16 replies to this topic

[Harry88]

Hey guys,

 

I have been discussing the use of the "Power" button on NA Subarus with my sister today. Her mechanic seems to think you should drive with the power button on all the time. Apparently the car uses less fuel that way.

 

I say that it would be less economical too use that mode. How can something that says "Power" use less fuel? Thats crazy.

 

I'm after everyone's opinion on this and what the function of the "Power mode" was really intended for.

[Morgan]

AFAIK, it just holds the gear for longer.

 

Also means it will kick down sooner if you put your foot down.

 

Fuel usage really depends on how you drive. The difference in your fuel bill will be negligable if you drive the same with the button on or off.

[aekOne]

The “power” mode makes the auto gear shifts change at a higher rpm (lets call it sport mode) than regular mode (lets call it economy mode).

[Harry88]

Ok so for everyday driving, daily commute etc. What mode should you be in?

[Morgan]

Whatever you like!

 

Personally, I don't like having unnecessary lights on the dash so I always have it off unless I need extra revs (overtaking on the M1).

 

However, unless you drive with your foot flat on the floor 100% of the time, you're not going to notice a change in fuel.

[Cam.]

Holds gears longer.

Nothing else changes.

= Less economy and her mechanic is a baboon and or turkey.

[FR34KO]

As the 'Power' mode's whole point is to keep the RPM's higher, it's going to use more fuel while accelerating.... ergo, your sisters mechanic couldn't be further off the mark about economy....

Haha, yeah, what Cam said!

[Delete This Account]

Personally I drive with the power button on all the time.

 

I found if it wasn't in 'power' mode it was changing to 2nd too soon and seems to struggle a little more.

 

I also like that it kicks down a gear sooner without having to absolutely floor it. 

[Liberty]

+1.

 

I don't usually drive with it on but I may compare it between fill ups at the servo to compare. As the boys have mentioned though, if power mode is on, your car revs more and in conclusion you will use more fuel. End of story.

[Sam]

When I push the power button in my car, I get this ridiculous loud noise from all 4 of my doors... Is this normal?

[Liberty]

That's just your car going into warp mode.

[Delete This Account]

Shifting at higher revs doesn't necceserally mean higher fuel consumption.

The engine can be under more load at lower rpm's and can be getting worse fuel economy etc.

[Liberty]

Of course, but when compared on the exact same route and load, having the power off will give you better fuel efficiency.

[Robert]

Does sfa for me, because the shifts are drawn out it makes them quite rough between gear changes.

[Harry88]

Cheers for the responses. I think we got some good answers

[U-Shell]

I'm pretty sure in Commodores it holds out the last/ Overdrive gear, may be the same with out manufactures as well? As Morgan said, the ECU makes it's decision to change gears quicker, earlier. Don't believe it changes how 'hard' it shifts though does it?

[Robert]

I'm pretty sure in Commodores it holds out the last/ Overdrive gear, may be the same with out manufactures as well? As Morgan said, the ECU makes it's decision to change gears quicker, earlier. Don't believe it changes how 'hard' it shifts though does it?

Nah, i don't think my gearbox is 100 percent.  If i'm accelerating lightly, it will still try to change around 2500-3000 RPM and because it i'm not accelerating hard enough it will be rough into the next gear. 

 

If i drive the ball bag of it, the shifts are much better changing about 5000 RPM 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd