1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Disconnecting Battery and Gas Mileage

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Jrunr, Jun 28, 2022.

  1. Jun 28, 2022 at 6:32 AM
    #1
    Jrunr

    Jrunr [OP] 2021 TRD Pro

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2021
    Member:
    #23243
    Messages:
    667
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Vehicle:
    2021 Magnetic Grey Metallic TRD Pro
    Question: I am about to go on a cross-country road trip and was wondering if I disconnected the negative terminal to the battery for an ECU reset, will I possibly get better mileage?

    Back Story on why I am asking:

    I have been driving mostly around town and in traffic so my foot has been heavy and my mileage has dropped pretty significantly lately… I am hoping this will let the ECU learn a better algorithm - if that’s even a thing.

    Also, any other tips you can recommend for a long road trip to make things go as smooth as possible?

    As always, thanks in advance? :oldglory:
     
  2. Jun 28, 2022 at 6:35 AM
    #2
    banjos-n-beer

    banjos-n-beer New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2021
    Member:
    #23686
    Messages:
    677
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2018 Pro
    I wouldn't worry about trying to reset the transmission shifting logic.

    As for a long trip, bring some extra snacks, fluids and a large bottle to pee in for emergencies.
     
    2016Pro likes this.
  3. Jun 28, 2022 at 6:37 AM
    #3
    ChessGuy

    ChessGuy New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2021
    Member:
    #23918
    Messages:
    549
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    LR
    Houston
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro / 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro
    Too many..... Performance: • Magnusum Supercharger • Gibson exhaust with dual black tip • Pedal Commander * PowerBrakes • Suspension – Old Man Emu BP-51 front and back with Medium load coils • Tires: AT3 Faulken Wildpeak – 285/70/17 • Wheels: Relations Race Wheels, RR7-H with -12 offset • Full roof rack and ladder by Westcott Design (removed the stock Yakima basket) • Molle storage panels by Rago fabrication • Front light brackets by Rago • Illuminator light bracket by Rago (roof rack location) Lights • Morimoto front and back with sequential signals • Morimoto fog lights and side mirrors with sequential signals • 40” Baja design light bar for roof rack • 20” S8 Baja design driving combo (winch location) • Squadron sport baja design ditch lights • S2 Chase lights by baja designs (mounted on roof) In the bay: • Odyssey 34-PC Battery • SDQH Aluminum billet battery terminals and bracket • Switch Pro 9100 with aluminum tray • Anytime front and back camera • ARB twin compressor Recovery & Protection: • Smittybilt X20 synthetic rope winch • Factor 55 fairlead and flatlink • Southern Style Off-road (SSO) low profile bumper • SSO stage 2 high clearance wings • Weekend warrior recovery kit by treaty oak • RCI – skid plates – entire vehicle + catalytic converter protection wings Interior: • Nano Ceramic IR – Avery Dennison Window tint – all windows • Several phone mounts • Upgraded Rear Hatch lift gate struts (ladder is heavy) • Boom blaster horn switch (featuring La cucaracha)
    I am not an expert nor I know anything about turning...but I don't see how your foot will all the sudden give you a new calibration curve..etc. What you need is a real ecu tune down to eco..mode and then you will see it. My 2c.
     
    2016Pro likes this.
  4. Jun 28, 2022 at 6:46 AM
    #4
    Jrunr

    Jrunr [OP] 2021 TRD Pro

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2021
    Member:
    #23243
    Messages:
    667
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Vehicle:
    2021 Magnetic Grey Metallic TRD Pro
    I plan to make most of this drive on highways with cruise control so that should alleviate the heavy foot issue. Lol

    and there aren’t ANY ECU tunes for a 21 out yet… :(
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  5. Jun 28, 2022 at 7:17 AM
    #5
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,421
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    It might actually get worse mileage if you do a factory reset. I would leave it alone.

    If you're looking to get the best possible mileage, try to avoid putting anything on the roof. I realize this might seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning. I see about a 10% difference with my rack on, even empty.

    Unfortunately, cross country trips are hard to save gas on, unless you don't mind spending a few extra hours driving slower. Dropping from 85 - 65 MPH, you can save about 25% in fuel (my experience, YMMV), but obviously that's going to add a lot of time over a long drive like that.

    I've driven 1400 miles each way to Florida 6 times now. I've learned a little bit about what works for me. I try to get there without any long term stops. Here's what I do...

    I take a vacuum insulated mug full of coffee, and a thermos with water. I don't drink soda. I keep snacks minimal, and avoid anything really salty. I don't drink the coffee until about an hour before I plan on stopping. Then, I refill it at the gas station after I fuel up.

    It's good to walk around a bit each time you stop just to stretch.

    After 3 or 4 tanks of fuel, you're going to start feeling weird. At this point, I try to stop somewhere for a sit-down meal. This has been a huge help with minimizing fatigue.

    Another thing, super important: If you get tired, just stop at a rest area and take a nap. It's amazing how refreshing a 20 minute nap can be. Pushing it when you're tired is never good!

    Be careful, and have a great trip!


