Actual gas mileage

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Sat May 10, 2008 10:19 am

Don't forget the mileage increase is probably due to the winter blend of gas going bye bye! Hey, tell the wife.... it's better to just draft, then to bump draft ..or "Rubbin' is racin'!!! hhahahaha I have a big tire mark on the drivers door of the 06 right now... no race going on , but a guy bought a car at the auction down the road and was headed home, past my house and lost the front wheel !!! It traveled 140 feet across my front yard before slamming the door and bouncing behind the car. Check the picture in the attachment!

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WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Sat May 10, 2008 10:51 am

Dog gone. Looks like you were at Darlington tonight. Hope the guy had insurance on the rig from the auction.

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Sat May 10, 2008 11:02 am

I have all his info and a police report on it but giving him the chance to make it right with cash! Door needs reskinned or another door. I told him I would take another Lava colored door, but it has to be perfect, and that would save him so cash and get it fixed quicker. It maybe going back to GM under lemon law anyway... trans issues!

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Sat May 10, 2008 11:05 am

Yeah if ya didn't know better it looks like Busch getting into Jr last week! Thank God I kept it off the wall!!! Hahhahahaa

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Sat May 10, 2008 11:55 am

Those two are battling it out again tonite. I was at Talladega 2 weeks ago and saw them.Good luck with the car.Dan

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Sat May 10, 2008 11:49 pm

Dan, I have never got a look at a scan gauge up close and personal. The upper left corner... is that gallons per hour burned? I was reading your blog.... you are living life the best way.. seeing something new almost everyday, Meeting new people and enjoying your family. If you are ever going to be in the Noblesville, IN area, drop me a line ahead of time, I have 3+ acres and a place to plug in your RV. You all sound like our kinda folks! By the way, the wheels and tires on your vibe, what size? and are they diameter wise the same as stock?

VivaVibe · Post by **VivaVibe** » Sun May 11, 2008 12:44 am

Quote, originally posted by jsimon63 Â»Don't forget the mileage increase is probably due to the winter blend of gas going bye bye! No winter blend gas here. Besides, I'd say Dec to Feb is considered winter when the increase began. And the 1 mpg bump has persisted all the way from Dec to May.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Sun May 11, 2008 1:13 am

Quote, originally posted by Kamikaze Â»06 AT base... City.. I'm Struggeling to get more than 20mpg... I have gotten close to 32-33mpg hwy, but consistantly I'm getting 19-21mpg city. Stock airbox (filter changed 4k ago) synthetic oil (Mobil 1) 28k on car.I'm running 18's w/ 225/40/18's @ 35psi, but it was the same with the factory 17's..I've tried a few of the resets, but have not been able to test it... Will post more w/results in a week or so...Ok first tank since reset...27.8mpg206 miles on 7.4 gallons, almost all hwy, 65mph sorry don't have the RPM's, but TPS was around 24,25,26.at idle my TPS is at 15-16.I think my highest RPM's were 4400 (once) otherwise it was all under 3k. most of it under 2,500.Now what should I do? I guess I can try different gas... I'm sure my Mobil gas station (that I work at) is going to love me if I start getting 10 more MPG's with a competitor's gas... Hopefully it's not the gas.

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Sun May 11, 2008 1:58 am

Yes, that is Gallons Per Hour. That little gauge has been worth every penny I paid for it last year. I swap it into my Jeep Cherokee when I drive it out of town. Actually I bought it for the Jeep but use it more in the Vibe. The standard shift really allows me to achieve great mileage.Thanks for the ivitation and the comments on my blog. We sure enjoy traveling in the coach and making so many new friends. I measure my wealth in friends, not money.DanPSThe tires are 225/45/17 but they are coming off very soon. Just about wore out. I am looking at 225/55/17 for the new ones to fill up the fender wells better. I can't lower it because we tow it and it can't go lower the weay I have the system set up.

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Sun May 11, 2008 4:15 am

No winter blend!! Must be less bugs in the grill then! hahahhaa! I've seen some of those bugs down there, it's like hitting a deer! A change in brand could do it. There is a Marathon station on my way to work, when I get gas there, I always, always get 2-3 mpg less. I stopped buying it there. Even if I worked there, I have to do what is right for MY pocket! Does the scan gauge plug into the test port under the dash?

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Sun May 11, 2008 6:00 am

Does the scan gauge plug into the test port under the dash?[/QUOTE]Yes it does. Set the engine and tank size and you are ready to go. Takes all of 3 minutes. I do not have the updates on mine. I think it checks 12 different areas of concern.Dan

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Sun May 11, 2008 7:19 am

Yes it does. Set the engine and tank size and you are ready to go. Takes all of 3 minutes. I do not have the updates on mine. I think it checks 12 different areas of concern.Dan[/QUOTE]Yep plugs right into the OBDII..I have the SCII w/ X guage, I know it can monitor more than what just the SCII could, but not quite sure what all the differences are.

