I noticed that when I accelerate, even if I do it lightly, my fe meter will go down to 2 to 5 bars. Is this normal? Acceleration between 1500 and 2100 rpm. Thanks.

Yep, I would say it is normal especially when the vehicle is still warming up.

Again, don't be too depressed about this behavior as it occurs in every car (hybrid or not). Of course the key then is to ease into to your cruising speed and then let the FE indicate a much better reading. Constant and steady gas pedal pressure is best. Fluctuations in accelleration is not... after all, FE is a "game" of averages.

Cheers;

MSantos

Thanks. I will remember this, but this is occurring once the car is fully warmed up?

Don't think I ever accelerated from a dead stop where the FE meter showed more than 2 bars initially.

I think the IMA is there to help get you too speed, with-out holding the traffic up? I guess its not terrible to hold up traffic, trucks do it all the time!!! I don't know why they don't put the trucks on a grave yard shift? Off the roads by six am !!! OK back to the subject, Once you are at speed , feather it for good FE. Hopefully you come to a hill that allows regen so you get the IMA recharged for the next boost. Or you could Pg for regen? That's my opinion. H

Yes, it's normal.
When up to speed and then at a constant speed on level ground (hopefully UNDER 70 MPH!), you should see it back near the middle (50 MPG) or so.
What's your overall MPG? I'm at 46+.

Steve

STOP terrorism - Drive a HYBRID

Vehicles:
350 miles a week ------------ 2006 HCH II, Magnetic Pearl, w/NAVI (born on May 25, 2006)
350 miles a month ---------- 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
350 miles a year (for now) - 1986 Mercedes 560SL

Normal