activated, especially when driving on busy Bay Area roads, to maintain peak efficiency, there may be situations where you would prefer to disable the system. Here’s how to disable the Mercedes-Benz ECO-START® System:

1. Find the black button with a white capital “A” encircled by a clockwise arrow.
2. Depending on the model and model year, this button will be located either on the center console, below the Stop/Start Engine button on the dash, or on the steering wheel.
3. Press the button to switch off the ECO-START® System.

Your owner’s manual will have information on how to activate or deactivate the ECO-START® system for your specific Mercedes-Benz model. Feel free to contact us if you need assistance.

Why Visit the Service Professionals at Fletcher Jones Motorcars of Fremont?

If you are having problems with your Mercedes-Benz ECO-START® System or any of the other features and systems of your Mercedes-Benz vehicle, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the service team at Fletcher Jones Motorcars of Fremont. The certified technicians in our state-of-the-art service center have the skill and expertise to handle all of your Mercedes-Benz maintenance and repair services. We also offer:

• Service & Parts Specials
• Express Service
• PrePaid Maintenance Plans
• Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts

We’re here to ensure that your Mercedes-Benz is always running safely at peak performance levels on Hayward roads, so schedule your next service with us today.