Simple instructions on how to go into "stealth" or glide mode?

[howardbc]

I've read several long, somewhat complicated (to me), instructions on "Pulse and Glide." I also read about drivers who say they can go into "stealth" mode for 5-10 minutes. I don't understand how this is possible without using gas. Sometimes I can feel the car glide for a few seconds if I let up on the accelerator a tiny bit, but if I take my foot completely off the accelerator, my speed goes down. I don't understand how anyone can maintain a certain speed without pressing (even gently) on the accelerator. (Not counting when going downhill.) I am not an engineer. Can someone give me simple instructions on how to achieve the "sweet spot" or "stealth" mode? Except for one day when the car inexplicitedly got over 70MPG, I usually get 45-46MPG. I've had the car for 14+ months. I drive very conservatively. This isn't urgent but I'm just curious if I'm missing something. Thanks for any feedback.

[Jeddy]

I would like to know also.

[JSH]

The simplest way to get the car to glide is to take your foot completely off the accelerator and then very gently apply pressure to the accelerator pedal. You will feel the car seem to speed up a little bit as it stops regeneration. You can confirm you are in glide by looking at the MDF. If you are gliding you will have no arrows of any kind. You will need to be going less than 41 mph for this to happen.

You can't maintain a constant speed while gliding unless going downhill. Gliding is simply coasting with everything off.

[Matt Herring]

You can get into stealth mode over 34 mph and under 41 mph. Gently speeding up past 34 mph, then releasing accelerator will get you into it (I'll usually take it up to 42-43 mph and let the engine braking bring it back down to under 41 and into stealth mode. I recommend also lightly feathering the accelerator up while in stealth to stay in mode as long as possible.

5-10 minutes is a long time to stay in stealth but it's certainly possible with the right terrain, traffic (or lack of) and feathered accelerator. My best stealth is probably 2 minutes but it was with no traffic on a relatively flat route and a few slight downhills to help me stay at speed. With practice it's a skill that can be easily mastered. Also, don't forget pulse and glide in 40+ mph situations when stealth is not possible. The combination of both techniques will yield excellent results. I'm using heavy stealth and Pulse/Glide and am reading around 59-60 mpg on my current tank with a lifetime mpg around 58 mpg.

[KK6PD]

Light foot pressure on the throttle, watch the MFD, try to make the arrows go black!!! After a while, if you master it while watching the MFD, you should be able to judge by the feel of the car while it is in motion, thus achieving the same desired results!!!

[Jeddy]

Originally Posted by KK6PD

Light foot pressure on the throttle, watch the MFD, try to make the arrows go black!!! After a while, if you master it while watching the MFD, you should be able to judge by the feel of the car while it is in motion, thus achieving the same desired results!!!

Sweet I did this today. I just kept saying to my self -Look at all the gas I am saving $$$$$$.

[blarson8082]

Please explain Pulse/glide mode. Thanks

[adllewellyn]

I learned this today on accident - I had been reading and it didn't make sense to me either... but what I discovered is that when my arrows are the blue/green color, I can VERY gently press in on the accelerator, just a touch, and they all go black. I could pretty much sustain the same speed and stay in no-arrows mode for several blocks. Not sure I could do it going much faster, it was in the neighborhood so I was driving in the thirties - but it was cool to discover.