The Start-Stop pictogram and the “Manual Restart Required” message in your Ford usually pop up on the dash when the start-stop system can’t start the engine after turning it off.
This may happen because of several obvious reasons:
- Battery problems.
- Start-stop system issues.
- Software glitch.
- Malfunctioning sensors.
- Issues with the engine or transmission.
Let’s quickly see what you can do when this happens.
Battery issues
A lot of modern Ford vehicles have quite short battery life expectancy. The start-stop system consumes a lot of power, there are drains to power all the control modules even when the car is off.
So, it’s not uncommon for a battery to start dropping voltage even if it’s just 1 or 2 years old.
Also, the city traffic with short rides adds to the problem. The battery just doesn’t have the time to recharge.
If the voltage drops, the control modules in your Ford feel this and will prevent the start-stop system from working properly. Also, they may start glitching heavily and lead to all kinds of possible problems.
There are two solutions:
- charging the battery – remember that just jumping the battery won’t help, you need to charge it with a good proper charger;
- replacing the battery – if the voltage is too low and the battery’s age is 4-5 years, just replace it.
Also, some fresh Ford models will have two batteries: the main and the auxiliary one. They both may cause this problem with the start-stop system, so they both are worth checking.
Start-stop system issues
While battery problems will take about 90% of cases with the “Manual restart required” message, the start-stop system may also contribute to this.
Unfortunately, there is no way you can check and inspect it, you will just need some help from good mechanics. But you can turn the system off.
Deactivate the start-stop system if this happens to your Ford. In some cars, you will have a dedicated button for this, while in other vehicles, you will need to dig into the settings.
Software problems
It’s not uncommon for modern Ford cars to have some software problems and glitches. If this is the case, you may solve the problem by disconnecting the battery:
- turn the vehicle completely off;
- disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, then the positive one;
- wait for several minutes (you may also press the honk);
- connect the positive terminal then the negative one;
- check if the problem is gone.
Also, dealers love saying that you may need a software update to fix this issue. If they tell you this, say that you won’t pay for the update if it doesn’t fix the problem. I guarantee you, they will make a proper inspection and rethink the solutions.
Malfunctioning sensors
This still has something to do with the start-stop system. For example, it may not “see” which position your transmission shifter is in. Or the clutch pedal switch in a manual car may be broken. Or the brake switch is dead.
There are a bunch of sensors including the engine sensors, wheel speed sensors, etc. that the system uses for its work. It’s not that hard to locate the broken sensor with the help of a good scanner.
Problems with the engine or transmission
There is still a 1 out of 100 chance that the “Manual Restart Required” is caused by some engine problem or a transmission issue.
Sensors register the problem and send the info to the control modules. And then a random message may pop up. You will need to see the codes that lie behind the message. Sometimes, they will help you understand the problem much better.
Can you still drive when you see “Manual restart required”?
Yes, you can drive. But I strongly recommend you deactivate the start-stop system in your car. Otherwise, this may keep happening each time the start-stop shuts off the engine.
To start the car in this case, you will need to push the engine-start button. Make sure the shifter is not in D – move it to Neutral first. After starting the car, push the start-stop button to deactivate it.
If you don’t have the button for this, park the vehicle in a safe place and go to “Vehicle Settings” on your infotainment screen. Deactivate the start-stop feature. It will be automatically activated after you start the engine next time.
Ignoring the problem is a bad idea – go to a good mechanic and let them fix the issue whatever causes it.