Ford fuel efficiency update guinea pig testers

[corncobs]

Your speed plateau is more than impressive it looks so cool I really like the results you are showing.

[tclemmer]

Well, I will be getting the update next Friday (August 16th). I have been trying to save off my daily commutes so that I can see if there is an impact. I have three different routes I can take. Route 1 is a freeway route (But there is a ton of construction going on so its a crap shoot on that one), Routes 2 and 3 are none freeway routes. It appears that To work is overall downhill and From work is uphill.

 

I have a Google Spreadsheet where I am logging this and to the right of the data is the averages. I will continue next week adding data to the different routes and then add the updated PCM data on-going after the 16th.

 

If anyone is interested in looking at the spreadsheet it is public for anyone using the link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AvVlcS71qBqKdEREV040Qm5iTzN2aURuQzNrQXROenc&usp=sharing

 

FYI, I have never made a spreadsheet public so hopefully it works.

 

Tom

[MaineFusion]

Your speed plateau is more than impressive it looks so cool I really like the results you are showing.

Thanks, I'll show more over time.

 

I'm working on refining that blibs I keep getting when I transition from 65/63 to 55 and from 55 back to 63/65.

[jsolan]

Had mine done Wednesday and drove to Boston from southern pa yesterday.

The first couple hours of the trip showed strong promise of improved highway economy. I had cruise set at 71 and there were only a few sections of 55mph speed limits. My trip meter showed 41.7 mpg after the first 100 or so miles. After that, weather and traffic turned a 7 hour drive into an 11 hour one. I ended up having to fill up earlier than I expected, but still managed 40.8 on the tank. Unfortunately I can't really conclude anything about highway mileage because of all the rain and sitting in traffic, but I will say that I'm definitely not disappointed. Previously I got 38-40 mpg at 70mph for comparison.

 

 

By the way, it's a cool feeling to be driving in ev at 70+ for any extended period. I can only imagine what those tesla owners feel.

[mattyd]

I just got the update yesterday and my highway milage seems to be just as bad. Im still only getting 36-38 i also drive 75-78 mph. I have also noticed that the people getting the really good milage their speeds are down around 60-65. Where i live going that slow on the highway, you will get run over.

[corncobs]

I just got the update yesterday and my highway milage seems to be just as bad. Im still only getting 36-38 i also drive 75-78 mph. I have also noticed that the people getting the really good milage their speeds are down around 60-65. Where i live going that slow on the highway, you will get run over.

What's the posted speed limit?

Here around Chicago it's 55 and I have been setting it to 65 with great results I almost never have to brake and I'm getting good MPG. Yes some people have to get around me but it's their problem not mine I'm already going 10 MPH over speed limit plus I don't have to watch for cops since they usually have enough other / different idiots ( if you would call me one for driving that "slow") to pick from.

 

BTW if you ever have the chance to drive thru Denver it's awesomely relaxing since everyone drives within a 5 MPH window of the speed limit which creates a very nice flowing traffic pattern. If the people here in Chicago would ever realize that it would be great commuting.

[Charrua]

mattyd, welcome to the forum.

 

I've been driving 65 MPH on US-131, M-6, and I-196 for the past few years. I started driving that way because I realized how much more relaxed I was once I got to work/home. The better gas mileage didn't hurt either.

 

I haven't gotten run over yet.

 

Give it a try sometime.

 

BTW, I do drive 70 on longer trips.

[MaineFusion]

... i also drive 75-78 mph.

Well there's your problem! ;)

 

From my experience, I've observed that at highway speeds, the FFH tends to lose 1mpg for each 1mph increase in speed. When driving on country roads below 45mph, I can get 63mpg or higher. For the trip profile graphed in the Ski Track below, I get around 49mpg when I set the top speed plateau to 65mph and around 51mpg when set to 63mpg. The slower head and tail speeds along with the 55mph zone bring my average trip speed to around 50mph and help to bring up my over all MPG. On longer trips with higher average trip speeds, I'd expect lower MPG.

