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Andrew Kern
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2004
20:13:10
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 Subject: Gas mileage in cold weather
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I have heard that cold weather affects gas milage dose amy one know how much u can expect to lose in the cold weather. I have a 2000 dakota regular cab with 4.7 auto 4x4 and last tank I couldnt even get 200 mile on the tank, I got sum thing like 10.8 mpg. I live in Nebraska and its been sub 32 degrees and snowy here the last month or so. The only time the 4 wheel drive is used is sometimes I have to put it in to back out of the driveway in the moring after a drift has formed behind me. Please tell me that I can expect to get back up to teh 14-17 im use to as soon as it warms back up.
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Andrew Kern
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2004
20:19:32
|  RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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The only reason I am so curious about this is because the last truck I owned (a 1991 GMC sonoma) started to drop in gas mileage to and a couple weeks later my trany went out. And I know how dakota auto tranys are not exactly the best tranys in the world. And I cant really afford a new one now.
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ScatDak
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2004
21:26:52
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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last winter i averaged 6 miles to the gallon. of course you also must consider it also takes fuel if you let your truck warm up first.My trans is just fine by the way.
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eddy
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2004
02:09:21
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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My best tank ever so far was the first one after I bought my truck, which was, coincidentally, when I took a 300 mile total road trip and also right before the weather got really bad. I averaged high 15s with less than a thousand miles on the truck, almost all highway. Since then IT got colder and Ive dipped down into mostly high 12s. When the weather got warmer I briefly touched 14.6-14.7 for one tank, then another cold front came through and it was back to the 12s. I would say as a rough estimate that when you remove other variables, the weather has cost me approximately 2-3 mpg. I think once it warms up and the truck gets broken in averaging high teens is not impossible.
04 Quad 4x4 4.7 5speed auto.
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Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2004
09:44:23
|  RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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The auto tranny in your Dak is the newer 45RFE. Its supposed to be fairly strong, based on a planetary gear design. It doesn't rely on bands that can wear or go out of adjustment like most other autos. Your milage should come back.
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Andrew Kern
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2004
20:29:53
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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Thanks for all the help guys!!!!
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2004
21:09:53
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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In the winter my mileage goes down a tad, but that's because we're forced to use that "improved" fuel. But it stays fairly consistant throughout those months, regardless of the weather or temperature.
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FLDak
Dodge Dakota
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2/09/2004
10:05:52
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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Just checked my mileage yesterday on my trip from Tallahassee to Pensacola, FL; all interstate, curise control on 73mph, 20.1MPG.
I love my truck:'02 Dakota SLT CC+ 4X2, 4.7L, auto, 360 airintakez, Roll-N-Lock, Rhino Liner, TPS adj, Relocated IAT, Removed Clutch Fan, Removed 3rd Cat, Autolite 3923, Custom exhaust from pre-cats back w/Magnaflow, 4.10s w/LSD, Fastman 68mm TB, ROE Controller, Robert Shaw 180 Tstat, HO Cams, TMR Mod.
Later...
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AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
2/09/2004
10:38:09
| Gas mileage in cold weather = Amsoil Synthetic Oil
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Message:
Fuel economy (MPG) can be very difficult for the consumer to accurately gauge. If you fill up at a warmer (or colder) part of the day one week compared to the previous week you can sometimes see a huge fluctuation in MPG just based on that.
Also, the pump may have stopped pumping sooner this week compared to last, making it "seem" like you used less (or more) gallons of fuel.
It has been proven by Amsoil (and other leading oil manufacturers and suppliers) through use of industry accepted fuel economy tests, field demonstrations (and as witnessed by most of our customers), that switching to synthetic oils and lubricants can (and does) improve fuel economy (mpg).
Also, you did not mention what oil viscosity that you are currently using. Depending upon your driving habits, conditions, and climate ... switching viscosities can improve fuel economy also. I've observed a MPG increase when switching grades (switching to a 5w-30 oil compared to 10w-40 oil).
