Need MDS answers
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: back woods of Chester County PA
Like another poster said, you can definitely feel it when MDS kicks in and out. I think the little light is really no big deal here.
Last edited by kddsRam; May 14, 2009 at 09:35 AM.
Rookie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 61
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From: NorthWestern New Mexico - near Mt. Taylor
Hello, I bought a 2009 Ram 1500 Laramie 4wd quad cab with the Hemi. I inquired at the dealer about the MDS not engaging. They tested it and said it was working.
I have the cluster with all the electronic messaging and such. I asked the service manager, how do I know when it's operating and isn't there suppose to be a display message when it's on? I was told that only the 2wd version has that indicator in the display and that the MDS is only activated on deceleration. (sounds fishy to me) I asked what the point was to have it only turn on during deceleration and also mentioned that the 2009 trucks MDS parameters were suppose to be greatly expanded over earlier versions.
He said thats the way it is and offered no other info on the matter.
Anyone else have this problem?
Does anyone have any other info on the MDS 4wd models? Shouldn''t I be seeing a "Fuel Saver" message when active?
This 8.5 GPM city and 16.8 GPM hwy is killing me and I drive this truck like a blue hair trying to save fuel.
Any dodge engineering info contact numbers to get a definative answer for this?
Thanks, BK
I have the cluster with all the electronic messaging and such. I asked the service manager, how do I know when it's operating and isn't there suppose to be a display message when it's on? I was told that only the 2wd version has that indicator in the display and that the MDS is only activated on deceleration. (sounds fishy to me) I asked what the point was to have it only turn on during deceleration and also mentioned that the 2009 trucks MDS parameters were suppose to be greatly expanded over earlier versions.
He said thats the way it is and offered no other info on the matter.
Anyone else have this problem?
Does anyone have any other info on the MDS 4wd models? Shouldn''t I be seeing a "Fuel Saver" message when active?
This 8.5 GPM city and 16.8 GPM hwy is killing me and I drive this truck like a blue hair trying to save fuel.
Any dodge engineering info contact numbers to get a definative answer for this?
Thanks, BK
I have found that if you have the 3.55 gear ratio it's hard to tell when the MDS kicks in. But if you have the 3.92 gear ration you can hear and feel it. Kinda weird.
I think you can turn the MDS indicator on or off in he instrument cluster - but pushing the peddle down to show is is BS.
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Rookie
Joined: May 2009
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From: North Idaho
My truck has the 3.55 gears, so I don't feel or hear the change at all.
I'm not sure what engine package it has, but I'll check that out and post that info today.
It looks like, from what I've learned here that this Sept 08 mfg 09 truck doesn't have that option on it......Too bad.
I'll have to re check the milage by actual calculations and see, but I'll bet the city is around 8 to 10 mpg. It's hard to be consistent in So Cal traffic.
I'm not sure what engine package it has, but I'll check that out and post that info today.
It looks like, from what I've learned here that this Sept 08 mfg 09 truck doesn't have that option on it......Too bad.
I'll have to re check the milage by actual calculations and see, but I'll bet the city is around 8 to 10 mpg. It's hard to be consistent in So Cal traffic.
Last edited by B.Kaiser1; May 14, 2009 at 10:31 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 255
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From: Gilbert AZ
MDS is definitely "sensitive to engine load" but quite active, even with 4x4 and 3.92 and 20" wheels. It comes on under "light load" (not just coasting or downhills), and if one "babies the throttle" (pretend an egg under your foot) you can even manage minor accelleration without dropping out of MDS. On local freeways at 65-75, it usually drops out of MDS while climbing out of underpasses (2-3% slope). And by 75, it is rather hard to find MDS under even flat conditions.
My build is 4/09 so all the interim design changes are over - in fact with the Bankruptcy / Factory Closures my RamBox may be a "Limited Edition".
My build is 4/09 so all the interim design changes are over - in fact with the Bankruptcy / Factory Closures my RamBox may be a "Limited Edition".
Professional
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 179
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From: GA
I'm totally satisfied with the MDS on my 4x2 Laramie, only rarely do I notice the MDS going in or out. Seems like my truck has the "golden" config of drive/transmission/rear end for the system. However, it didnt say on the window sticker what the final drive ratio is, and this seems to be key. How do I find that out? For completeness, it's a 4x2 Laramie with HEMI (obviously), March 09 build.
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Joined: May 2009
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From: North Idaho
First of all the fuel saver light is later addition, I believe I was only on those after the 12/08 build date. This is not a model specific option as long as you have the EVIC (2wd is no different than 4wd). Generally if you have the VCT HEMI (you dealer window sticker will say either VVT or VCT) it does not have the fuel saver indicator. Someone has attempted to rig his own MDS light on this forum but I am not sure if he got it to work or not.
Second the MDS engages during low load conditions. Most of the time if you are travelling at 70 mph or less, on flat road, at a constant speed (i.e not accelerating), with minimal head wind the engine will engage MDS. The top speed at which it will work varies greatly but generally 70 mph is a good average. You were talking to one of those all too common dealers who don't know anything about their product.
As for your mpg, either you are calculating wrong or there is something seriously wrong with your truck. Even with a lead foot i have seen no worse than 10-11mpg in the city. When trying to get better mileage i can easily get 13-14mpg city.
Second the MDS engages during low load conditions. Most of the time if you are travelling at 70 mph or less, on flat road, at a constant speed (i.e not accelerating), with minimal head wind the engine will engage MDS. The top speed at which it will work varies greatly but generally 70 mph is a good average. You were talking to one of those all too common dealers who don't know anything about their product.
As for your mpg, either you are calculating wrong or there is something seriously wrong with your truck. Even with a lead foot i have seen no worse than 10-11mpg in the city. When trying to get better mileage i can easily get 13-14mpg city.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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They are full of BS.
What is your build date? If it is OCT - Dec 08 please I have a story for you. I am current typing a long message and waiting on some testing which is taking longer than I though which is very detailed on this outrageous scenario. I'm not done dotting my I's and crossing my T's. For anyone reading this standby. If you want more info before I post back to this thread send me a private message and I give you my e-mail address. It will explain this issue in greater detail.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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I have noticed when I let off the accel pedal during a light, steady cruise, it takes about 5 seconds for the MDS light to come on. But when I'm on the pedal fairly hard (say 25-30%) and let off quickly, it comes on almost instantly. I can then give it real easy pedal and cruise with the light on, takes practice.
Professional
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Winnipeg,MB,CAN.
Have a March build date, which means I have the light. THat said it get the truck into fuel saver all the time in the city, but have yet to see it while on the highway at any speed with or with out the cruise on. Land is flat (Manitoba and North Dakota highways).
Truck is a CC 4x4 Sport w/ 3.92 gears.
Any ideas why I'm not getting the MDS to kick in???
Truck is a CC 4x4 Sport w/ 3.92 gears.
Any ideas why I'm not getting the MDS to kick in???