 

 

 

 

BTW if you ever have the chance to drive thru Denver it's awesomely relaxing since everyone drives within a 5 MPH window of the speed limit which creates a very nice flowing traffic pattern. If the people here in Chicago would ever realize that it would be great commuting.

 

Here in Maine, the majority of people drive within 5mph of the posted speed limit. When I head south to Boston, people in Massachusetts drive way faster, and are crazy drivers. :peelout:

 

I also find setting a cruising speed that doesn't require me to pass very often makes for very relaxing commute and a great way to start/end my work day. I never loved driving so much as I do now that I have a FFH.

Edited August 10, 2013 by MaineFusion

[corerwh]

I got my update done yesterday and about 90% sure it was done right. Thanks to keybman for the tip of the note to put in my driver's side seat. From what I was told it helped the technician. I just wanted to give a quick update on my drive home after the update.

 

So my trip home from work is 16.5 miles with a steady rise in elevation and the state highway has hills about every couple miles. These hills are man made for cross traffic to go under the highway. So nothing too steep. I set my ECC at 70 mph to work that morning and on the way home that evening. I wanted to go 70 mph so that I could make sure the update was successful.

 

Three days ago on my way home from work before the update the temp outside was 90 F and with a gradual decrease in temp from 85 F to 74 F inside. I used 0.4 gals of gas with 2.6 EV miles and a break score of 100%. My MPG according to the trip computer was 40.9 mpg. On my way home from work after the update the temp outside was 88 F and inside with a gradual decrease from 85 F to 72 F along the drive. I used 0.36 gals of gas with 5.8 EV miles and a break score of 96%. My MPG according to the trip computer was 45.1 mpg. I liked MaineFusion's stats from the phone of the elevation and speed. So using Google's app My Tracks I tracked my route home. The picture here will show you the elevation change and my speeds. Just in that one test run, I was able to see a ~4 mpg increase from the update like others have been reporting.

 

Over this next week I'll being taking the same routes and speeds as I did last week and will post my results Friday night or Saturday. I like how tclemmer is using a Google spreadsheet and so I'll be doing the same with my results. I also have a 68 mile drive later today and is mostly interstate driving that will allow me to go over 70 mph and I will include those results in my spreadsheet but there wont be anything to compare it to before the update. I hope this info will be helpful to someone.

[aaronj1159]

Update performed yesterday. It's working correctly. Haven't had a good chance to test it out though. I'll update when I do.

[Geremy13]

I like how tclemmer is using a Google spreadsheet and so I'll be doing the same with my results. I also have a 68 mile drive later today and is mostly interstate driving that will allow me to go over 70 mph and I will include those results in my spreadsheet but there wont be anything to compare it to before the update. I hope this info will be helpful to someone.

 

NOTE: The above quote is from corerwh. The quote function didn't work quite properly. But the below is from me.

 

I think that this information IS FANTASTIC!... Whether it be good or bad is GREAT information for all of us to learn from. I myself am learning everyday from this forum and very thankful.

Edited August 11, 2013 by Geremy13

[milleron]

I got my update done yesterday and about 90% sure it was done right. Thanks to keybman for the tip of the note to put in my driver's side seat. From what I was told it helped the technician. I just wanted to give a quick update on my drive home after the update.

 

So my trip home from work is 16.5 miles with a steady rise in elevation and the state highway has hills about every couple miles. These hills are man made for cross traffic to go under the highway. So nothing too steep. I set my ECC at 70 mph to work that morning and on the way home that evening. I wanted to go 70 mph so that I could make sure the update was successful.

