I love Sport Mode, but I can't say the same about Eco (Normal) Mode. Mine climbs to 7th gear when doing only 45 MPH. To get it to down-shift, I have to mash the accelerator; which I assume devices like the Pedal Commander is designed to address. Still, 7th gear seems high; especially with an 8 speed automatic.
Man, I feel the exact same way. Such a wonderful car except for the 4 cylinder mode. It feels so wrong and almost like 'lugging' since you are in 7th or 8th at such low speeds. I also like to use Sport mode' but not constantly. A quick hit of the paddle shift kills the 4 cylinder mode but it comes right back again if you leave it in Drive. I keep it in manual more than I thought I would. I imagine Dodge had to do this, along with other companies, to hit certain CAFE standards, otherwise I don't see the point at all. I think Ford is the last company left that keeps you in 8 cylinder mode all the time. I know GM has the same cylinder deactivation. In the long run, I can live with it, but it is unfortunate. I just pretend it's a manual like my 5 speed Mustang. Sport Mode is always there as well. Thank heavens for all the choices. It helps.
I couldn't stand it and chose to turn it off. I had to go with hp due to previous tune of unknown origin and the hp can read anyone's tune unless locked. The hp can also be used on multiple vehicles. Love driving in D now! https://www.hptuners.com/mpvi2/
I don't mind the A8 in our Durango R/T. It seems to kick out of 4cyl mode quickly when I need it to . And ... since my Challenger SRT 392 has the Tremec M6 ... well ... I simply shift when I want/need to shift.
I actually thought there was something wrong with the vehicle. So much so, that I had my dealership recalibrate the throttle system. Why they didn't just tell me "that's the way it works" is a mystery? They did it under warranty, and I did notice an improvement in the downshifting. I get MDS, but the shifting routine is ridiculous. 45 MPH in 7th gear? You're right, it feels like it's lugging. Quicker throttle response may address this, which I why I purchased an intermediary device. Mine is a new car, so I naturally don't want to void my warranty by installing a tuner, but it's damn tempting! The throttle kit doesn't qualify as a mod, so it doesn't effect warranty status. Still, I'm apprehensive about installing it. Maybe Chrysler made it just annoying enough to where people will say screw the warranty... bring-on the tune!
Who has used the Pedal Commander or something like it, I don't mind it heavy around town since I can't go quickly anyway and it's light to light, but I would like to reduce the lag in response time for play time
really all depends what dealer service you use, some are more mod friendly than other. mine doesn't car if you mod or not. the one where I go , only one mechanic touches my car. none of the others.
