With today’s fuel prices, the cost of refuelling forms a significant part of vehicle ownership costs. The nature of urban driving increases fuel consumption and therefore exhaust / CO2 emissions and running costs. A significant part of this fuel consumption is caused by engines idling whilst stationary in traffic.
The ECO-Start system, available as a factory-fitted option on all Sprinter models with 4-cylinder diesel engines and manual transmission provides an intelligent and low-cost solution to reduce engine idling. ECO-Start offers a simple, no-compromise solution to improving vehicle running costs and environmental impact.
Don't just take our word for it ...
Download an independent review by Nick Jones of the Derbyshire Times
How ECO-Start works
ECO-Start is activated by the driver using a control switch on the instrument panel. When the system is active it will automatically stop ... the engine when the vehicle is stationary, and when certain predefined vehicle conditions are met, after a 2 second waiting period. The engine will automatically restart when the clutch pedal is pressed.
Using the system saves fuel, and cuts vehicle emissions, noise and engine wear. In an urban environment the savings can be substantial: depending on driving style and traffic density, fuel consumption can be cut by as much as 10%*, allowing the ECO-Start option to pay for itself and offer further savings throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.
Is it safe to shut off the engine?
ECO-Start's safety features - * The fuel savings possible with ECO-Start will depend on operation and driving style, vehicle specification and weight.
Safety is provided by sophisticated electronics.
If the vehicle starts to move, the engine is started to ensure that servo assistance for the steering and brakes is maintained. In all other cases the engine does not re-start until the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
If the battery voltage is low or if an attempt by the system to start the engine has failed, the ECO-Start function is deactivated.
In addition, the system’s safety logic checks whether the bonnet is closed to make sure that no one can be injured if the engine suddenly starts.
To avoid cold starts and also overheating, the system only operates at coolant temperatures of between 40°C and 100°C.
The comfort of the vehicle’s occupants is also taken into account: when the outside temperature is below freezing point, the engine is not switched off.
Don't just take our word for it ...
Download an independent review by Nick Jones of the Derbyshire Times