Software Updates from Ford to improve MPGs

[bcrisp]

Had my PCM installed this a.m. The dearlership said they've had a few requests but I was first in the chute. Thanks to the info in this forum, I ensured I checked for the reset display, etc., and it all looked good t'go.

 

The 32-mile ride home was interesting, watching EV kick in at 70-/80-mph when conditions were right. My mpg for the ride was 43 but that's an improvement over the 36'ish this trip used to net me. This is Southwest Virginia on I-81 with a 70-mph speed limit, full of inclines for hills, and the downgrades aren't all that long. Still, EV was engaged much more than usual for this stretch and caught myself smiling when I glanced at the display. Go Ford!

 

I have a 350-mile trip to DC this weekend so that'll be more revealing. I anticipate much better economy, as the speed limit is 70 almost the entire trip.

 

It was 54-degrees F here this morning, the chilliest yet since I took delivery on 28 May. I noted the longer-than-usual warm-up time before EV would kick in, so I'll pay attention to that with the PCM installed on the next trip.

[Riggo]

Like some others, my FFH has learned where Home is but (again, like some others) I park in a garage at work and have yet to get an EV+ mode indicated going there. With less than 600 miles on the car, this may be expecting a lot at this stage but I'm in EV mode mostly in downtown Houston. On a side note, it's a challenge going up 10 levels in a parking garage in EV mode only ;)

 

I park in a garage at home, 2 floors underground, and it learned my home in a matter of days. So the fact that you park in a garage should have no impact on EV+ learning curve.

[MaineFusion]

 

I park in a garage at home, 2 floors underground, and it learned my home in a matter of days. So the fact that you park in a garage should have no impact on EV+ learning curve.

Then I wonder why my FFH isn't learning my work location.

[aaronj1159]

Then I wonder why my FFH isn't learning my work location.

It took mine over a month to learn my work location the first time. Now that it's been reset, I wonder if it'll take that long again.

[hermans]

Before I got the update the Philadelphia airport was on my EV+ list. It will be again as I still go to the airport alot.

[MaineFusion]

I half expect my Ford dealer to show up on my EV+ list due to the numbers I've had to visit them to address issues.

[jeapa]

It has been 4 days since I got the update and my car still hasn't learned home or work. I sure hope this new update to the update I am getting tomorrow afternoon doesn't throw everything off again.

 

I had my best drive home ever today at 51 mpg. I figured out the sweet spot now is eco cruise at 69mph. This keeps the EV from cycling on and off so much and I got better mileage then at 66-68 mph.

[BondMan007]

I had the following addressed yesterday:

 

Fixed

TSB 13B07 - POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CALIBRATION

Confirmed via "Empower" mode and resetting of EV+ that the update was made.

 

Fixed

TSB 13-6-17 - SYNC - VARIOUS FUNCTIONALITY CONCERNS

Phone syncs up MUCH faster than before. Controls are much snappier.

 

Parts ordered

TSB 13-5-24 TING/POP/CLICK-TYPE NOISE - FRONT HALFSHAFT

Service writer said they would be there the next day (today) but was called to say they are backordered--no ETA :-( I'm hoping the repair will go smoothly because this is not a "electric vehicle certified" shop.

 

Not Fixed

TSB 13-5-28 Reprogram the Front Controls Interface Module

Service writer said that "Ford doesn't let them do repairs when there are no symptoms." I sort of agree. We'll see in the winter.

Edited August 16, 2013 by BondMan007

[mickey41]

Had dealer do 13B07 Update on Monday...no change in MPG at all. Also, EV mode will not kick in above 62MPH. Looks like they goofed. Should have been a member of this forum BEFORE going to the dealership! Looks like a return trip is in my future.

[jeff_h]

Had dealer do 13B07 Update on Monday...no change in MPG at all. Also, EV mode will not kick in above 62MPH. Looks like they goofed. Should have been a member of this forum BEFORE going to the dealership! Looks like a return trip is in my future.

 

Below was in another thread (thanks to Osofast for posting), maybe your update was using one of those two 'Do not use' versions. Mine was done with v85.05 and applied correctly the first time.

 

Copied from Oasis broadcast today.

