ASS(less)

[Nc211]

With Auto Start Stop (ASS) being retired via regulation rollback, I think Ford should immediately issue an OTA that allows the setting to remember it's last, no longer making "on" the default setting whenever you start the car. Make ASS optional!

Sponsored

 

[BlueWaffle]

It is optional.


it's actually SO optional that they give you a convenient little button to turn it off whenever you feel like

 

[Nc211]

Now let's allow owners to leave it off. What's the point of a "switch" that never remembers what it was set at?

 

[PrepVet]

It was never a federal requirement.

 

[DarthLincoln]

With Auto Start Stop (ASS) being retired via regulation rollback, I think Ford should immediately issue an OTA that allows the setting to remember it's last, no longer making "on" the default setting whenever you start the car. Make ASS optional!

ASS isn’t retired, EPA just removed incentive credit system. Did Ford or any other OEM say ASS is being retired? The OEMs would still see improved advertised MPG numbers (like 20mpg City instead of 18mpg City) if the car tested has ASS on by default. So there is still a benefit for them to have it.

Now let's allow owners to leave it off. What's the point of a "switch" that never remembers what it was set at?

GOAT modes are the same thing. For people who prefer Sport Mode over the default Normal mode for better performance, they still have to select it each time (or click the “OK” button to stay in Sport when it asks on startup). The GOAT mode“switch” doesn’t preserve your last selection just like ASS. This is because tests are only done in the default operation mode.

 

[BroncoChallenger]

Now let's allow owners to leave it off. What's the point of a "switch" that never remembers what it was set at?

My truck doesn't remember to leave the exhaust brake on if it has sat for more than 2 hours, and it asks if I want to stay in tow mode.

So I have to click 'yes' for the second, and press a button on my dash to re-activate the exhaust brake.

I have to press a button to turn off AS/S in the Bronco. Takes 0.5 seconds when I start it.

I have to press a button to turn off AS/S in the Expedition. Takes 0.5 seconds when I start it.

I swear, people will complain about the smallest inconvenience.

 

[crenca]

ASS isn’t retired, EPA just removed incentive credit system. Did Ford or any other OEM say ASS is being retired? The OEMs would still see improved advertised MPG numbers (like 20mpg City instead of 18mpg City) if the car tested has ASS on by default. So there is still a benefit for them to have it.



GOAT modes are the same thing. For people who prefer Sport Mode over the default Normal mode for better performance, they still have to select it each time (or click the “OK” button to stay in Sport when it asks on startup). The GOAT mode“switch” doesn’t preserve your last selection just like ASS. This is because tests are only done in the default operation mode.

All this is unfortunately true. That’s said, I don’t think the persistence of a mode (e.g user turning off ASS or chimes) is necessarily a contradiction to a general “ default mode”.

still, it reveals just how embedded these incentives are and how anti-consumer these regulations are at their core.

 

[DarthLincoln]

All this is unfortunately true. That’s said, I don’t think the persistence of a mode (e.g user turning off ASS or chimes) is necessarily a contradiction to a general “ default mode”.

still, it reveals just how embedded these incentives are and how anti-consumer these regulations are at their core.

Yeah, the main problem is how complicated vehicles are today. By adding different drive modes that changes powertrain operation or suspension&steering tuning, it gets very complicated how a new vehicle should be tested for compliance to minimum safety standards, emissions, and fuel economy.

It‘s a real headache for the manufacturer because they have to verify every combination available to the customer is still safe within reason (at least defendable if they are sued for making an unsafe vehicle).

For regulatory compliance, that level of testing is impossible. So compliance is only done in whatever the predominant/default mode is. That’s why all these mode changes reset back to the default if the driver does not make a selection.

Car&Driver has a good summary of the responses so far from OEMs about the EPA changes:
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70350799/epa-eliminating-stop-start-automaker-comments/

 

[chopperbobby]

ASS isn’t retired, EPA just removed incentive credit system. Did Ford or any other OEM say ASS is being retired? The OEMs would still see improved advertised MPG numbers (like 20mpg City instead of 18mpg City) if the car tested has ASS on by default. So there is still a benefit for them to have it.



GOAT modes are the same thing. For people who prefer Sport Mode over the default Normal mode for better performance, they still have to select it each time (or click the “OK” button to stay in Sport when it asks on startup). The GOAT mode“switch” doesn’t preserve your last selection just like ASS. This is because tests are only done in the default operation mode.

Problem with goat mode sport as stated you have to ok each start. Pain in the Ass, I don;t know if in previous year this happens but it also switches to 4A when put in sport mode. PITA. Wish it would stay in last mode. And start stop go away

 

[crenca]

Car&Driver has a good summary of the responses so far from OEMs about the EPA changes:
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70350799/epa-eliminating-stop-start-automaker-comments/

Thanks for posting this link

Ford's statement was the "bravest" in the sense it was the most honest about consumer's and their interests. Most of the others were strange...almost as if they were written as if the previous administrations EPA bureaucrats were the majority of who would would bother reading them and the consumers who actually $pay$ for their products were not interested in such "measured' responses which now that I think about is probably true

This indicates why it has been a long time I payed much attention to Car and Driver (and R&T, MotorTrend, etc.) and their reporting about trends in the industry - sometime around 20 years ago I noticed they no longer reported and wrote from a "consumer" perspective, but increasingly from an "industry insider" perspective. What was important to them, what they emphasized, became less and less connected to what consumers (at least myself and the ones I knew) were concerned about. They certainly missed (at first) the consumers taste for EV's, and then when they noticed it they lamented it - even today more then half of their articles are written on a product that at most 10% of consumers actually purchase.

All that to say what they say I will be pleasantly surprised if their "eye" rests on the relevant trends in the future

 

[DarthLincoln]

This indicates why it has been a long time I payed much attention to Car and Driver (and R&T, MotorTrend, etc.) and their reporting about trends in the industry - sometime around 20 years ago I noticed they no longer reported and wrote from a "consumer" perspective, but increasingly from an "industry insider" perspective. What was important to them, what they emphasized, became less and less connected to what consumers (at least myself and the ones I knew) were concerned about. They certainly missed (at first) the consumers taste for EV's, and then when they noticed it they lamented it - even today more then half of there articles are written on a product that at most 10% of consumers actually purchase.

Any public responses (by the OEMs) are going to be tuned to at least not offend the current administration in power. Ford’s statement reads as a bit of an ass-kiss to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin. The situation is complex with a lot of factors to consider, so quick decisions and changes are unlikely.

I haven’t had any problems with C&D, but I avoid MotorTrend. MotorTrend put out a vomit-inducing puff piece and video “review” on the 2025 Cadillac Celestiq. I learned to pay attention to and look for the good writers who don‘t just regurgitate OEM’s marketing BS. I am happy that C&D brought back John Phillips recently — in 2002 John wrote a CLASSIC review about the Cadillac Escalade EXT.

 

[Sitruc_btb]

My truck doesn't remember to leave the exhaust brake on if it has sat for more than 2 hours, and it asks if I want to stay in tow mode.

So I have to click 'yes' for the second, and press a button on my dash to re-activate the exhaust brake.

I have to press a button to turn off AS/S in the Bronco. Takes 0.5 seconds when I start it.

I have to press a button to turn off AS/S in the Expedition. Takes 0.5 seconds when I start it.

I swear, people will complain about the smallest inconvenience.

How bout them pinch welds?

 

[Gump]

With Auto Start Stop (ASS) being retired via regulation rollback, I think Ford should immediately issue an OTA that allows the setting to remember it's last, no longer making "on" the default setting whenever you start the car. Make ASS optional!

Eh, I disabled mine via FORScan so I don’t have to bother at all

 

[crenca]

I am happy that C&D brought back John Phillips recently — in 2002 John wrote a CLASSIC review about the Cadillac Escalade EXT.

I did not know he had returned. Perhaps he will get the original (uncensored) version of his and Yates review of the SRT-10 pickup (2004) but back on C and Ds website. The edited version up now is still hilarious, but not as good as the original.

Regardless, it will take more than Phillips to correct that culture I think.

 

[ScottyC]

I did not know he had returned. Perhaps he will get the original (uncensored) version of his and Yates review of the SRT-10 pickup (2004) but back on C and Ds website. The edited version up now is still hilarious, but not as good as the original.

Regardless, it will take more than Phillips to correct that culture I think.

The best one was the 1968 "Opel Kadett Assassination" article written by David E. Davis Jr....he did the review in a junk yard. Truly a witty and inspired piece that pissed GM off so much that they cancelled their advertising in Car and Driver magazine as a result.

I do enjoy John Phillips' writing style too.....classic!

https://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/the-opel-kadett-asassination-by-car-and-driver/

Sponsored