Using Different Gas Octanes and When to Use Programmer Levels on a 2002 Chevy Silverado 1500
Question:
When setting the programmer to Towing, Does the tow/haul mode button on the truck need to be used? What will happen if you use a lower or higher octane than what is recommended with a particular setting? While not towing, is it ok to have the programmer set to towing and will there be any downside to this?
asked by: Jonathan
Expert Reply:
The tow/haul button should not have to be used since the programmer is making the necessary changes to the transmission and engine for optimum towing on your 2002 Chevy Silverado 1500.
Different octanes burn or combust at different temperatures. Using a lower octane with a setting that requires high octane can result in poor performance and possibly damage the engine. Using a higher octane at a lower setting is still not recommended but would not be as troublesome. You will want to be sure you are using the correct octane for the level you have set the programmer to.
Inevitably you will end up with a mix of different octanes which is not going to cause trouble. This scenario is expected.
You can have the programmer set to towing even when not towing. It should be providing more low end torque and shift points that are more appropriate for towing. It is not ideal for everyday driving though.
