Economy Mode

[Matador 01]

My 03 DSDP has an economy mode on the transmisson. Question, any of you that have used this setting what's been your experience? Have you seen better fuel mileage, does transmission shift more often (hunt), do you mainly use it on straight and level runs????? Any comments/experience with this mode appreciated.

[BZam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matador 01 My 03 DSDP has an economy mode on the transmisson. Question, any of you that have used this setting what's been your experience? Have you seen better fuel mileage, does transmission shift more often (hunt), do you mainly use it on straight and level runs????? Any comments/experience with this mode appreciated.

If you do a message search for Economy Mode you will find this is a much discussed topic and will find a lot comment.

I like it much better as the shift pattern seems to suit my driving so I turn it on leaving and leave it on until I stop for the night.
\
Bob

[GaryKD]

Hi Matador 01,
I never use it. The Cummins downshifts only when it really needs to. So far I agree when downshifting happens. Higher revs also mean a cooler engine temp.

[clubmed98]

It was explained at a Spartan homecoming by Allison that it changed the shifting map. On the highway no noticeable difference, it was for better economy in stop and go traffic.

[Mike Canter]

On a flat and fairly level highway you will see no difference but you need to note that it will change the shift schedule if you climb grades. The motor will not downshift as much in Economy Mode. That is OK up to a point that it needs to downshift you keep the coolant temps down.

[f14av8r]

Econ Mode makes a BIG difference on my Winne with the 2500MH transmission. The ONLY way to get the transmission into sixth gear at less than 65 MPH is by using the MODE button. Works like a champ and I can stay in 6th on level roads all they way down to about 57 MPH. I typically cruise at 60 on the highway. My instantaneous MPG readouts indicate I improve my MPG by .5 to 1.0 mpg by being in 6th vs 5th on level roads. I run in ECON all the time unless I need I need a faster, more agressive shifting schedule when running in terrain or traffic.

[1ciderdog]

My 330 Cat shifts into 6th gear at about 55 mph in either economy or the regular mode. I've really noticed no difference in fuel economy but I do drive with a light throttle - gentle excelleration when in either mode.
Bob

[f14av8r]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog My 330 Cat shifts into 6th gear at about 55 mph in either economy or the regular mode. I've really noticed no difference in fuel economy but I do drive with a light throttle - gentle excelleration when in either mode. Bob

The shift schedule I was describing is, as I understand it, unique to the 2500 series Allison transmission. I believe all the 3000 and 4000 series six speed transmission will shift into sixth at lower speeds. Again, the ONLY way to get a 2500MH into sixth below approx 65 mph is to use ECON mode. At least that's the way it was explained to me at our Camp Freightliner class by Mike Cody.

[Wayne M]

I also attended the Camp Freightliner class. Mike stated what the shift point for 6th was, and I told him that mine shifted around 55 mph (2500 also), and he stated that it was not supposed to be that way. Some discussion ensued, and I hung my tail between my legs.

However, on this trip from Texas to Mass I specifically put the digital speedometer on the LBCU and monitored it. At 56 miles per hour, on flat ground, my Alyson 2500 shifts into 6th gear. It will hold that until approximately 53 mph. So mine must be broke. Go figure. It always happens to me.

[powerboatr]

on my recent trip to little rock i ran up with the mode selected. just over 260 miles and it was weird.
It did stay in 6th, even with the horrible headwinds, but the get up and go merge back into traffic was terrible as it up shifted way to early for the load we had on-board and out back.

the way back i left the mode OFF and it made me feel better merging back into traffic.
as for fuel economy
dash readout was consistent 7.2 up and back
haven't done the hand math yet to confirm. but my dash is pretty close to what i get manually
7 is my planning mpg for fuel legs.