Stop/Start

[DavidDS3]

I thought I'd share with you my recent experiences concerning the Stop/Start on my 90hp Hdi. I had stopped at some traffic lights engine stops, lights go green, depress clutch, nothing happens. Re-start with ignition key. Engine running fine, message on central display "ECO deactivated" and SERVICE light showing on LH instrument panel. After a few miles sense they air-con has packed up as sweating like a pig!!. Fan belt (auxiliary belt to be accurate) bust methinks? Naw can't be as ignition (battery) light hasn't come on. Drive another 30 miles and finally the battery light comes on with a message on the central display "charging fault". Lift bonnet, sure enough belt broken! In all my years of motoring (showing my age with that phrase!) I have never had a fan belt break. The car has done 42K miles and hardly any heavy city traffic in that i.e the stop/start hasn't been called upon many times. Fitting new belt not really a DIY proposition so send to dealer, come back £160 lighter (belt costs £40). Learnings from this 1) don't assume the belt will last forever, change every 2nd or 3rd service (??) 3) You can drive at least 100 miles without the alternator spinning providing you don't switch on your lights, wipers, radio etc and still have enough charge in the battery to start the engine the next day

[cyclone]

The belts are a wear and tear item and should be inspected at every service and changed if there condition is deteriorating.

[DavidDS3]

The interesting thing is that apart from the break itself the belt looked in pretty good shape.

[cyclone]

Such is life some time thing wear out and break and other times they just break. The first can be prevented the second just reacted to.

[Ashxtc]

......like a condom you mean?

[cyclone]

......like a condom you mean?

eh.... OK if you say so.