ski.dive
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I'm going to install an under dash VACUUM GAUGE on my H3
- Thread starter ski.dive
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4speedfunk
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Why does a vacuum gauge need power? It should be a simple rubber hose, connected to a vacuum source under the hood.
You may need to tap into a dash light circuit if you want it illuminated.
You may need to tap into a dash light circuit if you want it illuminated.
Jeepwalker
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Just curious what your motivation is, fuel economy ..or troubleshooting?
I agree it's always a good metric to know.
I agree it's always a good metric to know.
ski.dive
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Yes, I need power for light bulb on the gauge.
Installing the vacuum gauge, to check the 'fuel economy' while I drive.
Installing the vacuum gauge, to check the 'fuel economy' while I drive.
JPaul
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Your better off getting an Ultragauge MX then, not only can it show you the vacuum readings from the ECM, it can also calculate mpg, both instantaneous, short trip, long trip, and distance to empty. When calibrated it's a lot more accurate than trying to read a vaccuum gauge, and you simply plug it into your OBD2 port.
Then you can monitor all kinds of things, and don't have to fuss with wiring up a light.
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JPaul
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Oh, and if you haven't noticed yet, the fuel economy of the H3 is terrible no matter what you do.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Jeepwalker
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Ha, ha!! Well, I've been somewhat impressed with the mileage I've gotten. Tracking my fuel economy for the last month and a half, here's what it looks like: 18.4, 16.8, 17.6, 18.2 (mpg). Same station, same pump, 87 Octane, Top Tier Fuel, 70/30 (highway/city miles).
Here are some other vehicles I have or have owned:
Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi 4x4 16.5mpg.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 16.8.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 (6-cyl), 17.5
The Jeeps are lighter, and the Dodge Hemi has a lot more power but also cylinder de-activation (which doesn't seem to yield a lot more economy). Given the weight and aerodynamic nature of the vehicle, the H3 mileage is better than I expected. It's all about how much energy does it take to move a certain amt of mass. And there's a fair amt of mass with these H3's.
OTOH, I had a Jetta diesel which turned in a solid 39-40 mpg every single fill-up!
Here are some other vehicles I have or have owned:
Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi 4x4 16.5mpg.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 16.8.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 (6-cyl), 17.5
The Jeeps are lighter, and the Dodge Hemi has a lot more power but also cylinder de-activation (which doesn't seem to yield a lot more economy). Given the weight and aerodynamic nature of the vehicle, the H3 mileage is better than I expected. It's all about how much energy does it take to move a certain amt of mass. And there's a fair amt of mass with these H3's.
OTOH, I had a Jetta diesel which turned in a solid 39-40 mpg every single fill-up!
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Jeepwalker
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Here's a novel idea (if you haven't already done so):
Insurance Monitoring Program. After you get the vacuum gauge installed, you'll be inclined to drive conservatively. Call up your insurance company and see if they have discounts for safe driving ....and do a 'driving monitoring program'. Most insurance companies offer 'potentially' good discounts on such a program, for safe drivers. Typically they monitor: Rapid Acceleration, Rapid Braking, After Midnight driving. You can track your performance on your cell phone. The idea is to suss-out from those stats your risk. The programs last about 90 day (during which you drive in old-lady-mode), then you send the monitoring thingie back (and drive normal).
You'll be surprised, the program really does get a person to think consciously about their driving and (for us) helped us drive safer and get better fuel economy. What really sucks is when a person cuts ya off and you have to hit the brakes and get penalized.
This is the 4th vehicle we've done the monitoring program with. Right now with the H3 we're at about $93/year savings and climbing (hopefully). I'm hoping we can get it up to $100/yr or even more. That would be a thousand dollars savings in 10 years! You keep the discounts as long as you own the vehicle. Who else is going to give you a thousand bucks to drive like you SHOULD be driving anyway?! It would be the easiest grand I ever made.
Like I said, the most important thing is does is get ya to focus on safer driving habits. Obviously, it's not a program for everyone. If a person was a wreckless driver, I probably wouldn't bother.
Insurance Monitoring Program. After you get the vacuum gauge installed, you'll be inclined to drive conservatively. Call up your insurance company and see if they have discounts for safe driving ....and do a 'driving monitoring program'. Most insurance companies offer 'potentially' good discounts on such a program, for safe drivers. Typically they monitor: Rapid Acceleration, Rapid Braking, After Midnight driving. You can track your performance on your cell phone. The idea is to suss-out from those stats your risk. The programs last about 90 day (during which you drive in old-lady-mode), then you send the monitoring thingie back (and drive normal).
You'll be surprised, the program really does get a person to think consciously about their driving and (for us) helped us drive safer and get better fuel economy. What really sucks is when a person cuts ya off and you have to hit the brakes and get penalized.
This is the 4th vehicle we've done the monitoring program with. Right now with the H3 we're at about $93/year savings and climbing (hopefully). I'm hoping we can get it up to $100/yr or even more. That would be a thousand dollars savings in 10 years! You keep the discounts as long as you own the vehicle. Who else is going to give you a thousand bucks to drive like you SHOULD be driving anyway?! It would be the easiest grand I ever made.
Like I said, the most important thing is does is get ya to focus on safer driving habits. Obviously, it's not a program for everyone. If a person was a wreckless driver, I probably wouldn't bother.
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