Trip Computer Accuracy
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,199
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From: High Point, NC
Trip Computer Accuracy
I was wondering how accurate the trip compuer that displays the "average mpg" and "miles to empty" is? I know I can test the accuracy by manually calculating the mpg, but I just haven't had the opportunity yet (I haven't spent the $$ to completely fill up).
So what's your experience?
So what's your experience?
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
the avg mpg on my computer consistently reads 1 mpg high. i assume this affects miles to empty, but i don't pay much attention to that, i watch the gas gauge. i am running bfg/at's, 285/70/17 which are a bit taller than stock. i have had the speedo tested and it is dead nuts accurate now. it read approx 4mph high with the stock tires. any discrepancy in my actual vs computer must the optimistic chip that ford has installed. 2004, 4x4 psd.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 7
From: McMinnville Oregon
Still have stock tires on a 2003 4x4 with the V-10. My trip computer is right-on.
Just replaced it a few months ago, and the dang compass even calibrated itself after a few minutes of driving. We're still hitting 102 degrees here in the "armpit" of California and the temp display is also within a degree of the daily max temp.
Just replaced it a few months ago, and the dang compass even calibrated itself after a few minutes of driving. We're still hitting 102 degrees here in the "armpit" of California and the temp display is also within a degree of the daily max temp.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,675
Likes: 996
From: Near Yosemite CA
Hey CalEx, I am up in the mountains, Oakhurst, still hot n ugly here too! From what I have read and experienced, mine is pretty much correct, I have calculated it by hand, and it is within 1/2 to 1mpg off, having said that, I have the Hypertech programmer and it does adjust for tire size up to 34", I have 35"'s so.... that would explain the difference. In July we went to TX and back, avg. 19.5 to 20 there, I was running a tad fast in some spots, 21 on the way back @ about 75mph. I usually reset it before a long trip. Up here in the mtns, it is not as accurate, it avgs the readings over 1000 miles (from what I have heard and read) and it varies here, calculator says 17.5, trip thinggy is @ 19.6, I am guessing it hasn't averaged it back down. On my 99 SD I found it was very accurate also. Just a side note, if you ever unhook the batteries, do it on a level surface with the tank full.... my gauge was off for a while and I could never figure it out....so I fueled up and unhooked them in my work parking lot. Gauge better now
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 7
From: McMinnville Oregon
Hey Pickupman, You really do have a lot of trucks! I also have an 86 Ford E-150 extended van. Great for camping (it's empty in the back) and hauling a Honda XL350-R. The van has the 5 liter engine, almost the same as that era's Mustangs, and never got better than 13-14 mpg. And THAT was with the old 55mph limit. At 65-70, fuggetaboutit. My Gas Ex (Don't they sell that at drug stores?) does 15-16 at 70-75 over on I-5. Might have picked up .5 mpg with $500 worth of Flex A Lite electic fans and controllers. Not really worth all the work and money. Like yourself, I do a lot of hills and it's impossible to see any obvious mpg gains.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,675
Likes: 996
From: Near Yosemite CA
Well, actually I am down to 3, maybe 2 if I sell my 99. I had at one point and time 5. and yes, they ALL ran and were driven, none on blocks! Check out the programmers, I had one on my 94 F-350 4x CC w/460, I could get 14 out of that being nice to it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 7
From: McMinnville Oregon
I may try a programmer, Pickupman. I get the impression it's really the only way to squeeze any more performance AND mileage out of the V-10. Lot's of postings that say intake and exhaust mods just lighten up your wallet.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,675
Likes: 996
From: Near Yosemite CA
I would still put a free flow exhaust on it, and upgrade the air filter/intake, more in more out, it is basically an air pump. I had a 3" exhaust on my 94, and an intake. If you use all 3 in combo, you get the best gains.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally Posted by ReAX
My F250 is can be low or high, depending what kind of driving I do. I would suspect it is only as accurate as the speedo though.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Oswego NY
Originally Posted by pozman
I have a 04 X v10 with 26K miles and the gasometer always reads 10.6mpg no matter how I drive or even when I tow. Anyone have an idea why or similar situation. Any help appreciated. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Southwestern Ohio
Markmore, my 2000 psd is way off; it reads about 10 mpg over what is actual. I have a Superchips programmer installed so I'm not sure if that's what is making it register so high, or not. My compass and temp readouts are accurate.