COLD WEATHER FUEL ECONOMY, TRICKS TO INCREASE IT ?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by septicman, Dec 18, 2008.

  1. septicman

    septicman Guest

    We all know that cold weather cuts into fuel economy, but is there
    something that can be added/modified to trick the computer into
    thinking that the ambient (outside, environmental) temperature is
    actually above 70 degerees F ?

    I am particularly interested for my 93 EX.

    Thanks again.
     
    septicman, Dec 18, 2008
    #1
  2. septicman

    Tony Hwang Guest

    i,
    Even if you trick it that way COLD engine block will cause engine stall
    or rough idle at best. Just drive as soon as you start the car to warm
    it up fast, Or use a block heater with timer. It's been -30C temp. here
    all week with snow. I am thankful if my car starts. Wife and son's car
    is parked in the garage and mine is ouside. I should've had 3 car garage
    when house was built.
     
    Tony Hwang, Dec 18, 2008
    #2
  3. septicman

    Tony Hwang Guest

    i,
    Even if you trick it that way COLD engine block will cause engine stall
    or rough idle at best. Just drive as soon as you start the car to warm
    it up fast, Or use a block heater with timer. It's been -30C temp. here
    all week with snow. I am thankful if my car starts. Wife and son's car
    is parked in the garage and mine is ouside. I should've had 3 car garage
    when house was built.
     
    Tony Hwang, Dec 18, 2008
    #3
  4. septicman

    Elle Guest

    What are you hoping to get the computer to order?

    Getting your engine up to normal operating temperature
    quickly via a high idle RPM at start up is going to optimize
    fuel efficiency.

    You could rig up a block heater of some kind. Or your Honda
    may already be set up for an oil dipstick heater or similar.
    Ask if you want more info.

    To optimize fuel efficiency, try all the tips listed at
    http://honda.lioness.googlepages.com/gasmileagetips
     
    Elle, Dec 18, 2008
    #4
  5. septicman

    Elle Guest

    What are you hoping to get the computer to order?

    Getting your engine up to normal operating temperature
    quickly via a high idle RPM at start up is going to optimize
    fuel efficiency.

    You could rig up a block heater of some kind. Or your Honda
    may already be set up for an oil dipstick heater or similar.
    Ask if you want more info.

    To optimize fuel efficiency, try all the tips listed at
    http://honda.lioness.googlepages.com/gasmileagetips
     
    Elle, Dec 18, 2008
    #5
  6. septicman

    AZ Nomad Guest

    Nothing you tell the computer is going to change the laws of physics.

    If you "trick" the computer into thinking it is above 70, it'll
    provide the wrong fuel mixture, and you're engine will sputter out
    and die. Is a stopped engine your idea of a fuel economy improvement?
    It sure won't be using up much gas.

    Drive the car to florida if you really want to have it think that it is
    warmer.
     
    AZ Nomad, Dec 18, 2008
    #6
  7. septicman

    AZ Nomad Guest

    Nothing you tell the computer is going to change the laws of physics.

    If you "trick" the computer into thinking it is above 70, it'll
    provide the wrong fuel mixture, and you're engine will sputter out
    and die. Is a stopped engine your idea of a fuel economy improvement?
    It sure won't be using up much gas.

    Drive the car to florida if you really want to have it think that it is
    warmer.
     
    AZ Nomad, Dec 18, 2008
    #7
  8. septicman

    Tony Hwang Guest

    Hi,
    Septic thought from septicman, LOL!
     
    Tony Hwang, Dec 18, 2008
    #8
  9. septicman

    Tony Hwang Guest

    Hi,
    Septic thought from septicman, LOL!
     
    Tony Hwang, Dec 18, 2008
    #9
  10. septicman

    rick++ Guest

    Ethano also mandated in winter but not summer.

    I average 35 in summer and 32 in winter.
    Beside ethanol dilution, I do more road trips in summer (40 mpg).
     
    rick++, Dec 18, 2008
    #10
  11. septicman

    rick++ Guest

    Ethano also mandated in winter but not summer.

    I average 35 in summer and 32 in winter.
    Beside ethanol dilution, I do more road trips in summer (40 mpg).
     
    rick++, Dec 18, 2008
    #11
  12. septicman

    Tegger Guest



    "Trick" the computer into thinking ambient is 70? That's the same as
    "tricking" yourself into thinking your house is 70 by heating the
    thermostat with a blow dryer.
     
    Tegger, Dec 18, 2008
    #12
  13. septicman

    Tegger Guest



    "Trick" the computer into thinking ambient is 70? That's the same as
    "tricking" yourself into thinking your house is 70 by heating the
    thermostat with a blow dryer.
     
    Tegger, Dec 18, 2008
    #13

  14. As stated, any big 'tricks' played on the ECU will just cause poor
    running. A block heater, running a few hours each morning, will greatly
    reduce warm-up time. Running synthetic oil will improve cold weather
    starting and lubrication, and fractionally reduce friction while then
    engine warms up.
     
    Greg Campbell, Dec 18, 2008
    #14

  15. As stated, any big 'tricks' played on the ECU will just cause poor
    running. A block heater, running a few hours each morning, will greatly
    reduce warm-up time. Running synthetic oil will improve cold weather
    starting and lubrication, and fractionally reduce friction while then
    engine warms up.
     
    Greg Campbell, Dec 18, 2008
    #15
  16. septicman

    AZ Nomad Guest

    and as another poster mentioned, make sure the thermostat is working.
    A defective thermostat can keep an engine from ever warming up.
     
    AZ Nomad, Dec 18, 2008
    #16
  17. septicman

    AZ Nomad Guest

    and as another poster mentioned, make sure the thermostat is working.
    A defective thermostat can keep an engine from ever warming up.
     
    AZ Nomad, Dec 18, 2008
    #17
  18. septicman

    Tegger Guest



    You mean me? I didn't say anything about the /car's/ thermostat. Nor did I
    say anything about /any/ thermostat working.
     
    Tegger, Dec 19, 2008
    #18
  19. septicman

    Tegger Guest



    You mean me? I didn't say anything about the /car's/ thermostat. Nor did I
    say anything about /any/ thermostat working.
     
    Tegger, Dec 19, 2008
    #19
  20. septicman

    ACAR Guest

    as others said, leave the computer alone
    check tire pressures
    check your ignition system (new cap & rotor? how old are those wires/
    plugs?)
    switch brands of gas
    drive less
    Happy Holidays!
     
    ACAR, Dec 19, 2008
    #20
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