Idle Stop and Go

A lot of Kias have the Idle Stop and Go system (ISG).  Looks like this:


It is meant to be a fuel saving device. Over time, if your engine is not running at stop lights, you will save some fuel.  It IS a good theory, but if you are old school like me, anytime your engine shuts down you go into a slight panic.  Used to mean something was terribly wrong.  

In my Stinger, the system defaults to ISG whenever you start the car, so I have to make sure I turn it off before I go very far.  This, of course, is a personal preference.  I think the ISG is a good thing in the long run.  Here is an excerpt from KIA explaing the system and how and when it activates. 

Have a KIA day!

Idle Stop and Go (ISG) Description

Idle Stop and Go (ISG) function automatically switches off the engine when the car is at a standstill and starts it again as soon as the brake pedal is released. This not only reduces fuel consumption, it also lowers emissions. Idle Stop and Go (ISG) function also has a built-in sensitivity to driving safety and comfort.
The engine is not switched off if certain conditions relating to safety and comfort have not been fulfilled (for example, when the engine oil is still cold, when the battery is running low or when the outside temperature is below 3º C or 37F). It can be deactivated by pressing the ISG OFF switch on the crash pad lower panel.

Sample scenario:
vehicle moving
the transmission lever position is in D-range. The brake pedal is released
the engine is running (vehicle moving)
the driver brakes until the vehicle comes to a standstill
the transmission lever position is in D-range. The brake pedal is pressed
the engine stops. The symbol “AUTO STOP” lights up in the instrument cluster
the driver wants to continue the journey
the transmission lever position is in D-range. The brake pedal is released
the engine is running again. The symbol goes out.

Operation Condition for the ISG Function
Will function if these conditions are met
- ISG OFF Switch is off
- switch (seat/door/hood) closed
- lever position in D or N range
- brake pedal pressed or released
- vehicle speed after driving higher than 8kmph (5mph)
- a/c system operating correctly
- engine coolant temperature over 78º C (172.4º F)
- brake pressure not below 35kpa
- battery SOC over 77% and temperature in the range of 2-55ºC (35.6-131ºF)
- Steering wheel – operating angle below 180º
- Parking condition – slope up hill <12%, down hill <8%
- no ISG related part errors

Won't function if:
- large steering angle when car is stopped
- low brake operating pressure
- turn on the a/c with max blower
- when battery condition is poor (low SOC)
- active defroster of front or rear glass
- unfasten driver's seat belt or open the door and hood
- on a steep slope
- with ISG system errors and other diagnosis
- ISG OFF switch is on