Disconnecting Battery overnight!

[msanta]

I had a problem with the VSC lights and the ABS and someone mentioned that sometimes disconnecting the battery overnight may reset the computer. Well, it didn't fix the VSC ABS problem and I ended up taking it to the dealer but the display panel is not flickering anymore and originally every time I filled the gas tank it only showed 323 miles on the display panel. Now it shows 353 miles. I don't know what does that means if that's helpful in terms of more gas mileage but if you are having similar problems try this to see if it helps!
Good Luck!

 

[dancojgl]

...originally every time I filled the gas tank it only showed 323 miles on the display panel. Now it shows 353 miles. I don't know what does that means if that's helpful in terms of more gas mileage but if you are having similar problems try this to see if it helps!

Er, that really didn't do anything to improve your actual gas mileage, it just reset the averaging data that your computer was building up.

Your RANGE will start decreasing with time, as the computer starts tracking your fuel use...

 

[tkr128]

I have the exact opposite experience. Everytime I disconnect my battery, my range drops down into 300-territory. It takes about 4 or 5 tanks to get it back over 500 again.

All it does is reset the computer. It doesn't mean you're getting better mileage. The computer estimates how many more miles you can drive based on previous driving habits and how fuel efficient it's been operating. You'll notice that if you compare your trip meter (the one on the speedometer) to the range display, it can change drastically depending on how you're driving. If you punch it, it might show 2 less miles while your odometer only registers one. Other times when you're just coasting along, you might be able to get 3 miles on the odometer when only 1 mile decreases on the range. Does that make sense? The computer will "learn" everything back after driving a while.

I hope you get your VSC and ABS lights fixed! That usually means they're not functioning and comprimises the safety of your car. Good luck!

 

[msanta]

I got the ABS sensor replaced, I had to wait a couple of days for the part to arrive. It was a sensor on the master cylinder, now everything is ok, in reference to the mileage on the display panel, you are completely correct, the average is dropping like you said based on my driving habits. As for the flickering of the light, I haven't seen it come up, but someone mentioned cleaning the contacts, so if this doesn't work I'll take it apart and clean them.

 

[dancojgl]

Everytime I disconnect my battery, my range drops down into 300-territory. It takes about 4 or 5 tanks to get it back over 500 again.

500! What do you do, draft behind a truck, downhill, both ways to and from work?

Mine has never gone above 360 (330 or so in the winter, with oxygenated fuel)...

 

[rivertrek]

I have the exact opposite experience. Everytime I disconnect my battery, my range drops down into 300-territory. It takes about 4 or 5 tanks to get it back over 500 again.

You must be driving like my grandmother to get that kind of range!!!!

 

[msanta]

Maybe because his truck is a V-6 not a V-8 and has a different number?

 

[jharris2]

Maybe because his truck is a V-6 not a V-8 and has a different number?

And he's got a 4x2 instead of a 4x4.

 

[tkr128]

Yeah, I've got the V6 and 2WD.

I don't push my car that much mainly because I can't. I'm usually on the road a little before rush hour traffic starts, just as it's slowing down. So I'm usually just coasting along at 50-60mph, pretty difficult to go any faster than that. Saves quite a bit of gas.

 

[otterball21]

wowza.. I must get the world's worst gas mileage!

 

[Mafster]

14.2 mpg here on my last fill up (V8 4x4, obscenely heavy right foot). I was rebelling against the last gas hike increase and let everybody know it by shooting away from red lights and breaking 55mph on the highway.

Yes, I am an idiot.

 

[otterball21]

hahaha pull any wheelies?!