Power Commander Zero Map

[Old_Codger]

I ride a 2003 VFR and have been playing with different maps on my power commander (PCIII USB). The results have been interesting and varied, but there is significant loss in fuel mileage across the board. Does the Zero Map bring it back to stock settings? I would gladly sacrifice performance for better fuel mileage while touring.

[vfrchick]

I would say do NOT put the zero map on there. All of the numbers that are in the map tell the PC what mixture to use. The 0 map basically tells it to do nothing. I'm not even sure WHAT kind of results you would get wtih that one. I think they just give it to you in case you want to do your own custom one, you can start from scratch. If you have the USB cable, there is a setting in there to return the map to stock settings, then you can save that map and download it.

[Hotbrakes]

Unfortunately with performance comes sacrifice. How big a loss in fuel mileage were you getting? I think mine was 40mpg stock to 35mpg with pipes and a PCIII. I need to play with the maps some more, but I have too much fun riding it to mess with it. SV650s and TC Big Twins get in the neighborhood of 50mpg if you're looking for better mpg's.
Enjoy the performance and growl of the mighty V4! So what if a tank of gas costs an extra dollar? Keep your chain clean and properly tightened and your tire pressure near the upper end of the spectrum especially when loaded with extra gear.
And I don't know what you look like but most of us could stand to lose 10-20lbs which comes off rather quickly with minimal effort. Trimming that amount of weight off a vehicle can easily get up to $100 a pound. Losing the body weight will only cost a good pair of running shoes and several gallons of water.

[vfrcapn]

I believe the PC adjusts the stock fuel mixture by percentages specified in the maps. The zero map basically says to not do anything as vfrchick says, meaning the original air/fuel mapping in the ECU is used. That's the intent of the zero map, to use the original settings.

[soundmaster31]

Originally Posted by vfrcapn

I believe the PC adjusts the stock fuel mixture by percentages specified in the maps. The zero map basically says to not do anything as vfrchick says, meaning the original air/fuel mapping in the ECU is used. That's the intent of the zero map, to use the original settings.

+1. The zero map means the power commander doesn't modify the fuel ratio. Like a bypass. If the values are changed, then it alters the map accordingly when talking to the injectors.


It's handy. I usually commute or go on small trips on the weekend. Take my handy EEE pc with me and I can change the fuel map in about 3 minutes flat and get good mileage or big smiles depending on what roads I'm planning to take. It's not THAT big of a difference in power anyhow...it just fills it out and you'll never run lean on that stock map lol. It's a waste for commuting.

[CandyRedRC46]

did you eliminate the o2's yet?

[Old_Codger]

Yep. The O2s are eliminated. I've tried several maps, but usually run Cozy's. My mileage drops from the low 40s to low the 30s. It was also my impression that the Zero map meant there was simply no fuel additions or subtractioins from the stock settings. When I'm loaded down with touring gear and possibly traveling in new territory my fuel range is more important than a little extra performance. I'm going to try it out.

[snowcrossmxz]

you will never get back to 100% stock because you removed the O2's, the O2's are what tell the ecu to start to lean out the map when you are cruising at a constant speed.
so running a zero map, and having the O2's removed, you will get close to stock. basically you will get full rich stock settings. so you will see a little MPG hit while on the zero map

[Old_Codger]

I put on about 3000 mi using the zero map and the O2 sensors disabled. The fuel mileage seemed to go right back to where it was stock.

[snowcrossmxz]

Yes it will be just about stock, the o2s are only used when crusing, and it leans it out ever so slightly to burn cleaner,

[Scubalong]

Originally Posted by Old_Codger

I put on about 3000 mi using the zero map and the O2 sensors disabled. The fuel mileage seemed to go right back to where it was stock.

Are you running with stock exhaust?
How is the throttle feel like, Is it jurky with 0 map?

[Scubalong]

Nevermine you got Staintune just like mine :)

[Old_Codger]

2 or 3 times was surging at low speeds through town, but mostly no noticeable problems.

[havcar]

Originally Posted by Old_Codger

2 or 3 times was surging at low speeds through town, but mostly no noticeable problems.

Kind of renders the PCIII useless, I always thought of the off-speed surging and the PCIII's correction of that problem as one of it's greatest attributes.

Just out of curiousty, why would you pay good money for a mod and then cut its' legs off with a zero map? Not trying to start a debate here or anything it just occurs to me that maybe upgradeing in another area might have been more beneficial for you.

[VFRBenny]

Originally Posted by havcar

Kind of renders the PCIII useless, I always thought of the off-speed surging and the PCIII's correction of that problem as one of it's greatest attributes.

Just out of curiousty, why would you pay good money for a mod and then cut its' legs off with a zero map? Not trying to start a debate here or anything it just occurs to me that maybe upgradeing in another area might have been more beneficial for you.

Maybe when he bought it, they did not advertise 25% drop in milage!

[dogman]

Originally Posted by Old_Codger

2 or 3 times was surging at low speeds through town, but mostly no noticeable problems.

Why dont you play with a zero map to achieve the outcomes you want?
Eg to cure the surging at low speeds add 5 or 10% at 5% throttle and 2500-3500RPM and to get better touring reduce by 5-10% at your touring RPMs and 10-20% throttle.
A bit of experimentation is required, but its all quite logical.
Thats the beauty of the PC3 IMO.