Software upgrade

[GrySql]

Can you refresh my memory................do I just need to do the hard reset on the HVB or do I need to do it also to the 12v battery also? Yeah, thank goodness for the hot rods when we feel "the need for speed". ;)

I disconnected the 12v battery, then pulled the plug on the HVB, waited about 15 minutes, then reversed the procedure by reconnecting the HVB and the 12V battery.

You are going to lose a few left Display settings, some go back to default.

Good luck and I sure hope it helps.

[Boat Racer]

I disconnected the 12v battery, then pulled the plug on the HVB, waited about 15 minutes, then reversed the procedure by reconnecting the HVB and the 12V battery.

You are going to lose a few left Display settings, some go back to default.

Good luck and I sure hope it helps.

Okay, I did the hard reset for about an hour last evening so will report back after I put at least 300 miles on it. The last tank of gas had actually improved to a Fuelly confirmed 38.4 mpg which has been better than my previous average, so it may have been coming around a little even before the hard reset. I didn't notice any left display settings being changed so maybe they had all been in the default position previously but I thought that I had changed some of them the first few days that I owned the car. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can average at least 40 mpg on this new tank of gas. :)

[MXGOLF]

I am too curious if the hard rest works. I think probably not but am trying to think positive. How can it be almost 1/3 of what it should be though. That's a lot of mileage to increase.

[GrySql]

I am too curious if the hard rest works. I think probably not but am trying to think positive. How can it be almost 1/3 of what it should be though. That's a lot of mileage to increase.

Mine didn't increase that much, I am just holding on to my post-Reset Lifetime Mileage at 40 mpg's.

That is not exactly 47/47/47, and I am driving the best I can all the time, a real snail.

It sure is an improvement over what I was getting after I had the Battery Saver TSB and PCM updates though, getting <31 mpg's was discouraging.

 

B25Nut and I compare notes because both our cars are similar build dates were not exactly stellar from the day we picked them up, with about 36-38 mpg averages.

His responded to the PCM update wonderfully, my mileage plummeted.

The 100% Hard Reset helped mine but his is still doing much better than mine.

[jsolan]

The past 3 trips I've had at 68-70 mph I have not been able to crack 40 mpg. Right now I feel like I lost 1.5-2 mpg at those speeds since the software update. I don't do enough highway driving to really concern myself with 2 mpg, but I'm starting to think the update actually hurt my vehicle at highway speeds. I'm still getting 43-45 overall and 48+ in ideal conditions so I'm not dis-satisfied and have no interest in trying the hard reset when I'm extremely satisfied with mileage in 85% of my miles.

[gkinla]

Mine didn't increase that much, I am just holding on to my post-Reset Lifetime Mileage at 40 mpg's.

That is not exactly 47/47/47, and I am driving the best I can all the time, a real snail.

It sure is an improvement over what I was getting after I had the Battery Saver TSB and PCM updates though, getting <31 mpg's was discouraging.

 

B25Nut and I compare notes because both our cars are similar build dates were not exactly stellar from the day we picked them up, with about 36-38 mpg averages.

His responded to the PCM update wonderfully, my mileage plummeted.

The 100% Hard Reset helped mine but his is still doing much better than mine.

My FFH build date is very close to yours, 11-28-2012, delivery on 12-12-12. My mileage was never great, around 35 MPG. But I attribute this to not necessarily my style of driving but the type of driving I do. Most of my driving with the 2013 is short trips, 1.5 miles to one grocery store, 2 miles to another the PO, the Bank, then on weekends 50 mile round trips. These short trips never let the ICE warm up to efficient levels. These short trips show 18 to 20 MPG, because I previously drove a 2010 FFH for three years I did have the Hybrid techniques ingrained. I was working during my 2010 ownership and was putting on 70 miles per day on the FWY. With the 2010 I was averaging 33 MPG, driving from LAX to Santa Clarita and back. Now that I'm retired I don't get those efficient miles added to my lifetime, which is now 37 MPG after the update and the 100% Hard Reset, so the reset has helped. I'm resolved that this is what it is and not going to get much better for us city dwellers. If we could get our cars to Hybridbear and let him drive his style and his routes, we might get a real feel for what our cars are capable of, or in fact, we do have a problem.

[hybridbear]

The past 3 trips I've had at 68-70 mph I have not been able to crack 40 mpg. Right now I feel like I lost 1.5-2 mpg at those speeds since the software update. I don't do enough highway driving to really concern myself with 2 mpg, but I'm starting to think the update actually hurt my vehicle at highway speeds. I'm still getting 43-45 overall and 48+ in ideal conditions so I'm not dis-satisfied and have no interest in trying the hard reset when I'm extremely satisfied with mileage in 85% of my miles.

How long are those highway trips? The PCM adjustment should make an impact to improve MPGs of short highway trips. Long distance highway trips are unlikely to see an improvement from this update.

