Community Forums

Ray,IN · 03-21-2014, 07:26 PM

When we first bought our coach, I asked our youngest son-in-law about using(when/how) economy-mode. He said the very same thing as Mt. Wolfe. (He is a regional maintenance manager for one of the U.S.A.'s largest trucking fleets)
Is it possible to have the Allison computer module re-set to make economy-mode the default setting?

PushedAround · 03-21-2014, 07:50 PM

My MT2500 will not up shift into 6th gear when in normal so I do get better mileage in economy mode.

wb7auk · 03-22-2014, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

When we first bought our coach, I asked our youngest son-in-law about using(when/how) economy-mode. He said the very same thing as Mt. Wolfe. (He is a regional maintenance manager for one of the U.S.A.'s largest trucking fleets)
Is it possible to have the Allison computer module re-set to make economy-mode the default setting?

I do not know never heard anyone having it done.
I turn mine on before I move and it is very seldom that I turn it off, and
I can see where it would be nice for it to default to that as one has to turn
it on every time you shut down and restart.

Cat320 · 03-22-2014, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

...Is it possible to have the Allison computer module re-set to make economy-mode the default setting?

Every once in a while, I forget to turn mine on, so I reach down and do it. You can turn in on/off at any time...don't have to be in neutral or stopped, etc. So it's not a problem, even if you forget.

Pusherman · 03-22-2014, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PushedAround

My MT2500 will not up shift into 6th gear when in normal so I do get better mileage in economy mode.

If that's the case, then something is wrong with your coach. The Allison should upshift into 6th gear somewhere between 55-62 mph, in normal mode, depending on your specific gearing.

Mine shifts into 6th gear at about 56-57 mph in the normal mode.

I'd suggest you take it to an Allison certified shop and see what they suggest.

wb7auk · 03-22-2014, 06:11 PM

When in economy mode the transmission up shifts sooner than normal and down shifts later than when in normal mode.

1ciderdog · 03-22-2014, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wb7auk

When in economy mode the transmission up shifts sooner than normal and down shifts later than when in normal mode.

I understand what you are saying but I drive with a light foot and cannot tell any difference using the economy mode when driving except when in a bit of a hilly country. For me normal driving it shifts into 6th gear at 55 or 56 mph. When in the mountains I often push the arrow to shift down to lower egt temps or coolant temps. I haven't been able to tell any fuel useage difference but that might just be the way I'm driving. I use an Excel spread sheet and do track all the fuel consumption and just don't see a difference. Hats off to you guys that do get better mpg.

wb7auk · 03-23-2014, 04:41 AM

I have never ran mine in normal mode for the most part and on steep pulls I also
just down shift one gear but that is rare.
I unlike what appears to be most do not have high egt or coolant temps.

PushedAround · 03-26-2014, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pusherman

If that's the case, then something is wrong with your coach. The Allison should upshift into 6th gear somewhere between 55-62 mph, in normal mode, depending on your specific gearing.

Mine shifts into 6th gear at about 56-57 mph in the normal mode.

I'd suggest you take it to an Allison certified shop and see what they suggest.

Thanks. Mine does shift into 6th at around 60~62 when in economy. I was playing around with it yesterday and found that when I was in 6th in economy and changed to normal, it stayed in 6th, until I slowed. Then it downshifted back to 5th. So I decided to run it up and found that it will shift into 6th in normal, but not until I get to 68 mph. It's probably the difference in shifting strategy due to my 6.7 ISB, and it's lower amount of torque.

wb7auk · 04-21-2014, 12:36 PM

post

stik · 04-21-2014, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

When we first bought our coach . . .
Is it possible to have the Allison computer module re-set to make economy-mode the default setting?

YES! I had mine re-programmed by Allison in Feb, 2013.

Using strictly the Freightliner information center numbers:

First 33,0067 miles (before re-programming) overall avg was 8.4 mpg.
Last 16,733 miles (after re-progamming) overall avg is 9.3 mpg.

I was constantly forgetting to select the econ mode. The $165 charge was well worth it as far as I am concerned.

The earlier shifting during acceleration (economy mode) is where the improved economy comes from (my thoughts, anyway).

jamesrxx951 · 04-21-2014, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rag_ftw

I have a WOT definition question. Is WOT "pedal to the metal" or is it pedal pushed to the "passing gear" position but not through the resistance?

There is no such thing as passing gear. When a forced downshift occurs, the transmission computer will determine what is the best gear to downshift into. The correct gear for the downshift will be determined by current vehicle speed and how much fuel pedal the drivers activates.

wb7auk · 04-21-2014, 05:49 PM

By letting up on the throttle above 30 mph the transmission will shift to the next
gear.

WILDEBILL308 · 04-21-2014, 07:40 PM

Interesting my coach will not shift into 6th until 65 mph. I can run 1650 in 5th at about 56 or I can run 65 in 6th at 1650 rpm. It doesn't seem to mater if I am in economy or not.
My milage for 18 fill ups last summer was 9.96 mpg
Bill