Sorry to resurrect an old thread again, but I think Google has indexed this particular thread pretty high in their search results (it's shown up in a lot of Google searches I've done) so there are probably quite a few people who still see this thread, and I think I may know the answer.
On page 145 of the U.S. Owners Manual under "ECO start/stop function," it says: "The engine can be switched off a maximum of four times (first stop and three subsequent stops) in succession."
Do I correctly understand this to mean that the ECO start/stop system will only turn off the engine four times per trip? I come to a complete stop many more than four times on my daily commute and would find this a rather odd behavior.
I believe I discovered what this means while waiting a LONG time to turn left at a stop sign. Traffic was very busy, and several times I took my foot off the brake, only to reapply it a moment later when I realized the opening in traffic wasn't enough. While I did this, the engine would shut off while my foot was on the brake, and turn on again when I took my foot off the brake, up to the fourth time and then it just stayed on. So I think the "maximum of four times" part means a maximum of four times PER STOP. It probably resets the counter in second gear, or at about the same point where the doors would automatically lock (if they had been unlocked).
resurrecting this..... wife just called and said that she didn't turn eco button off, but it was off. No sure if she started and stopped 4 times. We've had some issues with slow starting (not in eco), but dealer couldn't find anything wrong.
Anybody know more about this?
I think your question is answered by this bit of the manual (quoted from SSBGLA45's post). Note that even when the temperature and everything else is within normal ranges, ECO mode may leave the engine running (or turn it back on while still stopped) if the battery needs additional charging, and that can happen several times in the same trip, so it often doesn't kick in because of that...
The ECO start/stop function is operational
when:
>the indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit
green.
>the off-road program is deactivated.
>the outside temperature is within the range
that is suitable for the system.
>the engine is at normal operating temperature.
>the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
>the battery is sufficiently charged.
>the system detects that the windshield is
not fogged up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
>the hood is closed.
>the driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened.