Runaway Suburban

[uwe]

My 1997 C1500 Suburban ( 65kmiles) loves to coast with little or no throttle input. This is sort of nice on the freeway but necessitates constant braking around town. It literally would run from 45-50 up to 70mph down the slightest downhill grades. The symptom is less noticeable when driving in 3rd around town or down long hills. The idle is at around 500rpm, so it's not that the idle speed is too high. Is this normal? I only had the vehicle since August, and am still trying to sort out a few issues. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[blueburbboober]

to make sure it isnt your vehicle *powering* it around town, try kickin it into neutral sometimes, and see if its still gaining speed. with basic michilin tires like you have, and it being a newer vehicle, i would just say that you have really low rolling resistance and to count your blessings. im willin to bet you have really great gas mileage. :-)

-rob

[EdH]

My 96 does the same thing. Took some getting used to after driving an Aerostar that would actually downshift when slowing down, but when I can get 18mpg (Sub) on a trip......who's complaining!

[uwe]

Thanks Rob, thanks Ed.
My previous vehicles were a Dodge van, and before this a Ford van, both V8 powered and full size vehicles with overdrive trannies. They did not do this coasting thing like the Suburban. That's why was wondering if this is normal. I guess it's in line with your experiences, so i won't worry about it.
I do get 18mpg travelling, and about 14 in city driving. I get 12mpg towing a 5500lb trailer. Yeah, why complain!
Need to get friendly with a brake shop, I guess......

[blueburbboober]

if its really taking off on you, drop it into "3", it turns off the overdrive and helps keep your speed down. when towing a trailer, you shouldnt ever have it in "overdrive" EVER. just some suggestions and things i noticed in my day to day experiences.

-Rob