I just had a new distributor put on my 02 5.9 ram SLT.
Before I had it done the truck would not start.
Now it starts and runs fine but the computer says I'm getting an
average of 8.9 mpg.
Before I had the work done I was averaging about 11-12mpg.
Do you think the timing is off or does it just take a while for the computer
to reset or something.
Like I said it's running great.

Thanks ?

 

It could possibly have some catching up to do. Timing could be a little off did you put it in?

 

No I had it put in by a service station.
They said there was really no way to time it but that they checked and it was very close to spec anyway.
Kinda sounded weird "no way to time it".

 

I would have to disagree but im not ASE cert.
We just replaced one in 2000 silverado and the timimg like on every other car/truck was inperative. If you were bilnd and didnt know the time of day how would you know how to work.....

 

My guess is they disconnected the battery while doing the cap (which is proper) and the PCM reset. You prolly had a longish trip on the old computer which would bring your average up. Let the PCM re-learn and you'll prolly be fine - besides, hand calc it - never trusted a single on-board MPG calculator in my life...

 

Fwiw... Twirl your dizzy all you want, and you won't affect timing.. timing is a pcm function with those rigs... What you will effect is fuel sync.. fuel sync could very well jack up your economy.. but it would also jack up how it runs, and you'd know it quick like.. I'm with Hammer.. give it time.

 

ok thanks for the replies guys ... it's not that I depend on the pcm for mpg calculations it's just that I noticed it was off from before the work was done and yes they did disconnect the battery.
I will give it some time and see what happens.

Thanks again !

 

Learned something new today thanks Drew.

 

Just admit it, your mileage sucks like all of ours. Welcome to the club

 

Right 8 MPG isnt abnormal, just not what you should be Avg. lol.