Pulse and glide with Caravan automatic (actually EOC)

[MetroMPG]

That's what I would say, yup. And I agree with Rick - I think the "brake to shift" warning is a safety issue and not a technical one (except from P, but you're not doing that when EOCing).

[popimp]

It was kind of weird watching the SG2 display 9999 for my MPG when EOC. One more question then I'm done. Would it be better to wait until the engine is fully warm before doing EOC?

[brucepick]

I found my steering got a lot lighter when I went beyond 44 psi to about 50.

That lightness is what gave me the idea to remove the belt that runs the p/s as well as the a/c. I'm sure powerLESS steering would be tougher at 30 psi than at 50-52.

Though I suppose you already have your tires up where you want them...

[RH77]

Originally Posted by popimp

One more question then I'm done. Would it be better to wait until the engine is fully warm before doing EOC?

That's a good question. Many technique-oriented hypermilers use a kind-of "stepped-up" approach to warming up a vehicle: Pulse up to certain speed, shut down and coast, restart, pulse, coast, shutdown, repeat.

Since I have an automatic, especially with a cold-soak, I do this only when I have to stop for extended periods (traffic light, parking toll booth, etc.) I feel there is a lot of stress on the engine/transmission with fluctuating temps at cold start (especially below 30F) -- so it's kept to a minimum. It's a personal decision on how much wear you want to place on the starter, battery, and other components -- especially at cold startup.

Originally Posted by brucepick

I found my steering got a lot lighter when I went beyond 44 psi to about 50.

That lightness is what gave me the idea to remove the belt that runs the p/s as well as the a/c. I'm sure powerLESS steering would be tougher at 30 psi than at 50-52.

Though I suppose you already have your tires up where you want them...

I agree. At 50 psi, steering is much lighter in my application. But with the Chrysler-based minivan design, so much weight and pressure is placed on the front axle -- making it harder to steer. I've rented about 6 Chrysler minivan variants (Caravan, Grand Caravan, and Town/Country). 2.4L I-4, 3.3L, and 3.8L - V-6s. Mileage ranged from 18.5 mpg in the 3.8L mpg to ~22 in the 4-cyl (combined). I grew up driving an '88 Plymouth Voyager SE, 3.0L (Mistu) V-6. At 250K miles, the speedo/odo quit, but it kept going until 300k (?) before we sold it and I got my own car. The Plymouth was virtually indestructible. Good times

RH77

[MetroMPG]

Popimp: any updates on engine-off coasting the Caravan?

[popimp]

Yes I did it for a day but I haven't driven the van since then. To get the least amount of jerk I have to give the van a second or two before I take it from Nuetral to Drive after starting.

[popimp]

I filled up today and got 25.47 MPG. I drove on the highway from here to San Francisco with is about 50 miles one way. There was a bit of city driving while I was there. I'm not sure if EOC is working or not but I got better MPG compared to my last highway drive, although I won't rule out fill errors.

[DifferentPointofView]

I experience a surge in rpms when shifting to drive from neutral and also with the same bit of surge when shifting back to drive. Maybe a Chrysler thing? It says somewhere in the manual that it shifts automatically into neutral or the highest gear possible (I forget what my manual says) I'll only shift to neutral at stoplights now.

[popimp]

Are you shifting with the engine on or off?

[DifferentPointofView]

It's an auto tranny, and of course it's with the engine on, because to have RPM you have to have it on.