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Re: Increasing MPG on 2001 Durango (5.9)
I started a similar thread in the Toyota Camry section (my commuter beater). But I would add the following:
1) Remove extraneous appendages from the exterior (roof racks in particular) and dead weight from the trunk.
2) Check the alignment and brakes.
3) Take it easy starting from a stop, especially when you know you'll have to stop again in a block or two. Enough gas to get going, then coast to the next light.
4) If you know your truck's shifting habits, try to get it to upshift as soon as possible. Lower rpms and light throttle is better.
5) If you're stopped at a light and you know the cycle will be long, shut it off. You can keep the electrics on to run the blower fan to keep air circulating. Be sure to shift into neutral (it won't restart in gear!) and watch the lights so you can restart just before you have to go.
6) If A/C is a must (and there are those days!) turn it on only long enough to cool the cabin down. Then turn just the A/C off and use the blower and recirc to take advantage of the "swamp-cooler" effect your evaporator will get from the water condensate that forms on it. I use a cheap vent thermometer to gauge when the A/C is pumping the max cold air and when the air gets hot enough to need the A/C on again...abt 85 degrees for me.
7) I've found that shifting into neutral on long downhill stretches will help mileage since the gas fed into your idling engine is less than when in gear and the engine is serving as an engine brake. I can't say if you'll actually increase speed (my 4wd Dak doesn't!), but the column shift may make this maneuver a little harder to do. Remember to keep speeds in line with traffic, but a little slower and in the right lane won't piss anyone off.
Hope this helps!
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Current Garage:
2009 Honda CR-V EX
2006 Mazda 3i
2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2003 GMC Envoy XL
2000 Honda ST1100
2000 Pontiac Sunfire
Vehicle History:
2003 Pontiac Vibe AWD - 1999 Acura Integra GS - 2004 4.7L Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 - 1996 GMC Jimmy 4wd - 1995 Chevrolet C2500 - 1992 Toyota Camry LE 2.2L - 1992 Chevrolet S10 Ext. Cab 4.3L - 1995 Honda ST1100 - 1980 Yamaha XS400 - 1980 Mercury Bobcat.
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