How can i fix this? I just noticed one day driving around that the mpg is just stuck at some number, rather than adjusting as i drive.

writing to my lexus dealer got me the response: "there is a reset button for the mpg" i dont think there is... and i doubt there is a button to unstick the numbers, because thats a bug and why would they design a button to mitigate a bug, rather than fix the bug. maybe a battery disconnect will fix it, but i hear disconnecting your battery for 30mins or so locks you out of your stereo?

any ideas?

thanks guys in advance

 

6 posts almost but you can drive

 

"This is all controlled by the computer, the instrument cluster is just a display for this, have you tried disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to "reset" the system. I read your original quesition but it was not specific enough, that's why I submitted my info. request, I wanted to be sure that I was properly informed."


"The MPG guage is not completely accurate anyway, it is a rough estimate, just like the distance to empty mileage as found on some Lexus vehicles, it can be easily confused and can be inaccurate for several reasons. Basically the computer monitors fuel level change in comparison to engine load and run time to determine approximate fuel mileage. One easy way to screw all these readings up is if you don't take the key out of the ignition before refueling, the computer is not "smart" enough to realize you are addid fuel and recognizes this as a malfunction. Some times you have to reset the computer to "stabalize" the readings.
"

-

Peter -- Former Lexus Master technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 619 Lexus Accepts
Master Certified with lexus, 6 years experience


that took me 10 second using google.com [yes, they have google on computers now]
http://www.justanswer.com/questions/...00-mpg-readout

 

Are you on the instant MPG setting, or on the Average MPG setting?

 

"6 posts almost but you can drive "
????

"This is all controlled by the computer, the instrument cluster is just a display for this, have you tried disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to "reset" the system. I read your original quesition but it was not specific enough, that's why I submitted my info. request, I wanted to be sure that I was properly informed."
No I have not tried disconnecting the battery as I am afraid I may need an unlock code for the headunit.

Are you on the instant MPG setting, or on the Average MPG setting?
This could be the problem. The average MPG would appear "stuck" as it rarely is updated. Maybe I switched it from one to the other unknowingly! Where would such a switch be on my car, rather than my search through my user manual?

that took me 10 second using google.com [yes, they have google on computers now]
don't be a ******


THANKS!!!

 

What year is your car? If its a 02-06, Use the display button on the steering wheel.

Also, to reset these modes such as Average MPG, Average Speed, Time, you hold the Display button down for a few seconds, it then resets.

 

funny if this is true.. do you have the owners manual? its all in there. if it is indeed stuck in the real time mpg mode then you got a problem.

 

The mpg display is basically just averages of real time mpg. For instance, if you were to reset the readout, it would start to reflect more of instant mpg at first. But the more you drive, the less the reading will fluctuate, unless you start driving totally differnet and the readings will change.

 

I see what your saying but this car has been driven since 2003, why in 2009 does it suddenly stop updating rapidly?

Still can't figure out where on the dashboard this supposed button that switches it is located.

 

The button is on the steering wheel. It says "Display"

Also, to reset these modes such as Average MPG, Average Speed, Time, you hold the Display button down for a few seconds, it then resets.

 

really guys thanks for the help. ill try it on my commute to work tomorrow.

switching gears:

what about removing dents/dings? i scraped 2 walls recently. same spot. making too-tight right hand around the corner of buildings...

can i use dry ice? I used a claybar to get the grime off, so at least its not that visible.

 

My lexus is stuck in tge instant mpg mode. Why do you say its a problem? Nothing in manual that I could find.
thanks

 

Nice 12 year old thread bump.

Do the audio controls work on the steering wheel? Do you have an air bag light? If the display won't change, you probably have a bad clock spring. Mine did the same thing, nothing changed, audio controls didn't work, and I had an air back fault code. Ordered a $30 clock spring and everything works like it should.

Look on YouTube for replacement videos for Lexus clock springs... pretty straight forward. Just disconnect the battery!!!!