96 G.Caravan MPG and Clock setting.

DodgeBalls · #1 06-02-2009, 07:50 PM

Hi I'm a father of 2 new to the forum in search of help.

I just bought me a used good running 1996 Grand Caravan 3.8L with only 99K on it.

I would like help with setting the clock on the overhead console. There's only 3 button US/Inter, Reset, Set. Once I click on the Reset the clock just keep on counting.

2nd, I read that new 1996 grand caravan get aprx 17 MPG. How accurate are the computer? On my console it is saying only 14.8MPG. How can I bring it back up to date?

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master tech · #2 06-03-2009, 12:56 AM

The clock is on the radio, not on the overhead console. The clock thats running is for the ETA time. You can try to see if there is an update. But 14 to 17 miles to a gallons is in the ballpark.

DodgeBalls · #3 06-03-2009, 06:56 PM

ETA time? You mean for laps? How do you stop it?

I double check. The 3rd button is 'STEP' not SET.
There's 2 MPG. One is AVG ECO and one is just ECO. Which one
do I go by?

I"m getting 14.8 at 35MPH, that's not much.

vangonebuy · #4 06-08-2009, 10:45 PM

The console contains the trip computer. No clock.
The clock you see is the engines running time. But it really runs with the ignition ON. Not the engine.
To clear the current numbers:

Press STEP to change the view, then RESET to clear it.
Do this for the ET, ODO and MPG. (I cant be positive on the exact names)
The DTE wont clear. It is calculated by MPG and remaining gallons in the tank.

ECO is instantaneous reading. My favorite.
AVG ECO is an average since the last reset. My old 3.3 got about 14 at first. But got it into 18.5 MPG's around town.
Highway is usually around 22-24 MPG. 32 is possible on long trips.

I'm sorry to say they are pretty accurate for mileage. But not perfect.
There are many ways to increase the MPG on this van, But the best technique is to keep the RPM's down and let it shift into Over Drive ASAP. Even if it means go to 40 MPH and let it slow down to 35.
Keep the ECO view on and watch what improves the results of your trip MPG.

Do a search on this forum, This site is full of great tips on mileage.

Good Luck,
Tom