Tighter government regulations and increases in engine manufacturers’ demands are calling for more fuel efficient lubricants. Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oils reduce friction and drag better than petroleum oils, resulting in significant fuel economy increases. In a recent 1.2 million mile demonstration, AMSOIL Lubricants showed a 4.5% increase in gas mileage. Other tests have shown increases of as much as 15% under certain weather and driving conditions.
Yet, because every vehicle is different, as are driving habits and conditions, it is difficult to accurately project an exact increase.
__________________________________________________
To request a FREE Amsoil Catalog click the following link.
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
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Jay
Dodge Dakota
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2/09/2004
12:27:50
|  RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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Message:
Yuh, I lost some mileage with my DAK 4.7 auto as well. I have 75k miles and put on some new tires (not OEM's) and lost 2-3 MPG right there. Then we've been in a deep freeze here in New England for most of this winter and that brought it down another 1-2 MPG Especially when it's below 0 degrees. The older vehicles used to take their air from a mechanism attached to the exhaust manifold to help pre-heat it in the winter months.
Now I can see why they designed it that way.
Warmer days are coming. Hang in there.
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Kahunagrande
Dodge Dakota
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2/10/2004
19:31:14
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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'99 Ext Cab SLT 4x4 5.2 Auto, 87K miles
K&N Filtercharger is only current performance\engine mod (needs servicing come to think of it). Bosch or MSD ignition module, coil, cap, rotor, wires and plugs are next.
I drive ~25 miles each way to work, ~60% highway. I average 14.2 to 14.5 mpg indicated on a tank, but I am running on 32's without a speedo calibration so it is actually better (fewer revolutions per mile means computer thinks I am not going as far for each gallon of fuel burned).
I am in Albuquerque which is at about 5200 feet elevation. When I lived in Wichita (about 1300 feet) I routinely saw mileage more like high 12's and low 13's for nearly the same commute (22 miles).
I didn't exactly buy the truck for it's great mileage though if you know what I mean. When compared to Ford, Chevy and import mid-size V-8 pickups, oh that's right, they don't make them....
Enjoy your truck!
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holy crap
Dodge Dakota
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2/10/2004
23:47:12
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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6mpg, ScatDak?!?
2003 club cab, AWD, 4.7 auto, 265-70 A/T tires
Best I got was the first few tanks (16 mpg, summer). Right now I'm getting 13 mpg (actual, not using the overhead console, which is generally .25 to .5 higher). I drive mostly highway & live in WI. Seems to help a little when I use cruise control (according to the overhead console).
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Andrew Kern
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2004
00:09:07
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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Thanks for all ur imput again guys!!
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Dragon
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2004
08:42:26
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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So, I'll make ya nervous again.
Was runnin 14.5 mpg, dropped to 11.5 recently.
Then my tranny went.
Code was P1740 - TCC solenoid.
Dealer got into it and discovered that it was running overheated all the time, and it wasn't caused by a clogged up radiator.
Now I'm getting a remanufactured tranny put in.
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Randy
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2004
16:10:11
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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I just came back from Fairplay CO this morning to Denver, about 70 miles. The temperature in Fairplay was -19, driving through South Park was -32 (no kidding!) and back in Denver it was -4.
I averaged 16.8 miles/gallon according to the overhead console.
2004 QC with less than 2,000 miles
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Dave Mitchell
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2004
17:43:56
|  RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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Message:
My Dakota has averaged at 18.9 since I bought it. I live in the NorCal Sierra foothills. Everything is either up or down from where ever you are.
It was getting only 16-17MPG on the first 4,000 miles. After break in it has averaged 18.9.
I notice that you lose about 2MPG with the California MTBE gasoline they force on us in the winter. That is a 10% loss! That means I have to put an additional 10% of hydrocarbons and byproducts (including the MTBE carcinogen) in the atmosphere to get the same distance. I just don't see how that is going to save the environment.
The petroleum companies like it... They can add a price hike to offset the additional cost of reformulating the gas and they sell 10% more with all other factors being the same in the market.
Anyway, off the soapbox.
When I go to Oregon where the MTBE is absent, my Dakota averages 21MPG and has gotten 23MPG from the southern Oregon coast to Seattle, WA.
