Alinear power delivery

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I've noticed an interesting little trait my new truck exhibits. I am wondering if anyone else has noticed this.



Compared to my '98. 5 and '01 trucks, the "fly by wire" scenario seems considerably more artificial. It seems much more "computer controlled" and less "natural" than mechanical systems and even the earlier 24-valve Rams.



When accelerating, especially in lower gears, you push the pedal down say 1/2" or so, and hold it in that spot. Any normal vehicle accelerates with X power and gradually falls off as speed increases & resistance increases.



Not this truck. The ECM seems to say to itself "Hmm, operator has dialed in 15% throttle. That means he is looking for 33mph in 3rd gear. OK, here we go!" It will start off with fairly brisk acceleration, then fall off very significantly when the ECM decides it's reached its target speed.



To continue accelerating at an even rate I have to progressively press down on the pedal.



Anyone else notice this? Just an interesting quoible



Vaughn

 

[Swayse]

Yep, just like a tractor. I like it.

 

[EXSTROKER]

Yup it sucks I cant seem to drive steady in town

i hate it ... it's on or off

 

[rbattelle]

I have noticed precisely the same thing! I have driven medium-duty International's that I swear are exactly the same way, so I just figured it was the nature of the beast.

 

[rbattelle]

And one other thing. Have you all noticed the acceleration feature on the cruise control? Holy cow, when you press that button she REALLY accellerates! It's so much better than most cruise controls, where you grow old waiting for it to accelerate 2 MPH. You could almost turn on cruise and just drive the thing with the buttons!

 

[91W350]

I like the cruise too, only it seems like it wants to leap from 68 to 73 when I bump the accel button. I always find myself coasting back down. Once set though, it is rock solid! I like the fact I can stop, then go again and hit the resume button, off we go. I was driving on some tank trail roads over at ft. Riley and had the cruise set at 38 for the 35 speed limit. I really would hate to get snagged by an MP. Anyway, we started up a really steep hill in the dirt and the tires were churning. I had to step on the brake because the cruise had us dancing all over the road. Still loving it!