Houston to Florida Live

[fusionTX]

Three hundred miles into trip and good and bad things to report.

 

The good is that the car drives great, very smooth, very quiet, very comfortable.

 

The weather map was working great, except I think when it loses touch with satellite it goes away. Not much use for a weather map, if you can only use it in good weather.

 

Sirius has been nice to have. Following the events in Boston live is very nice.

 

The surprise of the day was that Bluetooth connections no longer working with either phone. I went to stream some music early this morning, and system could not connect to either phone it had previously been paired with. Very disappointing to have this happen. To my surprise, now that I am not driving, the phone connection is working again, without me doing anything.

 

Mileage has been worse than anticipated. I made a point of never exceeding 75 MPH. At its lowest point mileage was at 29.5. My drive finished with mileage at 31. Temps were around 48 degrees and there was a strong crosswind 10 to 15 MPH.

 

I expect mileage to improve as it warms up. I will also track mileage separately once we stop driving east and make a turn to the south. I figure the southern portion should be much better as we should have a tail wind, if anything, and it should be warmer.

 

Car is fairly loaded up.

 

I will add, for comparisons sake, that I do this trip twice a year. I usually averaged 34 MPG in my Camry Hybrid. My last trip in the Camry, last November, was also a cold one, and also started with a 30 MPG average, but did finish strong.

[aaronj1159]

 

The surprise of the day was that Bluetooth connections no longer working with either phone. I went to stream some music early this morning, and system could not connect to either phone it had previously been paired with. Very disappointing to have this happen. To my surprise, now that I am not driving, the phone connection is working again, without me doing anything.

 

 

The most frustrating thing about the car to this point, to me, is the inconsistency of my phone's connection to the car. It always says it's connected, and I think I'm always able to call and receive calls... but it's a toss up on any given drive as to whether Sync will read an incoming message to me. Sometimes it even says my phone model doesn't support bluetooth messaging, when I've obviously heard the car do it before.

[fusionTX]

First tank fill at 378 miles. Was hoping for 400 miles. Probably could have made it, but being first fill-up close to empty, did not want to push it.

Computer was right on. Said 11.8 gallons of gas used, and that is what I pumped.

Average at 32 MPG now.

Edited April 19, 2013 by fusionTX

[acdii]

Try to get your SOC to full and use the instant MPG gauge to keep it up at or near 40. It can be done but will get tiring. As for the phone I found the iPhoe to be the problem. I had issues where it wouldnt connect, and appeared the MFT locked up, turned out I needed to turn BT off on the phone and turn it back on, then it connected right away.

[fusionTX]

Try to get your SOC to full and use the instant MPG gauge to keep it up at or near 40. It can be done but will get tiring. As for the phone I found the iPhoe to be the problem. I had issues where it wouldnt connect, and appeared the MFT locked up, turned out I needed to turn BT off on the phone and turn it back on, then it connected right away.

 

It's hard to believe the problem is with the phones, as it is two phones that could no longer connect, one an iPhone, one a Samsung. Both started working at the same time.

[neod192]

I had that problem (iPhone 5 and Nexus 4) and the system ended up resetting itself. Things went back to normal. I mentioned it to Rebecca @ Ford and the first thing she asked if I had an iPhone - so there are some issues with the iPhones that Ford is still trying to pin-point. She also provided a method for resetting MFT w/out restoring it to factory defaults:

 

"Download this to an empty USB flash drive and keep it in your car:

http://outofmytouch.com/reboot.html

It comes from one of our updates and has a delayed reboot file on it. One of our customers did all the "dirty work" and made it accessible on that site. I have confirmed that it's safe to use. It's as good as a master reset without setting everything back to factory defaults."

 

When you download this, remember to extract it directly to the root of the flash drive. Don't extract it to the PC and copy it to the flash drive.

Edited April 19, 2013 by neod192

[acdii]

It's hard to believe the problem is with the phones, as it is two phones that could no longer connect, one an iPhone, one a Samsung. Both started working at the same time.

So you are able to have Both phones connected to MFT at the exact same time?

[B25Nut]

TX, 73 mph and above are a killer for MPG for me. I've been keeping it between 68-72 mph and seeing much better mileage.

[GrySql]

On my latest trip to PHX we had warm winds that buffeted the car, always from the side or front and it really affected my mileage.

Plus the car had 3 passengers and was loaded to the brim - I got 35mpg.

 

Yesterday we were traveling to the Dealer, going westbound and the car was doing 75 mph, I looked at my IM and I was getting almost 60mpg!!

Looking at the local trees I realized we had about a 20 mph tailwind pushing me, I got my best mpg's ever on that trip.

 

If you are driving the same way you drove your Camry it is a fair comparison when the round trip is completed.

I've never had a problem pairing my iPhone 4, or my wife's iPhone 4S with the MFT. Never tried them at the same time though.

