Gear change red triangle light

[briley]

Maybe I'm out of date with diesel engines and their sounds but wonder ...

I have a Feb 2011 diesel Berlingo with a little red up triangle that tells me to change up a gear. If I follow it's advice it seems to me that the engine is labouring too much. Is this suggested change coming at too low a speed or have I driven Petrol engines for too long now?

For example it wants me to change up to 5th at 40mph, but if I do the revs are below 1.5 and the engine sounds laboured to me.

Also, I seem to recall that there is also a down triangle to say change down, but I have never seen it. Was it just my imagination?

[evdama]

Downchange marker isnt there.
The upchange marker is correct and has economy in mind
The torque peaks at only 1500 rpm on 1.6 diesels (vans mapping anyway)
Theres not many extra horseypowers beyond 2000.
The idea is to use the gearbox to capture the revs between 1100 and the marker

All is fine-as you say, you are used to petrols which have to rev to get anywhere.
It will sound laboured after a petrol.As long as its not shuddering and stalling then youre doing ok.
Do as the marker tells you and you will be rewarded with good fuel economy-I'm getting 60mpg plus every time

[j90xxx]

If you need to be 'told' when to change gear (for economy, or otherwise) you should either buy an automatic, or catch a bus!

[Northman]

If you need to be 'told' when to change gear (for economy, or otherwise) you should either buy an automatic, or catch a bus!

ouch!

[evdama]

If you need to be 'told' when to change gear (for economy, or otherwise) you should either buy an automatic, or catch a bus!

ouch!

or make her walk...

[briley]

Thanks Evdama - since your comments I have been watching the rev counter. Sort of feel 1100 rpm is a bit low unless on a flat road (not many of those in North Wales) but otherwise the van does pull away at very (to me) low revs.

I always like to know why something is suggested, especially if I do not always agree. Suppose it is part of having an open mind.

I've been very happy with 52mpg - now I have to try and get to your target of 60mpg - always another hill to climb!

[evdama]

Best of luck- its a rewarding pastime!

Climbing hills will drop your figure right down as will any load on the motor. but theres always the descent-999mpg every time!.

If you can,get to 1100 then hold the accelerator still and let the turbo build the revs up for you.Thats not easy to do on a hill.

Im mostly on the flats of a flood plain so I can get these numbers but for my weekly trailer towing hill climb I have a secret weapon.
The lane is narrow, twisty and incredibly steep so low speed is perfectly acceptable if not advisable
The MPG circuit does not monitor fuel consumption below 20mph -so my average is not affected- Bingo!

[briley]

Some people have more time than I do - and I thought I had time to look into irrelevant things.

Interesting it doesn't record under 20 mph, explains the difference between the computer and actually dividing miles covered by fuel added.

[lorraine]

If you need to be 'told' when to change gear (for economy, or otherwise) you should either buy an automatic, or catch a bus!

ouch!

or make her walk...

is there really any need for these smart arse comments

[evdama]

Sack-cloth and ashes it is then.