have to change down under 36 MPH

I have a C3 2004 HDI 8 valve it's not very happy under 36 MPH in 5th gear is this normal

Allan

allanmc wrote: ↑Fri May 31, 2019 9:28 am I have a C3 2004 HDI 8 valve it's not very happy under 36 MPH in 5th gear is this normal

Allan

Hi Allan.

I have the 1.4 16v, which develops just a bit more power and I potter around at 30 in fourth but I probably won't get it into 5th until I reach 40. But I will pay a bit more attention to it on my next drive.

I would think this is about right for the 8v though.

The 8v develops its maximum 150Nm of torque at 2000 rpm, which is the best point for fuel economy and where the engine will be happiest.

The 16v has its peak 200Nm of torque also at 2000 rpm.

So I would judge it by the tachometer to select the best gear based on the RPM.


I know I can't get the cruise control to operate at any less than 44MPH

I have the same 8valve hdi engine;

36 mph (or 57kmh for me) is the slowest I can do in 4th, anything less and I have to go down to 3th.

The engine is most efficient at 2000rpm so I would say its better to use a lower gear then to lug the engine.

The cruisecontrol only works in 4th and 5th gear. It struggeling below 40 is something I found to be the case on pretty much every car I ever drove.

Thanks for the reply looks like I will have to stay in 4th.gear a bit longer
cheers

Allan