Calling Glenn Beasley

Glenn, I had my Cruiser serviced. The reason for the bad mpg was that
the calibers were hanging up. It was like I was driving with the front
brakes on all the time.
The garage did call up TSBs on the 2001 PT for poor mpg. One was TSB
18-12-00 dated August 11, 2000. It pertained to poor acceleration with
A/C on and spark knock at high altitudes.
It also stated:
Fuel Economy - Owners may gain 1 to 1 1/2 miles of fuel economy during
highway operation.
I get the impression that this pertains to vehicles equiped with cruise
control. Am I correct?
I do not have cruise control.
Funny, you'd think that a vehicle with the name of CRUISER would
certainly NOT HAVE cruise control as option.

Thanks for your advice, Glenn.

 

I remember this happenening a lot in the '80s on K- and M-cars with
those awful ABS plastic body calipers. Were they plastic? The
plastic bore would get ridges in it and make the piston "ratchet" into
the rotor, with predictable results.

Although the idea of using ABS plastic for a caliper housing neatly
reduced unsprung weight on the front wheels, which should have
marginally improved ride and handling, it obviously didn't work too
well in practice! A big thumbs down in "Chrysler Quality" on that
boner.

 

The TSB you are referring to is based solely on high altitude driving and
going up a hill and also( enhances) the cruise control settings if so
equipped. Depending on the build date of the vehicle this TSB may not apply.
It is a reflash of the PCM. I would think if something was to help the
economy it would be repairing a brake problem if there is one. Normally if
there is a problem with both calipers something caused it or is causing it
(such as fluid contamination) and not just a failed caliper.
The other thing is there should have been more symptoms of a caliper problem
such as smoking brakes, warped rotors with a pedal pulsation or pulling
problem. I would really be surprised if you notice any difference when you
check your mileage again.
My opinion only...........Keep me posted.

Glenn