 

My FFH build date is very close to yours, 11-28-2012, delivery on 12-12-12. My mileage was never great, around 35 MPG. But I attribute this to not necessarily my style of driving but the type of driving I do. Most of my driving with the 2013 is short trips, 1.5 miles to one grocery store, 2 miles to another the PO, the Bank, then on weekends 50 mile round trips. These short trips never let the ICE warm up to efficient levels. These short trips show 18 to 20 MPG, because I previously drove a 2010 FFH for three years I did have the Hybrid techniques ingrained. I was working during my 2010 ownership and was putting on 70 miles per day on the FWY. With the 2010 I was averaging 33 MPG, driving from LAX to Santa Clarita and back. Now that I'm retired I don't get those efficient miles added to my lifetime, which is now 37 MPG after the update and the 100% Hard Reset, so the reset has helped. I'm resolved that this is what it is and not going to get much better for us city dwellers. If we could get our cars to Hybridbear and let him drive his style and his routes, we might get a real feel for what our cars are capable of, or in fact, we do have a problem.

You should see improved MPGs on those short trips from this update. I agree that letting another owner drive your car and compare is a great way to figure out if there's a problem or if it's just driving style and locations.

[B25Nut]

How long are those highway trips? The PCM adjustment should make an impact to improve MPGs of short highway trips. Long distance highway trips are unlikely to see an improvement from this update.

 

 

The best mileage I got on a long distance trip before the update was 38.7 mpg. My roundtrip to Las Vegas last week got 43.3 mpg. I have seen a definite long distance improvement. I'm beginning to think that those who average 50-60 mph on highways won't see a large improvement with the update. My Vegas trip probably averaged 71 mph, with some time above 78 mph.

[GrySql]

 

The best mileage I got on a long distance trip before the update was 38.7 mpg. My roundtrip to Las Vegas last week got 43.3 mpg. I have seen a definite long distance improvement. I'm beginning to think that those who average 50-60 mph on highways won't see a large improvement with the update. My Vegas trip probably averaged 71 mph, with some time above 78 mph.

Traveling any distance at 45-60 mph is where I get the worst mpg's.

[gkinla]

 

You should see improved MPGs on those short trips from this update. I agree that letting another owner drive your car and compare is a great way to figure out if there's a problem or if it's just driving style and locations.

 

What I'm seeing is the average MPG dropping back to 35 MPG, as it was before the PCM and 100% SOC reset. I'm really trying to drive as conservatively as possible. Slow gentile starts, long gentle braking when possible, decent cruising speeds. I give up, I'm never going to get those great hi MPGs. I'm tired of my wife harrumphing in the passenger seat, accusing me of diving like a 90 year old. I'm done.

 

One caveat though, I do enjoy driving my Ruby Red Fusion, the design is beautiful, the ride is comfortable the seats are comfortable, the handling is great, the only thing is the mileage is not up to the hype of 47/47/47. Then again, 35 MPG average is pretty good, all considered.

[MXGOLF]

Very interesting observations on the 100% reset. I kind of think we are going to get what we get and there is not much we can do about it. I am in the worst tank since I bought my car. 34 mpg on this tank. How do you get to the spark plugs? I was checking it out the other day and you must have to take all the plastic crap off the top of the motor to even see the plugs. I was going to do it myself but have decided to have the dealer do it if they will on there dime. I need to have the fuel module replaced so maybe they can do the plugs and reset at the same time.

[GrySql]

Very interesting observations on the 100% reset. I kind of think we are going to get what we get and there is not much we can do about it. I am in the worst tank since I bought my car. 34 mpg on this tank. How do you get to the spark plugs? I was checking it out the other day and you must have to take all the plastic crap off the top of the motor to even see the plugs. I was going to do it myself but have decided to have the dealer do it if they will on there dime. I need to have the fuel module replaced so maybe they can do the plugs and reset at the same time.

I pulled my spark plugs and they looked very good, as seen here. For me, it was another possible issue laid to rest.

Edited October 8, 2013 by GrySql

[MXGOLF]

Thanks GrySql, I will check my plugs this weekend. Still need to make an appointment to have a few things done.

[milleron]

Since I've had about 400 miles on my Titanium, I've been able to pretty consistently get 39-46 mpg on most of my trips that average10-12 miles. However, I've never been one of those FFH owners who get 47+ on either long or short trips.

This week, however, with temps in the 70s and no need for AC, I got 48.5 and 58 mpg on two 6-mi trips, then on a 17 mi trip to our local rifle range today I got 44 mpg going (from a cold start with low SOC) and 48.5 mpg coming back. So, now that I have almost 4,000 miles on the car and the temps are ideal, I'm starting to see EPA numbers for the first time.

I'm therefore most reluctant to have the PCM update done, at least prior to the onset of cold weather. I'd guess that the update might do me more good in the late fall that it would now -- i.e., when I'm not yet really having to run the ICE long on cold start-ups in order to get it into EV.

