Hypermiling w/ an automatic tran? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

walkerjody · 10-02-2008, 08:26 AM

Hello,
I am new to the whole hypermiling thing. I own a 1996 Geo Metro Lsi Sedan w/ an automatic transmission. I've just had to replace the engine, and I do not want to damage the new one. Can anybody give some tips to save gas w/ an automatic transmission? Is it safe to pulse n glide w/ an automatic transmission ... ie: I'm not talking about turning the engine off. I'd most likely just keep the engine on, but shift down to neutral on hills, etc. I do not want to cause any damage to this new engine. Thanks in advance. I'm enjoying re-learning how to drive. haha. Thanks.

Daox · 10-02-2008, 09:06 AM

Welcome to the site.

Using pulse and glide with engine on in neutral is just fine and won't damage your engine in any way. It will wear our your transmission slightly faster, but probably not more than a lot of city driving would do (lots of shifting). Other than that, definitly check out the 100+ hypermiling tips for more ideas.

saunders1313 · 10-02-2008, 10:36 AM

Welcome. We always like seeing new people. I have a Monte Carlo that is automatic, and my wife's Elantra is automatic and I Pulse and Glide (P&G) with them all the time. Daox is right, the wear is not on the engine it's on the transmission, actually wouldn't there be less wear on the engine because you are running lower RPMs and coasting more. Well have fun, you'll be surprised how far you can coast in neutral, especially down a small hill.

99metro · 10-02-2008, 11:16 AM

Coast in neutral A LOT. Coast up to stop signs in neutral from a ways - like 1/3 mile - from 55 mph. Don't go over 55 mph. You might want to invest in a Scangauge, or other real-time MPG device. It's darn near mandatory for the best fuel economy.

I have been P&G my other 3 vehicles with automatics. It takes some work, but doable. All my "glides" have been in neutral. You will be able to do MUCH MUCH better than 37mpg!

i_am_socket · 10-02-2008, 12:34 PM

I P&G in my auto all the time. I even EOC now and then at highway speeds, which I know is horrible but I do it anyway. Neutral will do you just fine.

Unforgiven · 10-02-2008, 05:19 PM

Have done a little of P&G with my Impala, but have had to end the EOC due to a security glitch that sometimes crops up and does not allow me to restart the vehicle for about 8 minutes. Timing and coasting will definately help you out, even if you dont coast in neutral or do the EOC. Good luck.

RH77 · 10-03-2008, 01:52 AM

I've done it in the last 3 years or about 40K miles. I haven't seen any problems with it. Starter cranks, transmission shifts firmly -- but is aging and has some quirks (140K miles). It really improves FE, for sure...

RH77

walkerjody · 10-03-2008, 08:41 AM

Thanks everybody. I Pulse n Glided all the way to work this morning, 67 miles - yes, looooong commute I know. Anyway, everything seems to be going very well. I'll keep y'all posted after I fill up, etc. tonight. I was a little weary of trying P&G again, since my last engine broke down. I'm not sure why it broke down, but I cannot afford that happening again ... EVER. So it seems safe to do this, as long as I do not cut the engine off, from what I've read, etc.

99metro · 10-03-2008, 08:51 AM

My one-way commute is only 55 miles. With an automatic, you shouldn't turn the engine off (of course) - tranny pump won't work. Glad to see you got back on the horse with automatic tranny P&G!

IF you ever have to replace the engine, I'd suggest a JDM engine. It's a bit easier on the wallet and, IMO, well worth it.

walkerjody · 10-03-2008, 08:58 AM

Hopefully I will never have to replace the engine again ... haha NOT a fun experience. We looked at all our options, and for my model we had to go w/ a Jasper ... went fairly well, and the warranty is outstanding.