Poor Diesel Mileage(Dodge)

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Oct 23, 2004

I spend 60 miles a day unloaded just getting to the shop.........This unloaded 300 miles per week is where I'd like to see 20 mpg or so...........If I'm hauling loaded I don't mind as I'm usually getting paid to make the delivery. I bought the truck as a tool to use for the business........just wish there was a cure for the mileage...........If they can make a box that will make the dodge pull like a diesel pro-stock tractor at the national tractor pull, it just seems to me that they could come up with one for fuel mileage too............I KNOW there would be a ready market for them !!

LarryRB · Oct 23, 2004

I have no complaints about my HO diesel either. I was responding to Cowboydoc who asked why? I am answering by my in laws, input, who were at one time, the premier Dodge dealer in New England. They sold a truck a day minimum, or the equivalent of one a day when all other N.E. dealers did 2 a week and considered that great.. Goodhalls, were known strictly for trucks from the 1/4 ton right up to class 8's.. 50 years of doing it and even they had problems with automatics in Dodge p/u's.. I am sure many, like you, have had no problems with the auto's.. I wanted the H.O. and it comes with 6sp only, Mine is an 01 model.. 02/03/ and early 04's weren't sold in CT or MA.. The claim was couldn't pass emissions. They are being sold again, and I understand an automatic is now allowed with the H.O. models. Again, my comments are in response to Cowboydoc's question and my in-laws had the belief most problems were caused by corporate costs cutting/counting. If my father in law was alive today and can see the inner workings at what Mercedes is doing,, he's switch to Ford or GMC.. BTW, my wife is still with another family friend who has 17 or so dealerships throughout CT, 2 being CHrysler/Dodge.. Mercedes take over of Chrysler isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

Egon · Oct 23, 2004

My 96 completly stock extended cab 4x4 auto with tow package and 3.55's does between 23-25 empty on the highway.

With 2500 lbs of camper it's 18 to 20 depending on wind.

With camper and 15k bumper pull trailer totaling 24000 pounds did 14 over a 3500 mile trip. Didn't even try and listen to the radio!

It's got 170 K kilometers on it now with probably 100K kilometers loaded and/or towing to around 15 K.

Tain't the fastest on the road but it's got me there. Seems to do best at 2300 rpm with OD locked out.

Transmission still the original with four service jobs.

Asked the dealer [ perhaps one of the larger ones in Alberta ] about transmission life and got a reply " you've been on the internet haven't you. How many tansmissions should you have gone through by now" There were some comments on internet reliabilty but can't post those.

Egon

cowboydoc · Oct 23, 2004

<font color="green"> EVEN when my FIL showed the Chrysler reps, what he was doing,., could prove the changes worked, and these changes were for guys that were pulling heavy 5th wh campers and such,,,it fell on deaf ears... Economics is what the whole problem is., That Gertrag trans is what started it,, Junk then and probably still junk.. The HO models arent's going to hold up with higher torque band and better than normally aspirated diesel that CANNOT hold an automatic trans.. Economics dictates to upgrade vs a million more auto warranty claims.. Might not be the correct answer or one that is totally accurate,, It is what I've seen personaly that came from a one time busy and large Dodge/IH truck dealership.. </font>

I couldn't agree more with that statement Larry. It was the same thing with the Fords. You waited until the auto went out and then had it rebuilt by a shop that knew how to make one last pulling heavy loads. Finally though I think they do have a good one in the Torqshift. For years customers said give us a decent auto and we'll pay for it. Ford charges you for the torqshift but at least it will hold up to the torque of the diesel.

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Oct 23, 2004

Doc.......I have a friend that works for a company nearby that makes alot of OEM clutches. A few years ago they made up 3 prototypes for the then "NEW dodge viper. One clutch assy was totally bullet proof, the 2nd was a H-D unit that still had very exceptional durability, the 3rd worked ok........but just barely met the chrys. specs..........Guess which clutch went in ??? (On a 50K or more car!!) I guess if vehicles never broke we wouldn't need to replace them.........Tom

Phred · Oct 26, 2004

I get about 17 on the highway with the throttle open wide, and 20 if I am more carefull.
Around 15 with a trailer.

But I will say you need to hand calculate it. The overhead computer is often wrong. Its almost always low.

You should be able to set the cuise control on 75 and still get 16-17 mpg. It may also improve with the more miles you put on the truck.

2004 Dodge 1 ton SRW, diesel 600 and auto.

Fred

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Oct 27, 2004

I don't even look at the trip computer........allways hand calc. the mileage.......... Just took it to the dealer for a computer reflash per TSB 18-037-04.........supposed to improve mileage and smoke on start-up...........We'll see...................

dullpain · Nov 6, 2004

Go to www.turbodieselregister.com and look in the appropriate category for your year truck. Have heard some talk of computer reflash for mileage improvement. Many have complained of poor mileage on the new Dodge Diesels. Seems Dodge screwed up the software & finally they are trying to get Cummins to straighten it out. Don't know final outcome but you can get all info at TDR.

manganos · Nov 8, 2004

Yep. My 48RE is holding my 700 rear wheel torque just fine so far. Soon will be a new tranny all billet and I will put more power to it. As far as smoke. The new trucks will smoke when you add more fuel. Mine will smoke like a freight train until the turbo catches up. Then the smoke comes from the tires /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Buddys Torqueshift went at 20k miles stock. Engine replaced once and now it is torn apart for a leaking seal. They offered to silicone it up so they wouldn't have to tear into the engine. I'll stick with my 6cyl /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dargo · Nov 8, 2004

My '96 Dodge 1 ton dually 4X4 with the Cummins and automatic transmission runs in the upper 13 second bracket in the 1/4 mile. It puts out 393 hp and just under 1100 ft. pounds of torque at the rear wheels. Okay, I'll admit, it has a few mods and the automatic tranny isn't quite stock either. It will spin all 4 rear tires for about 30 yards on good asphalt taking off too. Now, if I cheat and power brake it, well, I don't know how long it will spin all 4 rear tires. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anyway, it has the 3:55's in it. Running empty on the interstate at 80 mph I only get about 16 mpg. If I drop it down to 60 or 65, I can get closer to 20. If I run it in town and have my foot in it, I can certainly run in the single digits. To me, it seems that the 12v Cummins engines are easier to crank up, and they also seem to keep providing decent economy even after doing so.

BTW, it's great to out run one of the 5.0 liter Mustangs from a stop light. At the next stop light, they generally pull up next to me with their mouth hanging open. It's even better when I tell them that I only have a little 6 cyl. diesel pulling my 8000 pound truck. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Such fun!!