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Sun May 11, 2008 8:55 am

Well, ya can't beat that! Real time mileage numbers, Fuel Economy Â» Fuel Rate Â» Battery Voltage Â» Coolant Temperature Â» Intake Air Temperature Â» Engine Speed (RPM) Â» Vehicle speed (MPH and KM/H) Â» Manifold Pressure (not available on some vehicles) Â» Engine Load Â» Throttle Position Â» Ignition Timing Â» Open/Closed Loop I just checked out the website, very cool! Glad I have a birthday coming up! And that things seems simple enough to use that even I won't have to grab a 12 year old off the street to set it up!

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Sun May 11, 2008 9:59 am

I got mine from a guy selling on ebay, last year, for 159. He was in indiana somewhere. I have seen them for that price recently. In my opinion, well worth it. I do not like to hold folks up behind me as I am a hotrodder but I do coast a lot around town. It is amazing how well the Vibe coasts and I have 10 inch tires on it. They are aired up to 40 lbs.dan

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Sun May 11, 2008 11:37 am

They are selling on their website for 169. Not baly priced if they are bring 159 on eBay. I baby the Vibe since the supercharger sucks down the premium a lot fast then normally aspirated. I was paying $3+ a gallon for racing gas to drive my 8 second 48 ford 10 years ago and I got 10mpg with that on the highway. Coast if ya gotta, the hotrodder in ya knows, there is a time and a place, and in town ain't it!

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Sun May 11, 2008 11:41 am

here is a picture of what 10mpg looks like with my, now 18 yr old, son polishing the blower! More pics if you are interested in seeing more.... let me know

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WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Sun May 11, 2008 12:20 pm

Oh boy. Send the pics to me @ gregg_dan at hotmail.com No wonder you need 3 acres.Dan

altimar · Post by **altimar** » Sun May 11, 2008 12:43 pm

Re: ScangaugeQuote, originally posted by WD0AFQ Â»I got mine from a guy selling on ebay, last year, for 159.The best price now is $150 shipped if you get in the groupbuy on the CleanMPG forum. They've been filling groups in a week or so. Mine is on the way and the next group already has 6 people. I think they ship at 15.http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums...10862

prathman · Post by **prathman** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:14 pm

Yes, the ScanGaugeII seems like a very nice product. I just bought one in preparation for another 2300 mile trip in one of our Vibes next weekend. The new Xgauge feature lets you monitor the oxygen sensors, whether the ECU is adjusting for a richer or leaner air/fuel mixture, and approximate horsepower output in addition to the previous features.

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:24 pm

It is amazing how much fuel one can save by just paying close attention to the tps reading. I watch it most of the time. I have just begun watching the gph. I use the altitude reading on my gps in conjunction with the scangauge. It is very difficult to tell when one is on a slight grade. With the gps you can see it and adjust your foot appropriately to increase, or at least maintain, your mileage.Dan

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Sun May 11, 2008 9:44 pm

Dan the pictures are on the way! I also checked out the CleanMPG site. Looks pretty cool and they are starting a new "buy" for the scan gauge. They also ship with less orders then before because it take a while to get 15-20 people in on it. Check it out! I'm going to join the site.

NibCrom · Post by **NibCrom** » Sun May 11, 2008 10:06 pm

36 MPG on the way to Iowa! Woohoo!Only like 31 coming back because of strong winds.

NJVibe04Salsa · Post by **NJVibe04Salsa** » Sun May 11, 2008 11:23 pm

I bought mine (Scangauge II) on Amazon for $159.95 with free shipping last year. Just checked and they still have them in stock. Amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/5sl24cCan't beat that group-buy price of $150 though!~Rolan

cycleb · Post by **cycleb** » Mon May 12, 2008 12:44 am

Happy to say, about 2,000 miles on new ('08) w/automatic, 37.18mpg, 60% highway, the rest in town and through the hills of Appalachia in SE Ohio.

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Mon May 12, 2008 2:07 am

Thats great! I have gotten close with the 06 36mpg...once! Gotta put my right foot on a diet!

