Mileage Computer

[SteamboatInn]

How does the mileage computer work? I mean, does it reset only when you push the reset button? Or does it calculate mileage and then reset when the fuel tank is refilled? I realize I ask lots of questions. Thanks for the replies. Bruce

[RJOL]

Lots of different trucks out there, but most of the ones I know, especially Dodge, will average the fuel mpg until you reset it.  It will reset the DTE (Distance To Empty) each time you refill the tank.  Hope this helps... 

[Driller]

 Chevys seem to be the same as a Dodge. 

[mill524]

I agree with RJOL, each time you refill, the DTE will automatically reset.  On the mileage portion, the longer one drives without resetting, the closer the average MPG will be  to accurate. If I am taking a fairly long trip with the fifth wheel, I usually reset and leave it until l return home.  You will get a fairly close average MPG that way.  My readout usually shows a little better mileage than I really get by dividing miles by Gallons used.  Hope this helps.

There is also an elapsed time of trip function if you want to know how long you were driving.

[Exploring Wises]

 A reminder to those of you that might have added a chip or other power increaser to your truck, your computer may no longer be accurate.  That is the case with our truck since we added the Juice module because it has to fool the computer with some false readings and consequently, the computer thinks we are doing better, fuel mileage wise, then we really are.  Our numbers such as miles to empty, average mph are off by 15-20%.  I've been in touch with the company that makes the module and "that's just the way it is."

You milage may differ - that's so funny...

Stacy

[Ancient Mariner]

I agree with RJOL, each time you refill, the DTE will automatically reset. 

Be careful of the DTE readings though.  I'm not sure what Dodge and GM use, but on a Ford, the DTE is a computation using the last 400 miles.  If I've been running around solo for several weeks, my DTE will read 470 miles on a full tank.  If I hook up to the trailer, my DTE will still read 470 miles for the first tank even though I know it should read about 300.   I just use the old fashioned fuel gauge.

[padredw]

I agree with those above who express caution in expecting precision with these MPG indicators. Fortunately (in my opinion) my tow vehicle does not have such an indicator, but the last two automobiles (one driven almost 100,000 miles; the other just 15,000 to date) have had one. One thing it does help: I "drive to" the indicator and therefore am a better and more fuel efficient driver. But that also makes another point: I can "drive to" the indicator and make it read better MPG than actual.

Bottom line for me: I like the indicator. It helps my driving, but I would never base my report of MPG on such an indicator. Only way to get accurate MPG figures is to divide odometer miles by gallons added to the tank, and that better over many fill-ups and many miles.

[jtwhites85]

Also keep in mind that the MPG is calibrated for the factory installed tires and if you change them you will not get an accurate reading. I know this first hand as I used my GPS against the computer after going from 265 to 285 and monitoring the fuel. I "lost" 2.5 MPH due to the tire change. But, I was able to get the A/T tires that I wanted and have had good success with.

[mr. ed]

For a real hoot, reset the mileage indicator just before descending a long grade. You'll be quite pleased to see your truck getting 30 MPG or more   ...Mr. Ed

2007 Hitchhiker II 29.5 LKTG 5th wheel
2007 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/SRW/SB/4X4/6-speed man/Big Horn Edition/16k Husky manual slider hitch

[CampingCaptain]

The mileage computer in my 2000 Dodge showed not only average MPG but also had a display for the current MPG that your driving is giving you.  My 2004 Dodge only has average MPG which I reset after each fill-up.  I liked the feature in the 2000 Dodge because it was a constant reminder of what your driving was doing to your fuel economy numbers.  You really learned to appreciate the difference in numbers between a normal, gradual rate of acceleration and a pedal to the metal, let's get her rolling now rate of acceleration.  Ooh-Rah.    Don't ask me how I know about the last type.   

Bryan 

[Newt]

I leave one of the gauge functions on my Edge Evolution on Instant MPG as a constant reminder.

[CampingCaptain]

I leave one of the gauge functions on my Edge Evolution on Instant MPG as a constant reminder.

Newt,
Thanks for the heads up on one of the functions on the Edge Evolution.    I'll keep that in mind when we get the new ruck.  I really miss that instant readout.

Bryan 

[Newt]

I discovered you get better MPG coasting in neutral rather than in gear.

[Ancient Mariner]

. . . a pedal to the metal, let's get her rolling now rate of acceleration.  Ooh-Rah.    Don't ask me how I know about the last type.   

Bryan 

Same way as the rest of us, Bryan.  Your right seat passenger was taking a nap.   

[bedward]

I drive Dodges and I too miss the running milage we used to have. I only reset the distance to empty  and leave the average mpg alone.

[Hawk Holiday & Miss Muffin]

Most people on the TDR refer to the mileage computer as a "Lie O Meter". 

Darin

[LC]

With these diesel prices, as long as it lies in my favor, at least I feel better. 

Larry