 

From those who have had the PCM done, has there been any "buyer's remorse?" Anyone who would go back to the original firmware if that were possible?

[milleron]

Interesting thoughts on the fuel control module leaking. From day 1 I've noticed that Fuelly reports about 2 mpg less than the computer on every fill up. Could this be a sign of a leaky fuel line, or is that pretty consistent for other Fuelly users on this forum?

 

I'd say that I'm having approximately the same difference you are between true mileage as measured at the pump and the mileage reported on the car's info screens.

[corncobs]

From those who have had the PCM done, has there been any "buyer's remorse?" Anyone who would go back to the original firmware if that were possible?

No remorse at all! I usually got over EPA before and still do now. Long highway travel has improved for sure and warm up times are shorter which helps with really short trip (2-4 miles) mileage.

[thavil]

What corncobs said. I'm experiencing the same thing he is before and after my update.

[B25Nut]

Definitely get the update. Everyone benefits from the faster warm up and the lower power draw for climate control. Those who spend most of their driving time between 65-75 mph seem to experience the biggest increase in MPGs.

[hybridbear]

Since I've had about 400 miles on my Titanium, I've been able to pretty consistently get 39-46 mpg on most of my trips that average10-12 miles. However, I've never been one of those FFH owners who get 47+ on either long or short trips.

This week, however, with temps in the 70s and no need for AC, I got 48.5 and 58 mpg on two 6-mi trips, then on a 17 mi trip to our local rifle range today I got 44 mpg going (from a cold start with low SOC) and 48.5 mpg coming back. So, now that I have almost 4,000 miles on the car and the temps are ideal, I'm starting to see EPA numbers for the first time.

I'm therefore most reluctant to have the PCM update done, at least prior to the onset of cold weather. I'd guess that the update might do me more good in the late fall that it would now -- i.e., when I'm not yet really having to run the ICE long on cold start-ups in order to get it into EV.

 

From those who have had the PCM done, has there been any "buyer's remorse?" Anyone who would go back to the original firmware if that were possible?

Remember, too, that the car takes awhile to learn the changes. Watching the coolant temp according to ET Mode at which the car would first shut off the ICE I observed it gradually shutting off the ICE at cooler temps in the miles since the PCM update. Before the update it would wait until the ICE reached upwards of 50C, now it consistently shuts off the ICE as soon as the coolant temp hits 40C when stopped and goes into full hybrid normal operation at 55C instead of 65C. You may want to get the update soon so that the car will be fully using the new software by the time the cold weather hits. It might not be that cold in Ohio yet, but it's in the 30s in MN this morning and we're supposed to get frost in the next few days, so the cold weather is definitely coming!

Edited October 14, 2013 by hybridbear

[terryb]

Trip to coffee this morning 4.2 miles got 30 mpg. Spent an hour, drove to a buddies house and around the 'hood, 14.6 miles got 54.4 mpg. Darn that warmup hurts.

[acdii]

No remorse at all! I usually got over EPA before and still do now. Long highway travel has improved for sure and warm up times are shorter which helps with really short trip (2-4 miles) mileage.

Were you on 14 going to woodstock around 11:30 or so? Saw a RR Hybrid!

[terryb]

With the A/C off tonight, I was able to drive the 5.5mi to my buddy's house at 46mpg. The return just minutes later was at 54 mpg.

[corncobs]

Were you on 14 going to woodstock around 11:30 or so? Saw a RR Hybrid!

Noop not me but there are a few RR FFH around the area. I have been keeping my eyes open for the TB HyTi. ;-)

[acdii]

Noop not me but there are a few RR FFH around the area. I have been keeping my eyes open for the TB HyTi. ;-)

Well, there happens to be at least one more in the general area, saw it this morning, haven't seen the TB FFETI lately.

 

This morning was the first time I took 14 all the way in since the day I bought the HyTi, that day was warmer and I got 47 MPG. Post update, got 45.9 MPG, with a passenger, and colder temps. Prior to that, the "other" car only got 38 on this road, in this temp, same passengers, same driving techniques, so hopefully this winter will be much better.

 

BTW, rolled 10K this morning, 4 months, 11 days since I drove it off the lot.

[milleron]

Well, the PCM update didn't hurt anything. Last Saturday, I had a 17 mile trip home from the rifle range at 48 mpg which was my all-time best. Today, 3 days after the update, with the temps about 25° cooler, I got 51.5 when, by rights, it should have been lower secondary to the significantly lower outside temperature. I was babying it both days at 40-55 mph (at or just below the speed limits). I have not done the hard reset, and probably will not since I'm seeing a little improvement -- in the range of 5-6% even in much cooler weather -- without doing it.

I'm wondering if the hypermilers here, those guys getting 50 mpg even before the update would do the hard reset, anyway, under these circumstances.

Edited October 19, 2013 by milleron