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View Full Version : Mazda Tribute does have DFCO


abcdpeterson
07-25-2009, 08:06 PM
Last weekend I found my 02 Mazda Tribute does have DFCO. But it’s basically useless.
I had looked for DFCO and with a lock up torque converter I thought there was a good chance, but could not get DFCO

Finally found DFCO. Going down a good sized hill around 45-50mph and a stop sign at the bottom.
With my foot off the gas the car shift’s into Over Drive, Not slowing and No DFCO.
Switching off Over Drive, Not slowing enough and No DFCO.
Almost too fast to go to 2nd gear but decided to give it a try.
Car now slowing good, and after a sec…. DFCO.

Have not played with it enough to find the exact conditions for DFCO, so far it looks like.
2500 RPM’s and HEAVY engine braking to start DFCO, and DFCO seams to stop once engine gets down around 1500 RPM’s.

I virtually never need to brake as hard as it takes to get DFCO working.
And Without hard down shifting I think I will ever see DFCO under 70mpg.

nervousmini
07-25-2009, 08:13 PM
Argh! What a lousy scenario to engage DFCO :eyebrow:

Seems like somebody almost forgot the include it when they were writing the sw for the ECM. Hopefully with a bit of practice you can get a more productive range in which it will kick in.

MT bucket
07-25-2009, 11:15 PM
ya, that is about the same as my ranger . the only time I use it now is if i come onto an off ramp to fast to coast without braking, or when going down hills that are too fast for free wheeling

Right Lane Cruiser
07-26-2009, 01:39 AM
My Elantra won't kick it in at all. I figured that out after driving around Duluth for a while and ending up with no improvements no matter how steep the hills. :p

Taliesin
07-27-2009, 08:22 AM
ya, that is about the same as my ranger...

After extensive testing, my Ranger does have it, and I use it on a few hills, but:

It won't kick in under 2250 rpm, it kicks off at 1750 rpm, and it won't kick in at all in 1st gear.

I only ever use it in 2nd and 3rd gear going down steep hills or coming to a stop sign with traffic behind me.

MT bucket
07-27-2009, 08:32 AM
I get my best results by gliding up in a fas, bump start, then stop...

Taliesin
07-27-2009, 09:26 AM
I get my best results by gliding up in a fas, bump start, then stop...

That's what I normally do, but when the steep downhill (2nd gear dfco doesn't loose speed) is right before the stopsign (I have three of those on the route home) or traffic is pushing from behind, I'll use that dfco.

Sudden stoplight changes are the other situation.

WriConsult
07-27-2009, 02:32 PM
Wow, I thought my Jetta was bad -- won't engage DFCO unless revs are in the 1800-2000 range, and drops out below about 1300. I'll stop complaining.

(Although for the record, my TDI is awesome for DFCO -- it will work all the way down to 1100rpm and will engage at almost any speed above that. Of course with a diesel the benefit is much smaller.)



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