Two of the worst features on late model vehicles are the cylinder deactivation (i.e., the AFM) and the irritating automatic stop/start feature. At least the auto stop/start can be bypassed - but you have to push that little "A" button every time you start the engine.

We have a Mustang GT with a six-speed manual transmission and that's the most annoying thing about the car. With a stick shift, it's almost dangerous and throws off your driving mojo. I cannot see how saving a few drops of gasoline is worth prematurely wearing out the starter motor or - with the AFM - shortening the life of the valvetrain.

 

My wife had a 21 Audi A8 with cylinder deactivation. I don't see any problem with it. Audi seems to be getting it right. Maybe GM should try to get it right? Auto start and stop, yes, it's annoying and there is probably a way to code it out.

From your POV, maybe. I see saving from a corporate standpoint. It helps their CAFE and your starter probably wears out AFTER the warranty. All positive from the corporate standpoint.

 

There's zero data to support that start/stop wears out starters in general. In fact starters were designed to be more robust because of it.

 

I'm confused. Does a starter have a design spec which includes a certain lifespan? IOW, isn't it designed to last say 50000 starts? If so, you would have to make it more robust to last what a non-start-stop car starter lasts?

 

It still sounds quite a bit like a solution in search of a problem.

 

Yes the started was made to be more robust. In theory its more expensive, but really is it? Not appreciably. There are no non-start/stop cars anymore. So its the baseline. Parts also generally last longer than they used to FWIW. Average vehicle life is now 150k-200k. Trucks are 200k-300k. I remember when a car was on a hope and a prayer at 100k (the 1980's). You've got wear items, but even they are replaced less often. Think about a service schedule. You don't change your spark plugs until 100k, hoses, 100k, belts 100k. Suspension bushings, depends on the bushing but 75k is common 100k is also common. Brake Pads can last 40k if not longer. Transmission fluid changes and gear train fluid changes on some cars are 100-150k. All that stuff was swapped and changes multiple times in the 1970's before 100k, before 50k even. Parts just are more durable in general. This is why I don't get the worry. Cars are designed to do what they do. Mechanically things are pretty robust. The parts that have quality and durability problems more often are the electronics or the software. That stuff is relatively new and the knowledge on what can be made cheaper versus not is not as well known if at all. A damper, a spring those are commodities, they can maximize function and minimize cost. It's all known.

Oh that's 100% true.