Any tips on getting the LX to perform better at passing?

[bumpersignal]

I took a 2500+ mile roadtrip from San Diego to Yellowstone this past week and had a few issues that I want to look into making it a better driving experience.

One of the biggest issues is passing ability. I realize it's a super heavy vehicle but man I found it incredibly difficult to be able to pass ANYONE even at low speeds without taking very long that it puts me in danger. For example (meaning just one instance) Yellowstone speed limits are 45mph and only 2 lanes I'd often get stuck behind someone from Wyoming driving 10 miles UNDER the speed limit and when I finally see a very LOOOONG stretch that has no oncoming traffic I gun it and it is so incredibly slow to gain speed that a couple times I'd be very close to the end of the long stretch and then immediately see oncoming traffic having to swerve into the other lane and then brake hard due to oncoming steep decline sharp curve, which is also another huge weakness of the performance I've experienced. Brakes are just not very good compared to other heavy suv brakes I've experienced.

Anyway I've tried turning o/d button off which leaves it in low gear and even tho it helps a little bit it at the last part of the pass, the beginning part of the pass is still incredibly slow.

My other vehicle is a 2013 Dodge Durango 6cyl and it performs so much better in every facet but being only 2wd I thought I'd try the LX on this trip and I realize this vehicle is a lot older I didn't quite expect the performance to be that terrible. Gas consumption was another issue even tho it rates only 3mph less than the Durango, I averaged less than 15mpg the entire trip which means at high speed (over 80mph) this vehicle is even worse mpg than the 2mpg delta which they've measured the 18mpg rating (@55mph) on my last Yellowstone trip the Durango at same speeds averaged 19-20

 

[LXander]

I use the power button to get a boost when entering the freeway on a short ramp. It works well. Empty truck not towing anything.

 

[ewrk1989]

I'm definitely a more conservative driver, but I do pass people when they're too slow in my LX. I've really never had an issue passing on the highway when necessary. What's your maintenance history with this vehicle? Maybe you've got some fuel/MAF sensor/spark plug/etc items to check on.

 

[bumpersignal]

I use the power button to get a boost when entering the freeway on a short ramp. It works well. Empty truck not towing anything.

Hmm, I didn't think of using that. what's it for?

 

[ewrk1989]

The PWR button changes the shift map of the transmission. You will stay in each gear a little longer (higher revs). This can aid acceleration in first gear, for example.

 

[Ohthetrees]

I find that the transmission in the 4 speed at least is to reluctant to downshift, especially on the highway. I firmly believe that most people's complaints about power in the 100 series is more about the transmission than about the engine. Luckily, I found pretty easy workarounds that work great for me.

Firstly, put the transmission into a more aggressive shift pattern with the PWR button.

Then I drive it sort of like a pseudo-manual.

4th = D
3rd = OD off
2nd = 2
1st = L

For normal highway driving I leave it in D. When I approach a long or steep grade, I turn off OD. If I'm going to pass someone at high-speed, I turn off OD before I even initiate the pass.

At city/suburban speeds, I simply shift down to 2nd when I anticipate wanting to pass somebody, or go up a steeper grade. I have super steep hills around my house, and I even shift to 1st as needed.

In other words, drive it like a manual, keep your RPMs up (passing power doesn't really seem to come until 3500 RPM, and maximum power comes around 4500 RPM.) and I think you'll find that the engine is up to the task. This sounds more arduous than it is, I leave it in D 90% of the time, but just like a manual, I anticipate the need for a shift, and I do it before the automatic has time to even disappoint me.

 

[Spike555]

You drove it like you stole it and you're complaing about MPG?

You're on vacation cruising through Yellowstone, slow down and smell the roses.

I drive like grandpa unless it's a emergency, then I drive like the Stig.

Plugs and wires, clean air filter, increase tire PSi, windows up. Those all help with speed and MPG.

 

[Nick T]

Plan ahead, before you reach the long passing 'zone'...put some distance between you and the car in front. As you reach the zone, speed up. Once you reach the zone, you should be 10-20mph faster then the car in front, change lane and pass. Passing him at 20mph faster then his speed should put you safely back into your lane long before you run out of road.

Or slow down and enjoy the ride, you are on vacation. Whats the rush.

 

[bumpersignal]

You drove it like you stole it and you're complaing about MPG?

You're on vacation cruising through Yellowstone, slow down and smell the roses.

A lot of the freeways' speed limit along the way is 80mph I'm not sure if you're aware of that - not driving like stole it just driving as the sign suggests. Prior, I drove it 90mph+ in the Durango and wasn't complaining about the mpg because it didn't seem as impactful as it is in the LX.

As far as smelling the roses 35mph is extremely slow and I'm sure you know how vast an area Yellowstone is. I don't quite understand the car culture there but I can honestly say that Wyoming MULTI LANE driving is amazing. People there seem to drive like Europeans only using the left lane to change lanes and very courteously immediately get out of it when they've passed. HOWEVER, I've noticed on two lane highways wtf they almost always drive 10mph UNDER the speed limit, and when you're talking a 45mph speed limit that's a significant amount slower.

 

[Spike555]

A lot of the freeways' speed limit along the way is 80mph I'm not sure if you're aware of that - not driving like stole it just driving as the sign suggests. As far as smelling the roses, if someone else wants to do that is fine but they shouldn't be inconsiderate and hold up a dozen people behind them with no way to get around safely. 35mph is extremely slow and I'm sure you've been to Yellowstone since it's where you live, but I need to remind you how vast that area is. I don't quite understand the car culture there but I can honestly say that Wyoming MULTI LANE driving is amazing. People there seem to drive like Europeans only using the left lane to change lanes and very courteously immediately get out of it when they've passed. HOWEVER, I've noticed on two lane highways wtf they almost always drive 10mph UNDER the speed limit, and when you're talking a 45mph speed limit that's a significant amount slower.

