I got my new E-Pace Monday just before the lockdown in San Francisco and so can't call the dealer about this and found no info on it in the manual. When my car goes into Auto-Shut-Off the engine stops as it should, but the steering wheel seems to lock/freeze into position. If I turn the wheel the car stars again. Is this normal? If so, what is gained by the steering wheel doing that? If it's not normal, I'll need to call their service dept. which won't open until at least April 7 given new SF rules. Thanks.

 

Assistance Changes During Auto Stop/Start Functions

This feature actively controls the driver's steering torque feedback during the auto stop/start activities. It integrates the main steering assistance feature with micro hybrid or enhanced starter motor powertrain events. This provides smooth, progressive, yet timely decreases and increases in power assistance. It is also designed to remove unwanted steering wheel movement during these events, which are not directly instigated by the driver.

On vehicles equipped with manual transmission, the assist is reduced completely during an auto stop. The driver will not be able to request the engine to restart through use of the steering.

On vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, a reduced level of assist is maintained throughout the auto stop. The driver will be able to request an engine restart by turning the steering wheel. The restart request in this case is based on the amount of current drawn by the steering during the auto stop.

 

Thanks so much for your thorough response, Rummy. Makes sense now and the questions remains -- why doesn't Jaguar provide some info on this in their manuals. It's really disconcerting when it first happens and one doesn't know if it's suppose to or if their steering has problems. Anyway...thanks again for the info.