 

6477 - Field Service Action 13B07 - Special Instruction

Certain 2013 Model Year C-MAX, Fusion, and MKZ Hybrid Vehicles - Fuel Economy Improvement - Powertrain Control Module Calibration. When updating the PCM and SOBDM-C modules as part of FSA 13B07, use IDS R85.05 or R86.01A with the VCM I or the VCM II. Do not use IDS R86.00 or R86.01.

[acdii]

Don't really know if the update help or not, got my car update when it has 300 miles, now shr got 1400 miles.

On interstate 400 miles round trip I got 42.4 A/C, ECO Cruise, and entertainment on all time. Travel @ 65mph.

Now on street going from 30-55mpg I got 39.6 mpg, I get to traffic speed then release gas pedal, then with ECO Cruise on when ever I can.

 

Does this mpg on street level ground sound normal with 1,400 mies on the car?

People in this forum mention also the salesman stated the car break in after 3,000 miles.

How much more Mpg would I get after 3,000 miles break in?

Don't use Eco cruise in city driving, it wont use EV as much as you could by feathering the pedal. It is perfect for Highway sustained drivign, but not in city. If 45 and under, manually drive. Get up to speed, relax the pedal and it should go into EV, and then just try to maintain speed while using as little blue as possible, then when it finally runs down and kicks ICE back on, get back up to speed and let the battery recharge up to about 75% and do it all over again. That's the only way to see anything like 47 in these cars.

 

I can tell the update has helped. Since I had it done my liftetime since I drove it off the lot has gone up from 43.5 to 43.9, I rarely have a trip under 46 now unless its short or I was in a hurry. Got 46.6 the past 2 days and 48.8 this morning. The past two days I was just not into the hybrid games, but still returned acceptable mileage.

[anguyen]

Don't use Eco cruise in city driving, it wont use EV as much as you could by feathering the pedal. It is perfect for Highway sustained drivign, but not in city. If 45 and under, manually drive. Get up to speed, relax the pedal and it should go into EV, and then just try to maintain speed while using as little blue as possible, then when it finally runs down and kicks ICE back on, get back up to speed and let the battery recharge up to about 75% and do it all over again. That's the only way to see anything like 47 in these cars.

 

I can tell the update has helped. Since I had it done my liftetime since I drove it off the lot has gone up from 43.5 to 43.9, I rarely have a trip under 46 now unless its short or I was in a hurry. Got 46.6 the past 2 days and 48.8 this morning. The past two days I was just not into the hybrid games, but still returned acceptable mileage.

 

Thanks for your inputs, I always use the set - to decrease the speed then EV kick in. I will try your method with my foot to see any gain in mpg.

[Osofast]

Had the PCM update done today, i spoke to my dealer about the change in update rev. And he told me there software updates daily.

So far i have confirmed that I can drive down the road at 75 in EV mode and i also noticed that when i turn climate on and change the fan speed the AC nolonger turns on automatically, finally.

Things i have noticed that are different from what others are experiencing I have not lost any numbers, lifetime, settings etc etc. the only thing that seems to be reset after the update is the EV+ locations are not recognized.

I did notice that im getting the battery saver message again, which i have not got since i had the fix done a few weeks ago. However this could just be a result of the car being on in battery mode while at the dealer all day and the battery is drained a bit? Not sure.

Edited August 17, 2013 by Osofast

[lesir]

Letters will go out by the end of July to about 77,000 owners of the Ford C-Max, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ hybrids. They will be instructed to make an appointment with their dealers for a half-day of work adjusting the software at no charge. New 2014 models will have the upgrades done at the factory.

 

Ford made a big advertising splash last fall, boasting that the new Fusion hybrid had an Environmental Protection Agency rating of 47 m.p.g. for combined highway and city driving. The new C-Max hybrid also was stickered for 47 m.p.g. The Lincoln MKZ hybrid went on sale earlier this year with a rating of 45 m.p.g.

 

Many consumers reported they were unable to get close to those figures in their driving experience. Some of those owners joined class actions alleging the numbers represent false advertising on Ford’s part.

