Optimized Idle

Optimized Idle
Provides significant cost savings through
idle reduction
Can eliminate cold starts and
warm-up time
Eliminates damaging deep discharge
battery cycles
Reduces electrical system road calls
Extends engine and battery life
Electrical appliances such as refrigerator,
TV, VCR, etc. can be used without worrying about dead batteries
Keeps satellite systems and other
parasitic electrical loads from running
down the battery
No additional weight...alternate power
sources can weigh 400 lbs.,
or more!
Requires no additional
maintenance, unlike add-on
heaters or power sources

Idle Time Effect on Fuel Economy

7.00
6.90

600
RPM

6.80
Fuel Economy (MPG)

Unnecessary engine idling increases

fleet operating costs by lowering
overall fuel economy, shortening
maintenance intervals and reducing
engine life through increased wear.
Detroit Diesels patented DDEC
Optimized Idle feature is designed to
save you money by limiting engine
idle time to those times that require it,
based on engine temperature, battery voltage and interior temperature.

6.70
6.60

1000
RPM

6.50
6.40
6.30

Assumptions:
Average Speed = 50 MPH
125,000 Miles/Year

6.20
6.10
6.00
0

10

20
30
40
Percent Idle Time

50

Optional Thermostat
Accurately controls interior
temperature, provides both
heating and cooling
Driver rests better in
driver-selected
temperature range on
truck applications
Adjustable comfort zone
allows selection of how
often the engine idles
Provides a continuous
run mode when outside
temperatures are extreme
Easy to use, lighted temperature display
and control panel

Cost Savings Through Idle Reduction

60

Optimized Idle Represents a

Significant Cost Savings Opportunity!
System Operation

Assumptions: Average Speed = 50 MPH

125,000 Miles/Year
7.0 MPG@ 0% Idle
Fuel Cost = $1.25/Gallon
3000
1000 RPM
Idle Fuel Cost ($)

Optimized Idle is a feature of the

Detroit Diesel DDEC ECM. When
activated, it uses existing DDEC
data to continuously monitor
engine temperature and battery
voltage. During periods when the
vehicle is not moving, the system
automatically starts and stops the
engine as necessary to maintain
the temperature and
voltage within defined limits.
The driver enables Optimized
Idle by shifting the transmission to
neutral (and high range, if
available), setting the parking
brake and turning cruise control on
while the engine is idling. The
hood/engine compartment doors
must also be closed. Once the idle
shutdown timer expires, Optimized
Idle takes control until the next
time the vehicle is driven, or simply
turn off the ignition to disable
Optimized Idle.
An optional thermostat is available for tractors equipped with a
sleeper berth that allows Optimized
Idle to maintain cab temperature in
the desired range. It is also available for coach applications to keep
the interior temperature within the
desired range. The thermostat has
a lighted display and control panel
for easy use and may be switched
off if controlling interior temperature
is not desired. The driver sets the

Idle Time Effect on Fuel Cost

3750

2250

1500

600 RPM

750

10

20

30
Percent Idle Time

desired interior temperature. Three

driver-selectable comfort zone
settings control thermostat sensitivity. A small zone will closely
maintain temperature while a larger
zone results in greater savings by
commanding the engine to start
and run less frequently. Continuous
idling is allowed at extreme outside
temperatures.
Detroit Diesels DDEC Optimized
Idle is based on patented, field
proven start/stop technology. And
the fact that its an integral part of
the ECM means you enjoy the
same outstanding reliability and
warranty coverage that DDEC is
known for. It provides a low cost

40

50

60

alternative to add on systems,

without the weight penalties
and additional maintenance
requirements.
Our Management Information
software products (DDEC Reports,
Data SummariesTM and ProDriver
Reports) monitor Optimized Idles
performance to document the savings and verify system operation.
Optimized Idle is available on
new vehicles and may be
retrofitted on existing DDEC III
and IV installations. If youre
ready to save money by reducing
idle time, contact your vehicle
manufacturer or nearest Detroit
Diesel Distributor.

QS
CERTIFIED ORGANIZATION

13400 West Outer Drive, Detroit, Michigan 48239-4001

Telephone 313-592-5000
www.detroitdiesel.com

9000

2002 Detroit Diesel Corporation. All rights reserved. Detroit Diesel, ProDriver, Data Summaries, DDEC, Spinning Arrows Design and Optimized Idle are registered
trademarks of Detroit Diesel Corporation.
6SA440 0210 As technical advancements continue, specifications may change. Printed in U.S.A.