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I have been working on my DWL for a while now using the iFCD on my HCH II as a guide to my "load" and I've gotten pretty decent at it. The other day, I plugged in the Scan Gauge from my other car and have been paying attention to the "LOD" a lot. It seems to bounce from the high 40s to 99 depending on how I'm driving and I would like to understand what these numbers really mean.

1). What is the definition of "load"?

2). Is a higher number better or worse when driving up a hill?

3). When beginning a hill, should I note the LOD at the start and try to stick to it (like I do with the iFCD), or should I adjust the gas to get to a "better" number before I stick to it?

4). Are there load conditions that should be avoided?

5). Are there any "must read" threads about driving with load I should read? I used the search function, but I might as well have been searching for "MPG" for the number of hits I got--the term is too frequently used around here to find good results.

Hi Kristian;

I would insert your post on the HCH specific section as I believe you'll want the answers to be provided in the context of the IMA GEN 4 platform. Let me know and I'll move it there if you wish.

The LOD represents the maximum power being produced by the engine at the current RPM. However, on the HCH-II this value will fluctuate independently of the RPM as well.

The load value is useful by itself only on one or two occasions. The most relevant of these occasions is to evoke and maintain a hidden regen. Typically at low speeds you can do so if the load is 45% or better. Any fluctuation on the pedal pressure will alter the LOD value and under certain circumstances that allows you to dial in the amount of hidden regen you want.

A higher number is a good indication going uphill, and as the number rises you often see the FE staying roughly the same. At this point you can say you are doing more work with the same fuel.


You may want to check this thread (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13754) as well as others in the HCH specific section.

Generally the LOD value is more useful when used in conjunction with other values i.e: IGN.

Cheers;

MSantos

Thanks! I put the thread here so that it might get a few more eyes than if it were in the HCH board, but that didn't seem to be the case....

I'm not familiar with the concept of hidden regen: could you elaborate on it?

Also, what IGN numbers would I want to see when driving up a hill? I see from Wayne's post that numbers in the 32-36 range are good, but I'm only getting in that range on downhills when glide would seem to make more sense to me. On climbs, the IGN is usually in the mid teens and I can usually cruise in the mid twenties.

Thanks!

Hi Kristian;

You may want to try this thread in the Civic Hybrid section:

invoking hidden regen in the HCHII (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13457)


Regarding the IGN readings: So far, the only time is see its use is when evoking the SAHM (super highway mode). You'll see details here:

2008 HCH-II for a week review Blog… (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13754)
and here
HCH-II - SAHM "Super Highway Mode" (70-90 MPG) (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14295)


Cheers;

MSantos

Hi Kristian:

(1) Load in our play book means the specific power output by the engine and the accompanying fuel economy you receive while at a particular point of the accelerator pedal.

(2) Not necessarily. If the hill is small enough, you would like it to remain near constant as well as your current fuel consumption.

(3) During your climb, try and use your iFCD as it is easier to see on your OEM display vs. the smaller SG-II depending on where you located it. I will let LOD swing a little but the iFCD is what you really want to max.

(4) Much above 95% if possible. Your HCH-II has some very interesting FE characteristics under really low load conditions that will really surprise you ;)

(5) Look over Manuel’s HCH-II - SAHM "Super Highway Mode" (70-90 MPG) ( http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14295) for the best tutorial available!

___Good Luck

___Wayne

As an edit, I see Manuel has you completely covered :)