Daox · Post by **Daox** » Mon May 12, 2008 2:10 am

Ahhh, gotta love the summer gas again! Last 4 tanks have been right at or above 40 mpg.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon May 12, 2008 2:21 am

What are you guys doing to obtain high 30mpg's?I'm no hypermiler... (Doax) but I like to think I'm lite on the pedals (including brake, so coming up to stop lights I usually don't have to stop b/c the lights turn green)Is my TPS running high when at 65mph? should it be between 23 & 25? it's pretty "flat" ground (no real big hills or mountains) I try to P&G (Pulse & Glide) when I can on hills to help conserve, and even tried shutting off the car if I'm at a stop light that I know I'm going to be sitting at for longer than a minute.I was finding at 50mph I could obtain 40mpg on the scanguage.. but let's face it 50mph in a 70mph zone = death.

Daox · Post by **Daox** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:28 am

I could explain some techniques to you, but I have a very good alternative. There is a Minnesota Hybrid Group meet going on this comming weekend in St. Cloud. You could go there and get some driver training from someone who will drive with you and show you what you can do better. They'll teach you anything from mild to wild. No need to have a hybrid to go, they'd be glad to have you.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:31 am

WOW... How Ironic!Man. I have to work my full weekend this weekend... I'll have to see if I can get someone to work my Saturday for me...Thank you Daox!

ajflan · Post by **ajflan** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:45 am

Ok, I have read so many posts about people getting mpg in the 30's, yet I have never seen mine go above 28 mpg. I have come to the conclusion that some people drive nothing but freeway all the time, or they are driving rediculously slow. I will be the first to say that I would much rather enjoy driving my car than to squeeze a few measly mpg out of it. I somtimes even embrace my lead foot and see how FEW mpg I can get.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:20 am

Quote, originally posted by ajflan Â». I will be the first to say that I would much rather enjoy driving my car than to squeeze a few measly mpg out of it. I somtimes even embrace my lead foot and see how FEW mpg I can get. I truley know what you're saying... up until my vibe... I've never cared anything about my MPG's, and actually I really wouldn't with my vibe too, but my Mom & Dad both just bought Prius's... My dad gives me weekly updates on what he gets for MPG... basically for us that's just how we have fun with the cars... Obviously I'm not in competition with him to see who can get better but it's more like just trying to beat your current best score...

NJVibe04Salsa · Post by **NJVibe04Salsa** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:25 am

You guys are all taunting me with such excellent mileage.I drove roughly 15 miles yesterday on fairly flat highway traveling 55 mph. Scangauge reported avg 17-18TPS and 20-25TPS on slight inclines. At the end of 15 miles, the device reported my current trip MPG to be a sad 24.4Driving with the scangauge I'm much more aware of when the car is shifting gears. The only way I can see above 34 MPG is coasting downhill with little or no throttle. Often it seems like it's stuck in 3rd gear because there is a distinct step in mileage when it shifts (20-23mpg vs 27-29mpg).I'm wondering if there is something wrong with my overdrive gear. The Pontiac dealer refuses to acknowledge any problems because "the computer" doesn't report anything. I've been complaining about the mileage every time I brought it in for service since the 2nd week I purchased it new back in 2004. Any clues or suggestions?2004 AWD Salsa moons and tunes.~Rolan

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:15 am

It makes me feel a little better hearing other people not pulling super high #'s... I still think there's something wrong with my TPS, but I guess there really isn't anything I can do about it... If I really want to get good gas milage for my vibe... I should ride a pedal bike...

Daox · Post by **Daox** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:20 am

I'll check what the TPS is on mine on the way home tonight. Mine is a 5 speed.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:57 am

set cruise at 58mph TPS was 23-24 (auto)

NibCrom · Post by **NibCrom** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:15 am

I usually only get about 32-33 highway, but to get 36 MPG I:Made sure my tires were properly inflated.Set cruise at about 72.Mine is a base, 4-speed auto, 2005.

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:56 am

I think the standard shift is why I can get good mileage and, I run 40lbs of air in my 10 inch wide tires. With the GT and the 6 speed I run down the road at 15 tps at 56 mph. I do not do freeways if I can help it unless we are on a long trip. I would pick up another Vibe, base model, if I could find one with 5 speed at a good price. If I run the interstate at 70 mph my mileage really falls off so I like taking my time on the two lane roads. I feel like I am speeding at 56 mph as the speed limit is 55.That is my story here.Dan

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Mon May 12, 2008 9:28 am

Dan, what are we going to do with you! 56mph is for 3 gear! hahhaha! Like you, I would take a rural 2 lane over the highway anyday. Like the good ole days and Route 66. Sure, thats your story and you're stickin to it! Just stay away from the 03 Vibes with 5 speeds. There was a bearing issue in the trans, lost my trans all the sudden in my 03. Was drivng home from work, started to wine a little, pulled out on to main rode and it sounded like a broom handle in a bucket of ice! I babied it the last 8 miles, checked the fluid, changed it then drove up the road 1/4 mile and it locked up! They get big money for 5 speeds for Vibes. But better MPG Didn't ever get under 31 MPG with it