 

Raj Nair, Ford’s head of global product development, said the voluntary action is not related to the lawsuits, but rather is part of continuous improvement efforts.

 

He would not say how much better mileage will get nor did he estimate the cost of the dealer actions. But he did say the software changes will not change the EPA ratings and the government agency is aware of the program.

 

The calibrations are designed to reduce the variability of the mileage different drivers get on the road with hybrids, more so than with gasoline-powered vehicles.

 

Among the calibration changes:

 

■ The hybrids will automatically remain in electric-only mode to a top speed of 85 m.p.h., up from 62 m.p.h. now.

 

■ Active grille shutters will close in cold weather or when the air conditioner is running to warm or cool the cabin faster, allowing the batteries to kick in sooner to run in electric mode.

 

■ Fan speed will be reduced, requiring less fuel to operate.

 

■ The engine will warm up 50% faster, which allows stop-start technology to work faster, saving fuel when the vehicle turns itself off when idled.

 

The changes do not affect Ford’s Fusion and C-Max plug-in hybrids, Nair said.

HI, i jjust had my fusion "upgraded" and didn't change a thing; i use same roads, same speeds and if anything, the car runs now more on gas than before. the only thing i noticed is the "average mpg fluctuates a lot more than before but no improvements still getting 37 mpg local driving!

[lesir]

I had my 13b07 done yesterday 08/16/13, so far, nothing has changed except the fluctuation in average "mpg" before, not much activity but now, .1,.2, etc...quick variance. but overall, i still get the same consumption: 37.6 mpg on the same local roads i drive on all the time, at 61mph, car still kicks out of ev mode back to engine mode. i noticed i had to reset clock and driver memory seat position.

Maybe dealer missed the computer re-program???

No where on my invoice does it states "13b07" it only specify describes "customer states: factory recall - reprogram pcm per FSA"

i questionned the service desk regarding this and they told me the the tech performed the "reprogram pcm per FSA"

and that is supposed to satisfy the 13b07 service from FORD??

more to come...

[djminfll]

I had my 13b07 done yesterday 08/16/13, so far, nothing has changed except the fluctuation in average "mpg" before, not much activity but now, .1,.2, etc...quick variance. but overall, i still get the same consumption: 37.6 mpg on the same local roads i drive on all the time, at 61mph, car still kicks out of ev mode back to engine mode. i noticed i had to reset clock and driver memory seat position.

Maybe dealer missed the computer re-program???

No where on my invoice does it states "13b07" it only specify describes "customer states: factory recall - reprogram pcm per FSA"

i questionned the service desk regarding this and they told me the the tech performed the "reprogram pcm per FSA"

and that is supposed to satisfy the 13b07 service from FORD??

more to come...

As has been posted in other threads,

 

> Does your car go into EV mode over 62mph?

> Does the Empower screen show the blue at all times, even when you are in ICE mode?

 

If not, have the dealership do the update again. If it was done correctly the first time, when your car is hooked up to the computer, it will tell the tech that the update is already complete.

Edited August 17, 2013 by djminfll

[Ric]

I sure this has been posted already.

I just can not find it.

How do I tell if my FFH has been upgrade to 13B07???

[jeff_h]

i questionned the service desk regarding this and they told me the the tech performed the "reprogram pcm per FSA"and that is supposed to satisfy the 13b07 service from FORD??

 

 

Sounds right - 13B07 is for "PCM Recalibration" which is a "Field Service Action", or FSA

Edited August 17, 2013 by jeff_h

[hybridbear]

I've been meaning to ask this... Is there any definitive way to see the installed update if you put the car

in "engineering mode" - is there any version or anything to view that will prove it without having to

drive the car?

I checked on this yesterday and posted my findings in the Engineeering Test Mode thread. There appears to be no change to the codes displayed on some of the ET Mode screens based on this software update.

 

FYI, I updated fuelly to start again effective with the soft ware update, hence, the Avg MPG of 48.0 and only 1 fuel-up.

Did you keep your old Fuelly data so that you can compare before and after? It would be neat to see both of them in your signature going forward.

