Auto Stop/Start
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: GA
Does anyone know when the start-stop feature was added to the Lexus RX350? I have a 2007 and am ready to get into a newer car - same car - and I don't like that feature. I can't find online what year they added it. Thank you! And I'm avoiding the 2017 due to the fuel pump recall and the fact that there are no replacement parts as of yet.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 979
Likes: 696
From: Ohio
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 345
From: Ontario, Canada
Does anyone know when the start-stop feature was added to the Lexus RX350? I have a 2007 and am ready to get into a newer car - same car - and I don't like that feature. I can't find online what year they added it. Thank you! And I'm avoiding the 2017 due to the fuel pump recall and the fact that there are no replacement parts as of yet.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 747
Likes: 459
From: WV
Does anyone know when the start-stop feature was added to the Lexus RX350? I have a 2007 and am ready to get into a newer car - same car - and I don't like that feature. I can't find online what year they added it. Thank you! And I'm avoiding the 2017 due to the fuel pump recall and the fact that there are no replacement parts as of yet.
Driver
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 132
Likes: 62
From: Toronto, Canada
I assume what you are referring to is what is generally known as "idle stop" or "auto shutoff" (engine stops when the brake is depressed and the vehicle comes to a full stop, and auto-starts when brake pressure is reduced.) Thankfully, that annoyance is not on the RX350, at least up through the 2020 model year. I don't think the 2021 has it, either.
However, I do know there are various gasoline-powered RXs (RX200t, RX350, etc) in overseas countries that do have auto start/stop.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,297
Likes: 1,226
From: IL
CAFE/EPA mileage testing is done with all standard equipment in default start up mode.
The Start/Stop feature creates a higher MPG result. Since most A/C compressors are
belted to the engine the Stop Engine mode cuts off the A/C. Mild hybrids that simply use
an oversized alternator to boost torque via the accessory belts also suffer this loss of A/C
when the engine stops. Some cars (JT4's Audi) have a defeat button, others just disable
the system if the A/C is turned on!
Lexus/Toyota hybrids have two electric motors, one connected to the wheels and the other
connected to the IC engine. When stopped and accelerating moderately the IC stays off but
the A/C and electric Power Steering are working. Ask for more power and the second motor
starts the IC without sagging or jerking the acceleration. Many other Full Hybrid makers are
using only one electric motor (BMW and Hyundai for example) that cause the forward momentum
to diminish when the IC motor starts up.
All of this to clarify why folks tend to lump all Start/Stop systems as undesirable after renting a
Buick that had it.
The Start/Stop feature creates a higher MPG result. Since most A/C compressors are
belted to the engine the Stop Engine mode cuts off the A/C. Mild hybrids that simply use
an oversized alternator to boost torque via the accessory belts also suffer this loss of A/C
when the engine stops. Some cars (JT4's Audi) have a defeat button, others just disable
the system if the A/C is turned on!
Lexus/Toyota hybrids have two electric motors, one connected to the wheels and the other
connected to the IC engine. When stopped and accelerating moderately the IC stays off but
the A/C and electric Power Steering are working. Ask for more power and the second motor
starts the IC without sagging or jerking the acceleration. Many other Full Hybrid makers are
using only one electric motor (BMW and Hyundai for example) that cause the forward momentum
to diminish when the IC motor starts up.
All of this to clarify why folks tend to lump all Start/Stop systems as undesirable after renting a
Buick that had it.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Kyiv
RX300 4Gen has Start/Stop on 2.0 Turbo engine models that are sold in some countries (not in US).
On 350 and 450h engines (sold in US) there is no auto start/stop.
I have RX350 without start/stop, and I've got RX300 with 2.0T for short time while my car was in service.
And for me auto start/stop was not convenient.
There was a button to disable it bit it is disabled only for 1 ride and you should disable it again next time you're using the car.
On 350 and 450h engines (sold in US) there is no auto start/stop.
I have RX350 without start/stop, and I've got RX300 with 2.0T for short time while my car was in service.
And for me auto start/stop was not convenient.
There was a button to disable it bit it is disabled only for 1 ride and you should disable it again next time you're using the car.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 747
Likes: 459
From: WV
Well, add Ford and Honda to the list of undesirable Start/Stop systems, at least for their non-hybrid vehicles. I find both implementations annoying. The reason most people don't like the auto-shutoff systems is that they aren't smooth and induce latency when vehicle movement is required after a stop. Hybrid implementations might be better, and my no-hybrid-experience thinking is that most hybrids don't do engine start/stops nearly as often as non-hybrids.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: Florida
New to me 2019 RX 350
I just discovered that my nice almost new RX 350 (8K miles on a 2019) has the horrible auto stop/start system. I cannot find any way to turn that "feature" off so I am assuming it cannot be turned off. Or ????
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 747
Likes: 459
From: WV
Yours would be the only RX350 with start/stop. How did you discover this? You sure it's not an RX450h?
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 146
Likes: 13
From: BC
Can you give us more info of your car? I have the same year and f sport, I don’t have that, a least not here in Canada.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 345
From: Ontario, Canada
You're going to have to do some digging with Google, too long to explain here
