Repair and an experiment

[Cobra348]

The repair:

With the HyTi I had, I would lock the fob in the car and use the keypad for entry ... except in Winter when I'd remote start it if needed. I wanted to do the same with the current car but experienced trouble - keypad didn't seem to work. Turns out it was a DOA pad from the factory. Was replaced a couple weeks ago and works like a charm. Interestingly, the first attempt to get a pad ordered resulted in a Fusion labeled carton with an F-150 pad in it! <chuckle> Warranty, so the total was my favorite - zero!

 

The experiment:

In one of the threads somewhere here, someone posted that they used non-Eco mode as they felt Eco didn't gain anything appreciable in the MPG arena. I was a devout Eco-mode user so I thought I'd see what would happen in the two modes. I actually added a third test mode: mixed.

 

I made no adjustments to driving - either style or roads or anything. I do not "hypermile" as some do and sometimes will literally drive it like I stole it. Highway driving is 5-8 MPH over limit in most cases. All MPG numbers are from the gas receipts and not the car computer. Dates for tallies begin May 1 and end as of today.

 

Eco-mode: Eco cruise activated all the time. If added acceleration needed, use the gas pedal.

..... 4 tanks totaling 1670.6 miles; average MPG per tank 43.53

 

Mixed-mode: Eco cruise mostly BUT turned off when on long uphill areas or needed a bit extra punch getting to speed.

..... 2 tanks - 919.0 miles; average MPG per tank 41.42

 

Normal-mode: The usual ... Eco is off and not used at all.

..... 4 tanks totaling 1616.1 miles; average MPG 43.98

 

So one could get about 1/2 mile per gallon by NOT using Eco mode., To me, that makes it nearly a tossup. Mixed mode appears to be a losing proposition. <shrug>

 

By no means is this anything near sanctioned testing but just a drivers curiosity on a remark from one our other owners. Do with it what you will!

 

[DeeCee]

Similar experience with my former FFH and my current Lincoln MKZ hybrid. My experience is to sit back and enjoy the ride and not worry about a few tenths MPG. Let the car's computer, ECO mode on, be the worry wart and just relax and enjoy. My FFH lifetime MPG after 60k miles was 46.5 based on gas receipts, not the car's computer. My current MKZ mileage (actual) is 43.5 mpg after 15k Miles.