[B25Nut]

Mine was a consistent 36- 37 mpg FFH for nine months. Since picking it up last Tuesday morning after getting all the updates, I am consistently getting 6 mpg better mileage. The average since the update is 43.8 mpg. A 30 mile trip last night let me see the big Five-O for the first time on any drive over a few miles. Speeds ranged from 65-75 mph for 90% of the miles. There was a cheating factor of a long downgrade, and the return trip was 39.2 mpg, but this was with me being the leader of the pack going back up the steep grade at 65 mph. Due in part to the info on this forum, my service manager at Paso Robles Ford appears to have gotten everything done perfectly right. Mine was the first hybrid they had done any updates on, including the frontend shims. The mechanics loved my kill markings.

Since the updates, I have not experienced any of the irritating quirks in the audio and climate controlled by MFT. I feel my increased MPGs are due mainly from the EV time that I now get above 62 mph, since about 80% of my mileage has always been above that speed. Last night I saw all EV at 75 mph on a section of freeway that appeared level but probably had a slight downgrade.

[corncobs]

I'm not going to lie but I'm a little bit disappointed from our today's trip to Atlanta. I was hoping for somewhere around 42 MPG but I barely broke the 40. With the actual calculated numbers from the fill up its even less only 36.7 MPG.

I mean we returned an average of 64 MPH on this 766 miles trip which is not bad and again it's just a pleasure to drive the FFH. Absolutely no complains in terms of comfort nor performance.

Edited August 18, 2013 by corncobs

[GrySql]

I'm not going to lie but I'm a little bit disappointed from our today's trip to Atlanta. I was hoping for somewhere around 42 MPG but I barely broke the 40. With the actual calculated numbers from the fill up its even less only 36.7 MPG.

I mean we returned an average of 64 MPH on this 766 miles trip which is not bad and again it's just a pleasure to drive the FFH. Absolutely no complains in terms of comfort nor performance.

Interesting, do you have observations or opinions why your mpg's are that in that range?

Your car has turned in some pretty nice numbers so far, any theories?

 

I haven't driven mine enough since the PCM update to have any real data, but I like the new way it drives.

There are so any differences now that I find it hard to catalog them all, in general the car 'acts' more hybrid.

As far as mpg's, it's too early for me to know.

[corerwh]

Here is my write up on my experience before and after the update from the past two weeks over in the guinea pig thread. Enjoy!

[djminfll]

I'm convinced that the PCM update has only improved city driving. I did a R/T yesterday of 14 miles each way. Going out, I took surface streets the whole way. Lights were not working in my favor as they usually do, I ran the A/C at 75 with fan speed on low. Upon arrival, I achieved 48.6 mpg. Going home, I did surface streets for 3 miles to the turnpike. Once on the highway, I set ACC for 69. I saw mileage for the tankful starting to decline. I adjusted to 65, same thing. I put it down to 62 and I started going back into EV. Wen I got home, I had only hit 42 mpg, but it would have been less if I had not reduced highway speed.

Still happy, but I wish highway did better.

Edited August 18, 2013 by djminfll

[rjent]

As all gas mileage debates, there are variables LOL.

 

I disagree with the bolded text below, I find just the contrary to that. I think we have seen at least 3 MPG increase on the Interstate at 64 eco cruise. I am going back to Albuquerque again on Tuesday, and I will report back as to whether I still believe that, but I just did a 1.8 (a little less than one mile each way) mile loop this morning with stops at each end with up and down hill both ways and got 38 over and 35 back. it has never done that before. Like I said the last 2 or 3 hundred mile trip we have done, we saw major improvement and I know I had a headwind on part of it. :)

I'm convinced that the PCM update has only improved city driving. I did a R/T yesterday of 14 miles each way. Going out, I took surface streets the whole way. Lights were not working in my favor as they usually do, I ran the A/C at 75 with fan speed on low. Upon arrival, I achieved 48.6 mpg. Going home, I did surface streets for 3 miles to the turnpike. Once on the highway, I set ACC for 69. I saw mileage for the tankful starting to decline. I adjusted to 65, same thing. I put it down to 62 and I started going back into EV. Wen I got home, I had only hit 42 mpg, but it would have been less if I had not reduced highway speed.
Still happy, but I wish highway did better.