DFCO and Autos

[MadMax]

Here's a question for you automatic owners who have a ScanGauge, is it better to downshift from Drive into 3rd when slowing down to increase the RPMs and therefore keep the DFCO engaged? It may also come into play when slowing down on level surfaces where engine braking is more effective compared with coasting down an decline...

Cheers! M2

[Astroman]

Mine takes a bit to go into DFCO in D, while a quick shift to 3 and then back makes it immediately go into DFCO.

[mark2908]

Originally Posted by MadMax

Here's a question for you automatic owners who have a ScanGauge, is it better to downshift from Drive into 3rd when slowing down to increase the RPMs and therefore keep the DFCO engaged? It may also come into play when slowing down on level surfaces where engine braking is more effective compared with coasting down an decline...

Cheers! M2

It depends on how much "braking" you want. DFCO at lower rpm's is less engine braking than at higher rpm's.
DFCO will stay on as long as forward momentum is maintained, down to about 700 rpm in D. (warm engine) I try to keep in DFCO at the lowest rpm or the highest gear possible.
If I still have room and momentum at 700 rpm in D... I shift to 3rd to stay in DFCO a bit longer. I use DFCO on flat terrain and even uphill approaching stops if momentum and time allows.

Mark

[MadMax]

Thanks for the replies. The lack of a tach makes it tougher for me to know what my RPMs are, so I am doing this by the seat of my pants...

Cheers! M2

[GeneW]

Originally Posted by mark2908

It depends on how much "braking" you want. DFCO at lower rpm's is less engine braking than at higher rpm's.
DFCO will stay on as long as forward momentum is maintained, down to about 700 rpm in D. (warm engine) I try to keep in DFCO at the lowest rpm or the highest gear possible.
If I still have room and momentum at 700 rpm in D... I shift to 3rd to stay in DFCO a bit longer. I use DFCO on flat terrain and even uphill approaching stops if momentum and time allows.

Mark

I've seen the same thing. except I try to avoid DFCO approaching a hill. I figure that the momentum is like money in the bank which I did not wish to waste.

Gene