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Old 03-24-2011, 05:15 PM   #5 (permalink)
ShadeTreeMech
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Arkansas
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The Van - '97 Mercury Villager gs
90 day: 19.8 mpg (US)

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Quote:
Originally Posted by hmiwb View Post
I too noticed what you are talking about with the LOD indicator. The mysterious thing in the case of my Ford Escape with 6 speed automatic is that this 99 rule applies when the "cruise control is on". When driving normally without cruise the transmission seems to downshift at just the slightest increase in throttle position. I'm going to do a bit more checking, but it would appear that my transmission computer is going to give better fuel economy while the car is in cruise mode by design.
I noticed with my Buick LeSabre and Pontiac Transport the cruise control seemed to make the car willing to lug the engine when climbing a hill, as compared to using the foot pedal. Wish there was a way to modify the tranny computer to alter the kickdown throttle position at will. I tried this by adjusting the throttle position sensor on my maxima, but it made the engine run rough, so I put it back. Only modification I can think of is to get another TPS, attach it to the throttle, then hook the harness going to the transmission to the alternate TPS.

IDK, just wish they both were manuals. I hate not being able to tell the car what gear I want it to be in.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf View Post
I think you missed the point I was trying to make, which is that it's not rational to do either speed or fuel economy mods for economic reasons. You do it as a form of recreation, for the fun and for the challenge.
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