[fusionTX]

I had that problem (iPhone 5 and Nexus 4) and the system ended up resetting itself. Things went back to normal. I mentioned it to Rebecca @ Ford and the first thing she asked if I had an iPhone - so there are some issues with the iPhones that Ford is still trying to pin-point. She also provided a method for resetting MFT w/out restoring it to factory defaults:

 

"Download this to an empty USB flash drive and keep it in your car:

http://outofmytouch.com/reboot.html

It comes from one of our updates and has a delayed reboot file on it. One of our customers did all the "dirty work" and made it accessible on that site. I have confirmed that it's safe to use. It's as good as a master reset without setting everything back to factory defaults."

 

When you download this, remember to extract it directly to the root of the flash drive. Don't extract it to the PC and copy it to the flash drive.

Thanks. That will be great to have!

[fusionTX]

So you are able to have Both phones connected to MFT at the exact same time?

 

No, that would be nice. :) One at a time, but neither worked this morning.

[fusionTX]

TX, 73 mph and above are a killer for MPG for me. I've been keeping it between 68-72 mph and seeing much better mileage.

Agree. I know at 70 the car does pretty close to 40, but it seems that the penalty for 75 is steep.

I should say that the last segment, I-75 south to Cape coral, FL will probably finish at around 34 MPG or higher. it's at 33 MPGs right now with about 200 miles to go. The weather is now fine.

[fusionTX]

On my latest trip to PHX we had warm winds that buffeted the car, always from the side or front and it really affected my mileage.

Plus the car had 3 passengers and was loaded to the brim - I got 35mpg.

 

Yesterday we were traveling to the Dealer, going westbound and the car was doing 75 mph, I looked at my IM and I was getting almost 60mpg!!

Looking at the local trees I realized we had about a 20 mph tailwind pushing me, I got my best mpg's ever on that trip.

 

If you are driving the same way you drove your Camry it is a fair comparison when the round trip is completed.

I've never had a problem pairing my iPhone 4, or my wife's iPhone 4S with the MFT. Never tried them at the same time though.

I do think the winds and wet roads , and load, really affect MPGs.

[fusionTX]

Fort the second fuel-up, I actually went 25 miles after being told that I had zero miles left in the tank. I meant to push it some, but not so much, but there was nowhere to stop for gas during that stretch. I ended up putting 12.75 gallons.

 

For my first fuel up, I don't remember the fuel light turning red. For the second one it seemed to turn red a lot faster. I should also add that I don't think I'm having any issues filling the tank to its capacity, which is a relief after early complaints by some.

[terryb]

As far as I can recall reading here you are the record fuel fill holder. I've never been able to put in more than 11.2 gals.

[Fastronaut]

Fort the second fuel-up, I actually went 25 miles after being told that I had zero miles left in the tank. I meant to push it some, but not so much, but there was nowhere to stop for gas during that stretch. I ended up putting 12.75 gallons.

 

For my first fuel up, I don't remember the fuel light turning red. For the second one it seemed to turn red a lot faster. I should also add that I don't think I'm having any issues filling the tank to its capacity, which is a relief after early complaints by some.

Wow, that's cutting it pretty close for a 13.5 gallon capacity tank.

[fusionTX]

 

He are the final trip numbers. Unable to attach pictures as they are too big.

 

Final trip numbers

 

ElapsedTime: 16:26

Miles: 1092

MPG: 32.7

Gallons used: 33.34

 

Southern portion of trip

 

ElapsedTime: 4:38

Miles: 298.7

MPG: 33.6

Gallons used: 8.88

 

The portion of the trip heading south on interstate 75 would have done better, but it seemed that the hills in Gainsville, Ocala, kept the mileage at bay.

 

I am not disappointed in the mileage. It was done trying to go 75 MPH whenever possible. I realized after arriving and unloading everything, just how loaded the car was. The trunk was completely full as was floor portion of the back seats. And two adults and 3 small dogs. It was definitely a heavy load.

 

BTW, the chopped up trunk works really well. My laptop and printer fit above the HVB as did another bag. A cooler and other stuff filled the main trunk space.

 

Heading back in a couple of weeks should be a lighter car. Will be interesting to compare how much of a difference that makes.

[Fastronaut]

He are the final trip numbers. Unable to attach pictures as they are too big.

 

Final trip numbers

 

ElapsedTime: 16:26

Miles: 1092

MPG: 32.7

Gallons used: 33.34

 

Southern portion of trip

 

ElapsedTime: 4:38

Miles: 298.7

MPG: 33.6

Gallons used: 8.88

 

The portion of the trip heading south on interstate 75 would have done better, but it seemed that the hills in Gainsville, Ocala, kept the mileage at bay.

 

I am not disappointed in the mileage. It was done trying to go 75 MPH whenever possible. I realized after arriving and unloading everything, just how loaded the car was. The trunk was completely full as was floor portion of the back seats. And two adults and 3 small dogs. It was definitely a heavy load.

 

BTW, the chopped up trunk works really well. My laptop and printer fit above the HVB as did another bag. A cooler and other stuff filled the main trunk space.

 

Heading back in a couple of weeks should be a lighter car. Will be interesting to compare how much of a difference that makes.

Thanks for sharing your real world results. I'd say that you got a pretty decent MPG with your heavy load and high speed.

