2021 Ford F-150 Customers Can Now Remove Much-Maligned Start-Stop Feature
Those with a 2021 Ford F-150 order can soon opt to remove start-stop, save a few bucks, and get their truck quicker.
In the history of automotive features and options, few are as universally hated as much as auto start-stop. Devised as a way to improve fuel economy and cut emissions, start-stop essentially turns off an internal combustion engine when a vehicle is not moving to reduce idle time. Though most modern vehicles equipped with the feature also have a way to disable it, this must be done every time the driver turns off and then restarts the vehicle. Regardless, a lot of people aren’t fans of the constant on/off, and now, it appears that prospective 2021 Ford F-150 customers will be able to forgo it.
According to Cars Direct, Ford recently sent a letter to dealers informing them that customers will be able to order a 2021 Ford F-150 without start-stop now through the end of 2021. This change wasn’t made in response to customer feedback, however, but rather out of necessity. The semiconductor chip shortage has made the parts needed for the start-stop system hard to come by, so those that choose to give it up could take delivery of their shiny new trucks sooner than if they insist on keeping it.
If that isn’t enough incentive to opt-out of start-stop, Ford will also gift those that do a $50 credit for their troubles. By now, we’re sure that most who hate the feature are calling their dealer to make the change, but there is at least one caveat to all of this – removing start-stop from the 2021 F-150 will have some sort of negative impact on fuel economy, though Ford hasn’t said just how much of an impact that might be.
The automaker will need to update the EPA fuel economy ratings on the window stickers of trucks without start-stop, however, so we know that it will have some sort of impact, at least. Depending on how big of a difference it is, you might blow through that $50 savings in gas rather quickly. Regardless, we imagine that a lot of people are willing to make that sacrifice, given the feedback we’ve seen on start-stop over the years.
This change will take effect beginning with trucks produced between late August and early September, while non-built orders already in the system are also eligible, apparently. Ford also stated that some stock orders could be built without start-stop, so a few 2021 F-150s without it should begin showing up on dealer lots soon, which should be a welcome sight for some.
Photos: Ford
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