I know that none of the Nitro owners out there bought their vehicle for the gas mileage. This isn't a how do I make it better thread either, cause it is what it is. This is just a thought I had and was wondering about.
I have a 2011 3.7 liter Nitro. I love it and don't regret buying it, but gas is lousy! Like 16 mpg lousy, 18 on the highway. I wonder if some of it has to do with the transmission? They only put a 4 speed tranny in it while most other newer vehicles are getting 5 or even 6 speeds in them. Any thoughts on whether a extra gear or two would help, or would that screw with the 4 wheel unit to much. Is there even a transmission out there with 5 or 6 speeds that would bolt up to a Nitro?
I know that none of the Nitro owners out there bought their vehicle for the gas mileage. This isn't a how do I make it better thread either, cause it is what it is. This is just a thought I had and was wondering about.
I have a 2011 3.7 liter Nitro. I love it and don't regret buying it, but gas is lousy! Like 16 mpg lousy, 18 on the highway. I wonder if some of it has to do with the transmission? They only put a 4 speed tranny in it while most other newer vehicles are getting 5 or even 6 speeds in them. Any thoughts on whether a extra gear or two would help, or would that screw with the 4 wheel unit to much. Is there even a transmission out there with 5 or 6 speeds that would bolt up to a Nitro?
The 4.0 option comes with a five speed auto. I believe the 4th and 5th gears are both overdrives. This transmission must not bolt to the 3.7 because it has never been offered with the 3.7. The 4.0 is rated the same mpg as our 3.7, but I think it would increase your highway mpg.
The Jeep Commander and Jeep GC were both available with the 3.7 which was mated to a 5 speed transmission, so Chrysler does make a transmission which would bolt to our 3.7, but it is possibly too long to fit under the Nitro/Liberty and was never offered as an option.
I get 15 - 17 around town, but I can get up to 22 on the highway with cruise set at 74.
Take it to the dealer and see if they can adjust the point where the torque converter locks up. Sometimes, it is set too high, so that there will not be that lugging sensation at lower speeds. Watch you speedometer. After it shifts into 4th, you will feel it lock up, sort of like another gear.
The 22 was what I was hoping for on the highway, but didn't come close. I can check with the dealer on the torque converter idea, might be worth a shot.
I was just wondering if it was even possible or feasible to do. Never know without asking.
The 22 was what I was hoping for on the highway, but didn't come close. I can check with the dealer on the torque converter idea, might be worth a shot.
I was just wondering if it was even possible or feasible to do. Never know without asking.
This can be done. I have had it done before. The computer tells the torque converter when to lock up. Depending on where my gas pedal is, I can get mine to lock up around 28 - 30 mph, but it clunks when it locks up. It is smoother at 38 - 40 mph. If yours locks up later than it should, your rpm's will stay higher longer = poor gas mileage. The locking up will not affect your highway mileage, unless it is not locking. Drive slowly from a standstill, radio off, and count the shifts to determine the lock up and see what speed it happens, w/o giving too much gas - just enough to accelerate.
You should be getting higher on the highway - something else might be up. Tire pressure?
The time I drove highway for a long distance was from central Illinois to Indianapolis and it was fairly new with only about 3000 miles on it. Didn't say much then as I hoped it was still new and getting worn in. I just had my tire light come on the other night and checked them all, all down to around 25 from the tire recommended 44! Shouldn't be though as the have the nitrogen from the dealer in them. I thought nitrogen didn't fluctuate like that. Filled up now, but haven't ran a new full tank of gas through to see if there was a difference yet.
I will do the short check thing tomorrow and find out.
Once last night and twice this morning. Seems to change a 15, somewhere between 25-30, then again at 55-60. The last gear really depends on when I let off the gas at that speed though. It will shift also when I get stuck behind someone doing 45.
I know that none of the Nitro owners out there bought their vehicle for the gas mileage. This isn't a how do I make it better thread either, cause it is what it is. This is just a thought I had and was car parts about.
I have a 2011 3.7 liter Nitro. I love it and don't regret buying it, but gas is lousy! Like 16 mpg lousy, 18 on the highway. I wonder if some of it has to do with the transmission? They only put a 4 speed tranny in it while most other newer vehicles are getting 5 or even 6 speeds in them. Any thoughts on whether a extra gear or two would help, or would that screw with the 4 wheel unit to much. Is there even a transmission out there with 5 or 6 speeds that would bolt up to a Nitro?
+1 I was so excited when I purchased my 2011 Nitro, but the gas is terrible. I drive to work everyday using the high way (45 minute drive). It's terrible. I told my wife my next car shall be fuel efficient.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
