Upshift Indicator

[DogDoc]

Hi all!
I was wondering if there was any benefit in actually looking at the upshift indicator light? I've never actually owned a car that had one before (a couple of friends had BMW's that had them); is the indicator set for optimum fuel economy or is it just another "idiot" light? I've been ignoring it and over the past month or so of driving, I haven't noted any great fuel consumption changes (typically 26-30 mpg).

Drive On!
Mike

[PorscheG96]

Originally posted by DogDoc
Hi all!
I was wondering if there was any benefit in actually looking at the upshift indicator light?

No.

[Scott R]

Yes, in theory it was for optimum fuel econmy. Many imports in those years had them, Volkswagon is a good example. I could squeeze some great gas milage out of my 85 1/2 by using that light, but what is the fun in that?

[scottmandue]

To quote the owner of the first 944 I test drove "just ignore that light and shift around four thousand"
Some people make a big fuss about unpluging the light because they find it annoying, no biggie for me.

[PorscheG96]

Originally posted by Scott R
Yes, in theory it was for optimum fuel econmy. Many imports in those years had them, Volkswagon is a good example. I could squeeze some great gas milage out of my 85 1/2 by using that light, but what is the fun in that?

I squeeze great mileage out of my 944 no matter what I do...450-500+ miles on a tank.

[mike944]

I'm not sure whether it was for fuel economy or emissions related, but it was placed in a few cars around that era to use kind-of a loophole in government regulations. Rather than reduce the power of the engine to meet economy / emissions requirements, the manufacturer simply adds a light to "suggest" how to drive the car. Procedure being procedure with the government, in tests the car HAS to be driven according to the manufacturer's guidelines. presto the same car meets requirements without actually doing anything to change the car.