I still have not yet passed the 2k mile mark on my HHR, and have already posted this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3814124170_12c3272fdf.jpg

I did this driving 55 mph on the highway, with the A/C on. for most of the drive.

On the subject of A/C, I played with the system to see if it behaved in the same manner as my Impala used to. I turned off the A/C at the switch, and then turned the system to recirculate. As I hoped, this does cycle the A/C back on, but acts as an "economy" mode, cycling the compressor at the minimum level possible to keep the interior set at the desired temperature.

This figure was netted going up from an altitude of ~3500 feet, over two 7,000 foot plus (Raton and Monument on I-25) mountain passes, and settling in at 5280 ft in the Denver area.

I got 38 mpg from the DIC while in the Rockies last month. I thought this was pretty sweet:

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/5888/580w.jpg

Most I dared to go was about 425 though.

Mine was showing well over 600 miles on the DTE screen after I filled the tank this morning. This however has been quickly erased with a city run to get the front windows tinted.

I'm curious, since my experience with the DIC proves it to be only a guide, what was your mileage figured mathematically between fill ups?

I'm curious, since my experience with the DIC proves it to be only a guide, what was your mileage figured mathematically between fill ups?

Mine is creating a pattern of displaying ~.8 mpg lower than calculated. This is the first mileage computer that I've had in my vehicles that has done this. Others have always been high.

Will the AC trick work even when its hot in the car or do you have to cool the cabin first?

Mine is creating a pattern of displaying ~.8 mpg lower than calculated. This is the first mileage computer that I've had in my vehicles that has done this. Others have always been high.

I have seen the same results, but my DIC shows about 1 mpg higher than when calculated. I also lost about 3 mpg when i went from 16" to 18" wheels. I know average around 29 mpg.

Will the AC trick work even when its hot in the car or do you have to cool the cabin first?

I simply put the system on recirculate, leave the A/C switch "off", and let the climate control do it's thing. The A/C compressor will cycle on and run until the cabin has cooled down. Once this occurs, I'll then see the engine going into fuel cutoff mode more often on downhill grades (99mpg on instant screen). If the compressor is on, you'll see the 60 - 80 or so mpg on the same downhill grades.

Seriously, I hope you guys are as concerned about watching the road while your driving as you are watching the DIC and being concerned about if the A/C cycles so you get that extra 1/2 MPG from your car.

It scares me when I'm on the road with people more worried about things in their car than the actually control of the vehicle.

What is there to worry about? The entire extent of this effort was to simply push the recirc button, and turn the A/C "off" (light off on the switch), and then drive the car. I actually keep mine on the instantaneous mileage screen, set the cruise, and go. You should check your gauges often when driving. The picture you see in my original post was taken while parked in my folks driveway. If you want a distracting video game dashboard, drive a Prius. I have over a million miles of driving experience under my belt, so I think I know what I'm doing. :D

No, I do not advocate driving and staring at the DIC constantly.

How many gallons would or tank be? I alway put 13 gallons in when I fill up with a take that has a gallon or 2 in it. And the dic always says ill get 400 miles. And I always avrage like 27 mpg. But I drive in town a lot. And then maybe 6 miles on the highway every day

My concern is in both pics the check engine light is on.

How many gallons would or tank be? I alway put 13 gallons in when I fill up with a take that has a gallon or 2 in it. And the dic always says ill get 400 miles. And I always avrage like 27 mpg. But I drive in town a lot. And then maybe 6 miles on the highway every day


16.1 gallons if I remmember correctly.

My concern is in both pics the check engine light is on.


I think they just had the iginition on.....;)

I think they just had the iginition on.....;)

That is correct.

That is correct.

If the engine is not running;the DIC is not acurate.

Huh? I can sit there for 10 hours with the ignition on and the MPG doesn't change.

Nobody's talking about coasting with the engine off.

He's showing AVG..not instant

Geez! I wish I could get that kind of mileage! I will have to try the A/C trick. So I don't have to run the A/C to get it working? Just turn it off, and to recirculate? Hmm.... Although on a day like today, I don't care what my mileage is...turn up the air!

We are using the A/C trick and it works great. Trust me you dont have to worry about it getting it cold. We are seeing 100 degree temps and it works just fine.

Rex

If the engine is not running;the DIC is not acurate.

Once again. The vehicle was parked in the driveway after reaching my destination. The engine was off as to not needlessly idle away fuel while taking the picture.

Please read the whole thread.

Geez! I wish I could get that kind of mileage! I will have to try the A/C trick. So I don't have to run the A/C to get it working? Just turn it off, and to recirculate? Hmm.... Although on a day like today, I don't care what my mileage is...turn up the air!

The A/C trick is only a part of it. I drive 55 mph maximum, and keep to the right lane so that I don't get in the way of faster traffic. When I do have to slow down, I coast as much as possible before touching the brakes.