Dave Mitchell
2001 Quad Cab Sport Plus, 2WD
4.7L, NV3500, 3.55/9.25" LSD, 11" drums
Tow, HD service, Tire & Handling
and Convenience Groups
Rail 'N Rack
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Andrew Kern
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2004
20:02:54
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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Message:
Well if my trany goes thats the last straw. If a trany only lasts 40,000 miles the damn truck's not worth it. I'll never go auto again thats for sure. Im not a hotroder either like some of the guys on this site talk about. Gas mileage dosent really bother me but if that trany goes I dont know what i'll do.
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AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
2/12/2004
22:17:12
| Amsoil Series 2000 Octane Boost
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Message:
Andrew, I talked of one "California" problem on another thread (read below). MTBE's are being phased out by Federal mandates --- mostly to be replaced with 10% Ethanol. I know Ethanol has it's own unique problems --- but maybe your MPG will be better.
Most production street vehicles, even high performance ones, are not going to benefit from anything higher than the recommended octane. So it only really becomes an issue if you are unfortunate enough to live in a state that has made unavailable the octane your engine was intended to burn (like California).
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FYI - OCTANE Discussion - since we are talking gas and MPG.
Octane rating is a measure of the fuel's resistance to pre-ignition. High-octane is specified by manufacturers when the engine requires it. High compression, high temps, or turbo engines will do better with high octane due to its slower burn rate.
Basically, the numbers you see at the pumps only indicate the anti-knock index of the fuel. It is measured using RON + MON and the divided by 2 (R+M)/2. In short, RON (Research Octane Number) measures the fuel's anti-knock index simulating light load, typical street, normal driving conditions. MON (Motor Octane Number) measures the fuel's anti-knock index simulating high-speed, high load conditions.
They used to post the RON and MON octane numbers in small print on the Sunoco pumps but I haven't noticed this lately.
Run what your owners mauual specifies. Put the high-octane in an engine designed for 87 and you have incomplete combustion ... and a waste of 20 cents per gallon.
__________________________________________________
Which leads us to - "Octane Boosters"
Most "Octane Boosters" use the phrase "up to", as in "raises" the Octane Level "up to" 10 points ... so you may only go up between 1-9 points, and maybe 10.
HERE IS THE CATCH
a point is --- (unfortunately) ... just a decimal point.
Therefore:
"10 points" brings you from 93 octane to 94
"5 points" brings you from 93 octane to 93.5
"1 point" brings you from 93 octane to 93.1
For this reason, I am not a big fan of the products except for qualifying runs and actual racing events.
__________  __________
Amsoil Series 2000 Octane Boost
Improves the performance of all two-cycle and four-cycle gasoline-fueled engines. Just one treatment significantly increases engine response and power. AMSOIL Octane Boost reduces engine knock, improves ignition, helps fuel burn cleaner and inhibits corrosion. Recommended for all high performance off-road and racing applications. Increases octane number by up to 7 points.
Product Code: AOB
Performance Features - Improves performance, Maximizes power, Improves ignition, Helps fuel burn cleaner, Removes carbon deposits, Reduces engine knock, Improves responsiveness, Inhibits corrosion
__________________________________________________
Request a FREE Amsoil Catalog by clicking the following link:
__________________________________________________
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
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AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
2/12/2004
22:19:15
| Amsoil Series 2000 Octane Boost
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Message:
Sorry Dave,
The above should have been addresed to you and not Andrew.
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
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bad dakota
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/12/2004
23:38:10
|  RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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Message:
would the quality of gas you put in you truck effect you gas milage.
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Timberwolf
GenIII
2/13/2004
15:21:44
| RE: Gas mileage in cold weather
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Message:
"Winter" fuels are made to reduce emissions. They are called oxygenated fuels and add ethanol up to 10% depending on your region. This is supposed to decrease carbon monoxide output, but Consumer Reports did a test using a 1995 Dakota and found that carbon monoxide levels to be nearly identical. Another plus, in addition to doing absolutely nothing to help reduce emissions, it also makes winter gas cost more. Those that track their mileage will notice it jump up all of a sudden this spring and at the same time gas prices will probably fall about $.10. Hey, our government has our best interests in mind, right?
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