    Also; not sure where you're from or where you're headed, but definitely keep it under 85 if you drive through Georgia. :anonymous:
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2022
    SnakeDoc, 2Toys, Trail Runnah and 6 others like this.
  6. Jun 28, 2022 at 9:38 AM
    #6
    Jrunr

    Jrunr [OP] 2021 TRD Pro

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2021
    Member:
    #23243
    Messages:
    667
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Vehicle:
    2021 Magnetic Grey Metallic TRD Pro
    this is all amazing advice! Thank you very much. Unfortunately, the biggest one I’m going to face is the fact that we have a Thule XL skybox going on top of my goby rack for the strip, so that’s going to kill a lot of my mileage right there… I have noticed the difference between speeds is quite drastic, so I will make sure that I pay close attention to that. What about tire pressure? Have you noticed any difference with that?
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2022
    Thatbassguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Jun 28, 2022 at 9:43 AM
    #7
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,421
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch

    I have experimented with overinflated tires and never saw a notable increase in fuel economy. Plus, the uneven wear and reduced traction make it even less appealing to me.
     
  8. Jun 28, 2022 at 10:01 AM
    #8
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    2,044
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Christian
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium
    There's nothing you can do to improve mileage. Just keep chugging along.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  9. Jun 28, 2022 at 10:03 AM
    #9
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,421
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    There are a few things, as mentioned above. But, sometimes those things aren't an option.
     
  10. Jun 28, 2022 at 10:05 AM
    #10
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    2,044
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Christian
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium
    Driver habits will make the most change. Most people are rushing to get home and cope with life.
     
  11. Jun 28, 2022 at 10:10 AM
    #11
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,421
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Yes, exactly. Driving a long distance at 65 MPH takes a lot of patience, though!

    Removing my roof rack when I don't need it has helped a good deal as well. If I were really ambitious, I'd take off the MT's and put my Toyo AT3's on whenever I wasn't going off-roading as well.
     
  12. Jun 28, 2022 at 10:52 AM
    #12
    GodOfDirt

    GodOfDirt New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2019
    Member:
    #10756
    Messages:
    65
    Gender:
    Male
    STL, MO
    Vehicle:
    2019 Magnetic Gray ORP
    GOBI Ranger & Ladder RSG Flat Rails WeBoost Cell Amp
    just did ~2200 miles between two trips and averaged 20.5 mpg. Gobi ranger rack with Maxtrax awning and cell booster. Avg speed was 65-70 used cruise control when I could.

    Once on the highway, set cruise and clear MPG. After 10-15 mins, bump up or down 5 mph. Each rig will have its own sweet spot, balanced against driving style.

    FYI (math warning) 2500 miles is 7.5 hours longer @65 but saves 208 dollars in gas@$5 (using my MPG) which is equivalent to paying yourself 28 hour for the extra drive time.

    upload_2022-6-28_12-48-17.jpg
     
  13. Jun 28, 2022 at 11:18 AM
    #13
    Jrunr

    Jrunr [OP] 2021 TRD Pro

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2021
    Member:
    #23243
    Messages:
    667
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Vehicle:
    2021 Magnetic Grey Metallic TRD Pro
    How much would that be for a 1400 mile trip? (One way)
     
  14. Jun 28, 2022 at 11:24 AM
    #14
    GodOfDirt

    GodOfDirt New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2019
    Member:
    #10756
    Messages:
    65
    Gender:
    Male
    STL, MO
    Vehicle:
    2019 Magnetic Gray ORP
    GOBI Ranger & Ladder RSG Flat Rails WeBoost Cell Amp
    upload_2022-6-28_13-23-53.jpg
    4hours longer @ 116 savings

    $0.34 per mile @80
    $0.25 per mile @65
     
    Jrunr[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  15. Jun 28, 2022 at 11:29 AM
    #15
    Jrunr

    Jrunr [OP] 2021 TRD Pro

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2021
    Member:
    #23243
    Messages:
    667
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Vehicle:
    2021 Magnetic Grey Metallic TRD Pro

    Awesome!! Thank you!!
     
    GodOfDirt[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Jun 28, 2022 at 11:51 AM
    #16
    DallasTRDPro

    DallasTRDPro New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2020
    Member:
    #13058
    Messages:
    1,069
    Gender:
    Male
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    2021 Honda CRV...UGH!
    Drive 60mph and you will see the best mileage you can get.
     
  17. Jun 28, 2022 at 12:20 PM
    #17
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,421
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I like how you broke it down into dollars per hour. This might be the best motivation to drive slower that I have seen.
     
  18. Jun 28, 2022 at 12:28 PM
    #18
    DallasTRDPro

    DallasTRDPro New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2020
    Member:
    #13058
    Messages:
    1,069
    Gender:
    Male
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    2021 Honda CRV...UGH!
    I've tried driving slower and it sucks. Sometimes its downright dangerous.
     
    Thatbassguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Jun 28, 2022 at 12:32 PM
    #19
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,421
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I suppose it depends on where you drive. But, I've had no issues going ~65 in a 70. I just stay in the right lane where I belong.
     
    Trail Runnah likes this.
  20. Jun 28, 2022 at 12:44 PM
    #20
    hossler1788

    hossler1788 Turtle

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2020
    Member:
    #18578
    Messages:
    1,832
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joshua
    Central Pa
    Vehicle:
    2020 4runner
    You can disconnect the battery and see what happens, not like it would hurt anything...
    Bump up the pressure in you tires 5psi... since 4r tire pressure is 32psi i think so try 35-40psi it can't hurt to try
     
    Jrunr[OP] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top