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Mon May 12, 2008 9:59 am

Thanks for that advice Joe. I been over on ebay bidding on an 02 Ford ZX-2. I did not think it worth 4500 which is what the buy it now price was. I offered him 3500 but he did not take it. 5 speed.dan

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Mon May 12, 2008 10:25 am

No problem, always trying to help out. I saw a 96 Corolla wagon for $2500 in the AutoRV last week, and I thought, that would be sweet, pick it up, put Matrix emblems on it and see how many people would believe me if I told them it was an early model Matrix?! Plus it was a 5 speed! Has 103K on it.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon May 12, 2008 10:39 am

Quote, originally posted by WD0AFQ Â»With the GT and the 6 speed I run down the road at 15 tps at 56 mph. Wow! mine barely idles at 15tps... it's usually 15-16 TPS @ idle ~ 650rpms

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Mon May 12, 2008 10:51 am

Pop it in neutral or park and see what it idles at. Does not matter, just try to keep it as low as possible at hiway speeds. I drive my motorhome using a vacuum gauge.Dan

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Mon May 12, 2008 11:04 am

Watch out Dan, you are showing your age!! Hahahaha Ok Kids, here is a flash back, in the 70's, I think it was a Chrysler product, had a tri color vauum gauge mounted out on the front of the front fender, along with turn signal lights, so you could, at a glance, see if you were driving in the "green" and getting the best mileage you could. Anyone else that remembers may adjust this memory if need be!

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Mon May 12, 2008 12:05 pm

Well, the scangauge won't work on my coach so I have to use what I can. I have about 12 gauges in my dash. Looks kinda like an airplane cockpit. The Vibe loves riding along behind.Dan

Daox · Post by **Daox** » Mon May 12, 2008 9:05 pm

Quote, originally posted by Kamikaze Â»Wow! mine barely idles at 15tps... it's usually 15-16 TPS @ idle ~ 650rpmsAt 65 my tps is around 16-19. Idle is around 11 but thats because its a 5 speed.I'm actually a bigger fan of the LOD readout though. I usually accelerate at around 80% load. This gives you close to peak brake specific fuel consumption (horsepower per amount of fuel). Unfortunately, this is very hard to do on an automatic without sending your rpm sky high.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon May 12, 2008 9:21 pm

Quote, originally posted by Daox Â»At 65 my tps is around 16-19. Idle is around 11 but thats because its a 5 speed.I'm actually a bigger fan of the LOD readout though. I usually accelerate at around 80% load.Thanks Daox... That's a huge difference my question regarding the tps though...why would mine read so much higher at idle? you'd think if you have your clutch in you'd be running about the same RPM's as me at idle.It must be in how they design the auto's the TPS just runs higher...Thanks for the info on the LOD, I might have to try watching that too, just to see if there is anything I can change... (w/o taching it up)ANYONE have an AUTO with a scanguage where they can test at Idle what the TPS reads? also at about 60-65mph what the TPS reads?

Daox · Post by **Daox** » Mon May 12, 2008 10:17 pm

The reason for increased idle TPS is that the torque converter puts a load on the engine when in drive so you need more air/fuel to sustain idle rpms. A manual trans doesn't have to do this. Check to see what the difference is between having your car idle in park/neutral versus drive. I'll bet theres a slight difference. This is easier to gauge with the GPH readout as you can see more of a physical fuel useage drop, but TPS should also go down.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon May 12, 2008 11:27 pm

I knew it had something to do with the torque converter, I just didn't know how to put it into words... I tried the Neutral thing, but my idle goes up to a little over 1k rpms and the TPS stays about the same... maybe goes down to 15 if at 16, but I have not seen 14.I'll watch the LOD and the GPH along with the TPS to see what happens... usually I have MPG, MPH TPS and RPM's... being that I already know speed and RPM's from the dash, I'll try using LOD GPH TPS and MPG...Doesn't look like I'll get out of work on Saturday to meet the guys from CleanMPG

jsimon63 · Post by **jsimon63** » Mon May 12, 2008 11:30 pm

Just filled up the 04 with premium OUCH! $41.50 for 10.6 gallons. Got 28.1 mpg mostly city! Not to shabby for a Supercharged Vibe with auto trans!

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon May 12, 2008 11:31 pm

Quote, originally posted by jsimon63 Â» Got 28.1 mpg mostly city! Not to shabby for a Supercharged Vibe with auto trans!nice! better than what I can do.

Actual gas mileage

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