Elevation -- Auto Tune?

[Choche]

Is there such a thing as an auto tune that adjusts for elevation? My Spyder is a 2016 RT and I'll be making my way to Colorado; down here in Texas, my elevation is about 145 while in Colorado, it will range from 6k to 9k. That's a huge difference. On my Triumph, there is the famous 12 minute tune where the ECU remaps to the environment; I don't know if that is necessary for the Spyder. It probably is a more sophisticated machine but just wondering if I need to do something or just run it like it's been stolen.

Thanks in advance.

 

[trong]

I do not think you need to do anything as far as the fuel injection and cooling system are concerned, if that's what you're talking about. Most modern vehicles, Spyder models included, have way too many sensors, air temp and air pressure for example, for the environment they are in. We live here in Salt Lake valley area, elevation 4200ft, and frequently we go up canyons with our '13 RT-L without a hiccup, we're talking 7000-8000ft.
Don't worry and enjoy your vacation in the high country.
Cheers!

 

[canamjhb]

Your ECM will automatically compensate for elevation. Expect better MPG and a little loss of power. Other than that, you will have no issues. And, you will probably find the fuel has lower octane at higher elevation. Enjoy the ride..... Jim

 

[Choche]

I do not think you need to do anything as far as the fuel injection and cooling system are concerned, if that's what you're talking about. Most modern vehicles, Spyder models included, have way too many sensors, air temp and air pressure for example, for the environment they are in. We live here in Salt Lake valley area, elevation 4200ft, and frequently we go up canyons with our '13 RT-L without a hiccup, we're talking 7000-8000ft.
Don't worry and enjoy your vacation in the high country.
Cheers!

Thanks.

 

[JayBros]

I agree with canamjhb. I noticed no loss in power on my tour in CO in 2019 that included both Pikes Peak and Mt. Evans Scenic Highway, the highest paved road in North America, 15,000 ft+.

 

[vmguy]

I live out here in Golden, CO and I'm up and around in the mountains all the time on mine. No issues here at all, have been over most all the 11000"+ passes here with no issues. I get around 35-40 MPG in them. I do have a pedal commander that is set at neutral for sport. Before I had that she was a little sluggish out of the twisty turns but now

 

[Bruita]

Being a diligent reader of this forum has been a plethora of information that I digest with an open mind. We have four 2020 RTLs spending the summer in the Colorado Rockies and the biggest thing we’ve noticed is contrary to several postings on this site is that the lower octane rating DOES make a difference. We are all used to 93 octane in Florida, the best we get out west is 91 and it shows in performance. A few days back was a thread on lower octanes not affecting performance so we all tried several tanks of regular 87 octane. We’ve been a couple weeks in Silverton, Ouray area, south Fork, Lake City, Creede, then Pikes Peak area and performance was better when switched to 91 octane. One thing to check at altitudes is tire pressures, they fluctuate a lot with altitude.

 

[RayBJ]

I'm just back from a trip from NJ to Yellowstone and back on my '20 RT. The RT ran fine at all altitudes (Sea-level to +11k) There is a slight loss of power at the higher elevations but the ECU handles the mixture. Higher altitudes require less octane due to the lower O2 levels so 91 is as good as it gets up there. If you feel the urge to raise the octane, buy some octane boosters that can be added at fill-up.

 

[ARtraveler]

All great information. :yes: