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Hey folks, has any research been done on maximizing MPG and how the ECON button should and shouldnt be used to get the best fuel economy? Just looking for some tips to squeeze the most out of my Civic.

I'm familiar with driving techniques and whatnot, just curious about the econ mode and how beneficial it is or isn't.

Hi Waltah:

Use the ECON mode at all times and it will help to improve your FE. If you were ever in the need to run WOT, all ECON mode functions are disabled and the full power output of the car after 90% TPS is available without any interaction on your part other than stepping into the pedal that far. I hope you would never have to use it but just in case ;)

"ECON" mode simply softens the Drive-by-Wire throttle systems output for a given input after ~ the first 25 percent of pedal movement all the way to 90 percent. In that range, the throttle opening increases more gradually for better fuel efficiency. ECON mode also alters the shift mapping to provide earlier upshifts. The climate control's upper five fan speeds (of a total of six) are lowered incrementally and the A/C compressor run times are altered to allow a wider range of temperature swing IIRC.

If however you demand the same accelration rate both with or without ECON mode engaged, you will not save fuel as the conversion of a given amount of chemical energy of gasoline converted to work in order to accelerate your Civic to a given speed at a given rate will be the same if you demand the acceleration rates to be the same.

I hope that helps.

Wayne

thanks wayne, i netted 43.5mpg on my way home from the dealer on the highway for about 13 miles going 70mph on cruise w/econ enabled. this thing is going to be a blast to squeeze mpg out of!

Hi Waltah:

Considering the aFCD is under reporting on the HF by almost 2 mpg (probably yours too) when you take into account the odometer offset and aFCD offset, you have one hell of a fuel miser that is also fun to drive!

Wayne

Hypermilers,
My daughter-in-law bought a new Civic EX auto on Sunday. She is not a good hypermiler and drives a terrible 50 mile SF bay area commute each way to work, 60-70 mph. If I can get her to keep track of fuel consumption we'll find out what the 2012 Civic with econ button in can do under poor conditions.

She claims to keep it between 69 and 70, if that tells you anything.:eyebrow:

She is very happy with the car. Over 500 miles by tomorrow. Seeing high 30's so far.

Mike

Hi Mike:

Now all you have to do is have her to back off the guy and gal in front of her and watch her FE skyrocket! And of course everybody averages 70 mph in Southern CA even with the traffic and congestion too ;)

Wayne