[fusionTX]

Ñ

Wow, that's cutting it pretty close for a 13.5 gallon capacity tank.

I'm hoping it's really a 14 gallon tank, like the Ford website says. :) Yeah it got a little scary cutting it that close.

[Fastronaut]

Ñ

I'm hoping it's really a 14 gallon tank, like the Ford website says. :) Yeah it got a little scary cutting it that close.

Actually, Ford states 13.5 in their technical specifications:

 

http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2013_FusionHybrid_Specs.pdf

[fusionTX]

Actually, Ford states 13.5 in their technical specifications:

 

http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2013_FusionHybrid_Specs.pdf

They do, but if you do the trim comparisons online, it shows 14 for Energi and hybrid. It has never made much sense to me why they would want so many different sized gas tanks. Seems like a quality control headache. Edited April 20, 2013 by fusionTX

[acdii]

He are the final trip numbers. Unable to attach pictures as they are too big.

 

Final trip numbers

 

ElapsedTime: 16:26

Miles: 1092

MPG: 32.7

Gallons used: 33.34

 

Southern portion of trip

 

ElapsedTime: 4:38

Miles: 298.7

MPG: 33.6

Gallons used: 8.88

 

The portion of the trip heading south on interstate 75 would have done better, but it seemed that the hills in Gainsville, Ocala, kept the mileage at bay.

 

I am not disappointed in the mileage. It was done trying to go 75 MPH whenever possible. I realized after arriving and unloading everything, just how loaded the car was. The trunk was completely full as was floor portion of the back seats. And two adults and 3 small dogs. It was definitely a heavy load.

 

BTW, the chopped up trunk works really well. My laptop and printer fit above the HVB as did another bag. A cooler and other stuff filled the main trunk space.

 

Heading back in a couple of weeks should be a lighter car. Will be interesting to compare how much of a difference that makes.

Those were the kind of numbers I got but I kept it under 65 for about 80% of the trip.

[keybman]

fusionTX -- Since I will be making this same trip soon, I have appreciated your reporting. Looking forward to the return trip info.

[fusionTX]

Today I drove back from Miami to Cape Coral. Low 80's, very little wind.

 

I started on the FL Turnpike going 62 MPH. I was getting passed left and right, but wanted to start the trip going at a speed that could use EV mode. What I found is that the car would not go into EV mode very easily on its own. When you are in heavy traffic and the car has to slow down ocassionally, EV happens naturally, but when you set the 62 MPH speed, and there is no stopping, it happens less frequently. To take advantage of EV mode you have to play with the +/- signs on cruise. Click - a couple of times and it goes into EV mode, then click + a couple more times, and you are back at 62 MPH. Do this repeatedly, and you can get close to EPA mileage. In any case, going 62 MPH on a real road trip is not really feasible, atleast not for me.

 

Interstate 75 runs east-west in southern florida and then north-south along the western edge of the state.

 

I wasn't sure what speed to go, but noticed that if I set the cruise to 68 MPH, the RPM stayed at or slightly below 2000 RPM. So I decided to stay at this speed for the rest of the trip.

 

The east-west portion ended at 38 MPG. It kept slighly increasing as the trip progressed. This was at a steady 68 MPH. Not enough traffic to impede my goal.

 

Once I tuned north, I set a new trip computer. It did even better on this portion, 40.5 MPG.

 

It seems like 68 is a pretty good speed to achieve decent mileage.

 

This is a big difference from my trip from Cape Coral to Ft Lauderdale. Same route, opposite direction, but obviously different wind conditions. I think wind has a larger effect than most of us realize.

[Fastronaut]

Today I drove back from Miami to Cape Coral. Low 80's, very little wind.

 

I started on the FL Turnpike going 62 MPH. I was getting passed left and right, but wanted to start the trip going at a speed that could use EV mode. What I found is that the car would not go into EV mode very easily on its own. When you are in heavy traffic and the car has to slow down ocassionally, EV happens naturally, but when you set the 62 MPH speed, and there is no stopping, it happens less frequently. To take advantage of EV mode you have to play with the +/- signs on cruise. Click - a couple of times and it goes into EV mode, then click + a couple more times, and you are back at 62 MPH. Do this repeatedly, and you can get close to EPA mileage. In any case, going 62 MPH on a real road trip is not really feasible, atleast not for me.

 

Interstate 75 runs east-west in southern florida and then north-south along the western edge of the state.

 

I wasn't sure what speed to go, but noticed that if I set the cruise to 68 MPH, the RPM stayed at or slightly below 2000 RPM. So I decided to stay at this speed for the rest of the trip.

 

The east-west portion ended at 38 MPG. It kept slighly increasing as the trip progressed. This was at a steady 68 MPH. Not enough traffic to impede my goal.

 

Once I tuned north, I set a new trip computer. It did even better on this portion, 40.5 MPG.

 

It seems like 68 is a pretty good speed to achieve decent mileage.

 

This is a big difference from my trip from Cape Coral to Ft Lauderdale. Same route, opposite direction, but obviously different wind conditions. I think wind has a larger effect than most of us realize.

Excellent information.