Hey all,

Just bought a used 09 Ram 1500 Sport CC w/3.92 gears and new Discoverer H/T plus tires on factory 20" rims this past weekend. Its an awesome truck and so far I love it, but have a question about the MDS.

The first day I got the truck I reset the avg consumption on the EVIC and took it conservatively driving on backroad highways. I noticed the MDS was on quite a bit if I kept it around 80 kmh (50 mph) and I was getting an avg of 13l/100km (18mpg). Since then, my avg has gone to 16.2l/100km (14.5mpg) and I've mostly been driving highway trying to use cruise and keep it around 65mph, but I can't get the MDS to stay on for any sustained length of time, if at all. Granted it is getting colder here in Ontario and it has been pretty windy, but I was expecting to see MDS kick in more while on the highway based on what I've read from others (claiming 20+ mpg while highway cruising, even at speeds up to 75mph).

Should I be seeing MDS kick in more, or should I expect to keep getting the same mileage and embrace the truck and the power it has? I'm coming from a Civic coupe so its a bit of an adjustment, but one I'm liking so far!

 

Welcome to the dodge side!

Well how flat is the highway your driving on? I drive 30miles to work each way monday-friday and my MDS kicks on damn near the same spots everyday and I know when it's going to shut off b/c I set the cruise control at 68mph..

Also another thing if someone put the wrong oil in the engine it can cause the MDS to act improperly (MDS requires 5-20, it's right in the manual).

Also a FYI - Do a hand calc of your MPG the EVIC seems to be off in a lot of these trucks (it is a computer lol).

 

Thanks for the welcome and the quick reply Mikey. The highways I've been driving are flat for the most part, but even on flat sections it doesn't seem to kick in. It could be the oil as the dealer (not a Chrysler/Dodge) changed the oil right before I picked it up and I didn't ask what they used. Might not be a bad idea to switch it out since I'd prefer to have Mobil1 synth in there anyways. I'll probably look into a Scangauge also, so I have a better idea of what driving style will let me have fun with the ponies under the hood but also keep some gas in the tank (if thats not too much of an oxymoron haha).

 

agreed with mikey, but you would probably notice that almost right away...keep an eye on that...

Also I have noticed a very significant decrease in my mileage in the cold, I think that could be your killer right there...and any slight wind will throw it off, like 20km/h I will notice it. But I definitely do more then 14.5...I average better then that in the city. GRANTED mines a 2011 but its still practically the same motor.

When was the last tune up done on that truck? do you have any records?

 

The cold is likely what is affecting your mileage. Mine has gone down since it's gotten significantly colder outside. High winds will definitely keep you out of MDS mode as well. Flat roads, no wind, and slight declines are where you get the most of the MDS.

 

With a 3.55 rearend between summer and winter, I see a difference of almost 3 mpg's. Being a 3.92, I would say it's right where it should be, with colder weather now.

20 mpgs is based off two wheel drive and a smaller rearend.

 

I cannot comment on MDS since I hate it and have it disabled but noticed you just bought the Cooper tires. How do you like them? Was looking and found them very inexpensive and considering buying them.

 

Is synthetic 5-20 ok to use?

 

No problem bro! Do some searches on the Scanguage product, some members were saying it doesn't work to well with the MDS. Most dealers buy oil in bulk and could have just thrown whatever they have in there...who know's (as we all know that 18 y/o kid in the Quick lube doesn't give to #$@# about your truck..) Want to have fun w/ the HEMI get a programmer I am running the 93 Octane tune and it's a blast to ROMP on it...I actually had my MDS shut off for awhile but turned it back on now.

Nate, your right w/ the colder weather comes the winter gasoline at the pumps which is why we see less MPG's in the colder weather. Damn NORTH!

 

I didn't choose them - the dealer put them on as the original Wranglers were shot, but so far they're great, very smooth, very quiet. Haven't had any inclement weather so far - mostly dry, but I would expect them to handle it pretty well based on reviews I've read. Word is they have a pretty solid lifespan too, which I can see as they have pretty decent tread to start with. Definitely not a beefy offroad tire, but for around the city and highway I'm confident they'll do a great job.

Thanks for all the other input. Guess it's a bad time of the year to transition from a 140 hp coupe to a 400 horse beast haha. I don't have any service records unfortunately - I inquired about it and the dealer said he probably could get them but didn't end up doing it. I should probably pull a plug and see how it looks - the truck's at 72000 miles so it could very well be due for a tune up. It runs great, although if I let off the brakes a bit when at a stop light it feels like it's hesitating a bit. I've read there's some recall or something that addresses this - anyone have any input on that? I spoke with Chrysler and they said there aren't any recalls on the VIN right now - I'm not too worried about it, just curious.