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wmjinman · 03-25-2013, 04:52 AM

I think the deal with the battery has to do with the charging. I believe the voltage regulator tries to make the battery charge until it reaches a certain voltage (13.5 -14 if I'm remembering right) Let's say your battery is "on it's way out" and only goes to 12.5 or lower when charged as full as it can get. The voltage regulator will be saying, "nope, not up to 13.5-14 yet, so keep charging". My grasp on electronics is kinda weak, so I might be totally wrong here, but that would be my guess....

The mileage actually starting to go DOWN as the tire pressure continues to rise is something I don't quite "get" either. If it starts to level off at a certain point, I could see that, but actually starting to go back down????? Of course, I'm thinking GAS mileage - I can see the centers of the tread wearing out prematurely if pumped way up all the time.

It's exciting you have a ScanGauge on the way! I predict you're gonna love it! Be sure to learn how to calibrate it in your first 2 fill-ups once you get it, then also how to do the averages in the "trip" feature. The "current" is used to do A-B-A testing, and otherwise I love to drive around with "tank" average showing, so I kinda know how I'm doing for the tank.

As far as not having cruise control, that's too bad, but you can still do valid testing. You'll just have to concentrate really hard on keeping your speed steady - and even harder on not subconsciously "skewing" the test my driving slightly more economically when testing the thing you're hoping will work.

I'd suggest finding your maximum mpg speed first. It probably won't be a surprise - sounds like you pretty much have it figured out the slowest you can go in top gear.

Oh, you know what's really neat? When you get your ScanGauge "calibrated" (on your 2nd fill-up after you hook it up), and then when driving your Max MPG speed, you see you're getting way better than you need to achieve your +45% to convince your friend. Then the challenge will be to try to KEEP that MPG going on forever. I think that's what finally got me serious about the LONG coasting up to stoplights (and watching the MPG go up), and then accelerating faster than I used to so I'd be back up at "Max MPG speed" as soon as possible.

03-25-2013, 04:52 AM	#43 (permalink)
wmjinman Master EcoModder Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Carson City, Nevada Posts: 612 Jimmy - '00 GMC Jimmy SLT 90 day: 21.18 mpg (US) The White Gnat - '99 Suzuki Swift Team Suzuki 90 day: 51.87 mpg (US) Thanks: 240 Thanked 114 Times in 90 Posts	I think the deal with the battery has to do with the charging. I believe the voltage regulator tries to make the battery charge until it reaches a certain voltage (13.5 -14 if I'm remembering right) Let's say your battery is "on it's way out" and only goes to 12.5 or lower when charged as full as it can get. The voltage regulator will be saying, "nope, not up to 13.5-14 yet, so keep charging". My grasp on electronics is kinda weak, so I might be totally wrong here, but that would be my guess.... The mileage actually starting to go DOWN as the tire pressure continues to rise is something I don't quite "get" either. If it starts to level off at a certain point, I could see that, but actually starting to go back down????? Of course, I'm thinking GAS mileage - I can see the centers of the tread wearing out prematurely if pumped way up all the time. It's exciting you have a ScanGauge on the way! I predict you're gonna love it! Be sure to learn how to calibrate it in your first 2 fill-ups once you get it, then also how to do the averages in the "trip" feature. The "current" is used to do A-B-A testing, and otherwise I love to drive around with "tank" average showing, so I kinda know how I'm doing for the tank. As far as not having cruise control, that's too bad, but you can still do valid testing. You'll just have to concentrate really hard on keeping your speed steady - and even harder on not subconsciously "skewing" the test my driving slightly more economically when testing the thing you're hoping will work. I'd suggest finding your maximum mpg speed first. It probably won't be a surprise - sounds like you pretty much have it figured out the slowest you can go in top gear. Oh, you know what's really neat? When you get your ScanGauge "calibrated" (on your 2nd fill-up after you hook it up), and then when driving your Max MPG speed, you see you're getting way better than you need to achieve your +45% to convince your friend. Then the challenge will be to try to KEEP that MPG going on forever. I think that's what finally got me serious about the LONG coasting up to stoplights (and watching the MPG go up), and then accelerating faster than I used to so I'd be back up at "Max MPG speed" as soon as possible.