Just because the speed limit is 80 still doesn't mean you have to drive 80. Here the speed limit is 75, I still drive 65. I still get there. And I spend less money and have less stress doing so.

I agree that people should not hold up traffic, I stay to the right, if I'm passing a semi and someone comes up behind me, I will speed up and get out of the way.
On a two lane with no passing lane, I drive the speed limit, if I want to smell the roses, I pull over. If I want to sight see, I pull over and let people pass.

I understand your frustration and I'm not trying to be a dick.

 

[bumpersignal]

Plan ahead, before you reach the long passing 'zone'...put some distance between you and the car in front. As you reach the zone, speed up. Once you reach the zone, you should be 10-20mph faster then the car in front, change lane and pass. Passing him at 20mph faster then his speed should put you safely back into your lane long before you run out of road
.

I've done Yellowstone about 4 times but still dont' have it memorized enough to know when the passing lanes are opening up just have to wait for the broken dots on my side and by then the challenge is getting the LX to go 20mph faster than almost any other vehicle on the road is fairly challenging even if they don't change their pace.

 

[highonpottery]

Yet the Cruiser made the trip no problem and got you home safely.
Try doing that trip when your Dodge is 19yrs old


As for the highway pickup you can look into several things aside from using PWR mode and pre planning your move:
Exhaust may help at the highway speeds and high RPMs when passing.
You could splurge for engine mods like a turbo for example.
Maybe adjust your gearing by either tire size change or gear swap. I hear 35s and 4.88 drive like stock ratio or slightly better, but now you're heavier and less aerodynamic.
I hear stickers are good for around 5hp each.

 

[flintknapper]

Maybe my 2UZFE runs better than most? I have no trouble passing other vehicles.

My LX470 is certainly not the most powerful vehicle I've owned...but it provides plenty of power to pass others on the highway.

Yes, I've had situations where I had to floor it, but usually 1/2 to 3/4 throttle will do just fine.

Or maybe I'm just so used to my 80 series being so pitiful that my LX shines.

 

[re_guderian]

I find that the transmission in the 4 speed at least is to reluctant to downshift, especially on the highway. I firmly believe that most people's complaints about power in the 100 series is more about the transmission than about the engine. Luckily, I found pretty easy workarounds that work great for me.

Firstly, put the transmission into a more aggressive shift pattern with the PWR button.

Then I drive it sort of like a pseudo-manual.

4th = D
3rd = OD off
2nd = 2
1st = L

For normal highway driving I leave it in D. When I approach a long or steep grade, I turn off OD. If I'm going to pass someone at high-speed, I turn off OD before I even initiate the pass.

At city/suburban speeds, I simply shift down to 2nd when I anticipate wanting to pass somebody, or go up a steeper grade. I have super steep hills around my house, and I even shift to 1st as needed.

In other words, drive it like a manual, keep your RPMs up (passing power doesn't really seem to come until 3500 RPM, and maximum power comes around 4500 RPM.) and I think you'll find that the engine is up to the task. This sounds more arduous than it is, I leave it in D 90% of the time, but just like a manual, I anticipate the need for a shift, and I do it before the automatic has time to even disappoint me.

Totally agree with this. The 5-speed in my '04 makes a world of difference compared to the 4 speed in the '00. Both trucks run the same tire/wheel and lift combos.

 

[bumpersignal]

Yet the Cruiser made the trip no problem and got you home safely.
Try doing that trip when your Dodge is 19yrs old

You'd be surprised. The ex-wife still has our original 98 Durango and it still runs very well. Similar to the LX it is a crazy gas guzzler however it's only 2wd. I was expecting snow and ice in Yellowstone last week which is why I took the LX

 

[87warrior]

I came to the 100 series after owning a Hemi powered Grand Cherokee. The power difference between the two was remarkable. Even though the 2UZFE doesn't have the spunk the Hemi did, it manages well enough even at high elevation.

The fuel economy plain sucks on the 100.

...but, at least the 2UZFE doesn't require 16 spark plugs like the Hemi did

 

[lugueto]

Is your transmission downshifting correctly? Have you adjusted your kickdown cable?

I've never had trouble passing. Its not particularly fast, but I've never struggled passing vehicles at 60mph, for example. Anything

I suppose your Durango has a few advantages, probable one more gear and the aerodynamics of a car (vs the aerodynamics of an average house).

 

[snmbroyles]

Why Horsepower is Calculated At Sea Level:
An important factor in figuring volumetric efficiency is elevation relative to sea level, at which the engine is operating. As elevation rises, oxygen levels are reduced, reducing an engine’s volumetric efficiency. The typical drop in horsepower at any rpm level is approximately three percent per 1,000 feet of elevation. To figure how much horsepower you’ve lost at a specific elevation, use the formula:
Elevation (ft.) x .03 x hp at sea level 1,000
Example: your pickup produces 200 horsepower at 5,500 rpm at the rear wheels on a chassis dyno at sea level. At 5,000 feet, that engine’s output loss—suffering from RVES (reduced volumetric efficiency syndrome) –can be calculated as:
5,000 x 0.03 x 200 = 30 horsepower 1,000
At 5,000 feet, this engine is now producing only 170 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. At 10,000 feet, the same engine is capable of producing only 140 horsepower at 5,500 rpm.

 

[snmbroyles]

Just suggesting that San Diego and Yellowstone are vastly different elevations and that will have an effect on engine performance, depending where you were and what elevation you were at.

 

[Battleship]

Slee - AVO Turbo Kits