Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

driving mode?

5K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  Snipe315 
#1 ·
just got a new 2011 70th ann. edition.lots of questions,first being which mode should I drive in when on a several hundred mile trip? auto? how about SPORT? Leaving Saturday for a break-in trip and I'm not clear which would be the best mode for that.What the heck does sport do but disable traction control? Thanks,
madini
 
#2 ·
AUTO mode would be best for gas mileage over a long period.

SPORT mode is for just that, more of a Sporty responsive from the vehicle. The vehicle should feel and be more responsive in Sport mode but there will obviously be a hit on gas mileage.
 
#3 ·
Thanks Snipe,I read that much from the manual but I was wondering just what is different mechanically from say auto mode vs.sport.I get myself into a mess sometimes worrying about things I should let alone but I've allways "gotta know" how things work.
 
#5 · (Edited)
It doesn't mater which mode you chose for break in, the drive train does a lot of "learning" and calibrating the first 500 miles or so. Just pick the one you like, or switch back and forth to experiment.

Sport mode puts the height in areo mode (lower front) for all speeds, normal only drops the front when over 40-50 mph or so.

When sport mode is selected, the computer will bias the drivetrain torque to the rear and disable some of the traction control (not all) so the vehicle will feel more like rear wheel drive than AWD (it will be easier to squeal the rear tires if that turns you on :) ). It will also be quicker to downshift, and upshift just a tad higher in rpm, so the Jeep will feel more throttle responsive. The modes have no effect on overdrive selection. Selecting Tow/Haul has some effect on overdrive operation.

The choice is strictly your preference, chose the one you like. There is no difference in mpg or wear and tear, there is just not that much difference in operation. Any difference in mpg is attributed to driver behavior, if you feel like driving sporty (less mpg), you will more likely select sport mode.
 
#6 ·
My 2012 Limited with sport on disables traction control, and allows up to 80% torques to rear wheels, good fun.

I have the 5.7L and when you use sport + tow/haul on (both TC and Tow indicators on in tach) the Hemi really opens up a whole new world.

Tow / Haul disables the ECO / MDS system and firms up shifts / throttle response.

Note - I am not responsible for your 8mpg average after reading this!!! It was awesome the first couple of times, however I am still breaking in. No major pulls yet
 
#7 ·
Thanks Guys,
I just made a round trip to BWI(airport)this morning,a little over 200 miles.Didn't play with sport mode (forgot) but found the auto to be lots of fun just like it is.What amazes me is 22 MPG at 70ish MPH ,WOW! My old 04 Denali wouldn't come close to that.Last week I pulled my closed trailer out the PA.turnpike and up to Blue Knob (2nd highest mountain in PA.)and as you might expect the mileage was down to 11 or 12.Course I had two sport Quads (KTM 525s) and all of our gear in the trailer and also of course nobody passed me on the turnpike or the mountain! This thing runs well!!!
 
#13 ·
Noticed no difference in fuel consumption between sport and auto other than my wife yelling at me saying it is not like my Mustang on the Skyline Parkway in Shanendoa, VA. That was a nice ride and you cna tell the difference in sport and auto up there.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top