 

Three days ago on my way home from work before the update the temp outside was 90 F and with a gradual decrease in temp from 85 F to 74 F inside. I used 0.4 gals of gas with 2.6 EV miles and a break score of 100%. My MPG according to the trip computer was 40.9 mpg. On my way home from work after the update the temp outside was 88 F and inside with a gradual decrease from 85 F to 72 F along the drive. I used 0.36 gals of gas with 5.8 EV miles and a break score of 96%. My MPG according to the trip computer was 45.1 mpg. I liked MaineFusion's stats from the phone of the elevation and speed. So using Google's app My Tracks I tracked my route home. The picture here will show you the elevation change and my speeds. Just in that one test run, I was able to see a ~4 mpg increase from the update like others have been reporting.

 

Over this next week I'll being taking the same routes and speeds as I did last week and will post my results Friday night or Saturday. I like how tclemmer is using a Google spreadsheet and so I'll be doing the same with my results. I also have a 68 mile drive later today and is mostly interstate driving that will allow me to go over 70 mph and I will include those results in my spreadsheet but there wont be anything to compare it to before the update. I hope this info will be helpful to someone.

I try to drive the same way to and from work -- 10.5 miles each way of urban freeway with moderately dense traffic that usually moves around 66-69 mph. My mileage on this route varies anywhere between 39 and 47 mpg, even when conditions seem identical, and I'm making every effort not to vary driving styles. If this were my car, a 4 mpg difference on one trip would be meaningless, I'd think that I couldn't draw any valid conclusions without taking an average of least ten round trips. What's your experience with the reproducibility of mileage results where you drive?

[anguyen]

I got my update last week, and yesterday I got a round trip of 337.7 miles, 10% is on stop light streets, 90% interstate hwy I10

Interstate Traveled 65mph with ECC (Eco Cruise Control)

using 87 unleaded

Stock 18" 5spoke rim 235/45/18

Going temperature 90deg at 2:30pm

Climate set 69deg

Going back temperature 79deg at 8:51pm

Climate set 70deg

Entrainment on all the time of the trip (Play Driving Musics from USB)

 

Result,

337.7 miles

93.3 EV

42.4 mpg

7.95gal

 

Sorry cant upload file

[anguyen]

Data from a couple more days - 60 miles for each morning/afternoon commute.

 

Yesterday morning, 53.4 with cruise set at 65, afternoon 53.8 with cruise set at 65 -- same route with which I got 60 just the other day and traffic was about the same, but those headwinds sure made quite a difference.

 

This morning, 53.1 with cruise set at 65, afternoon 53.4 (didn't get to use cruise much at all) with enjoyable wait of an additional hour to to 3 miles while one of the two HOV lanes were blocked... so always a fun time. But was enough for lifetime on the display to inch up to 49.9.

 

So it appears that the software update results are about the same for highway MPG, but for around-town behavior I think I got a nice boost.

I don't see how you can get 53.1 mpg traveled at 65mph, there is no way this can happen on FFH unless you traveled down hill.

[jeff_h]

I don't see how you can get 53.1 mpg traveled at 65mph, there is no way this can happen on FFH unless you traveled down hill.

It's not 65 the entire way, just the parts on I-95 -- there are also parts of the commute that have lower speed limits like 45-55 (with various downhills AND uphills involved), and this is where the MPG is the best, in my experience.

[clummus]

there are two types of FFH out there. the good ones that get great mpgs, and the defective ones that get horrible mpgs. be thankful if you have one of the good ones.sorry if I sound like fynyak (not sure if I spelled his user name correct).

[TerrorTodd]

there are two types of FFH out there. the good ones that get great mpgs, and the defective ones that get horrible mpgs. be thankful if you have one of the good ones.sorry if I sound like fynyak (not sure if I spelled his user name correct).

 

I too got the upgrade...haven't noticed it help at all yet. I thought I had a good one, but I'm not so sure. My lifetime AVG is 40 MPG and I just crossed 7k miles on it. I see others that have 48.5 and higher lifetimes and am like wow! I'm lucky if I get a trip that 48.5+. By Ford's standards my car is fine I'm sure, but others having 48.1, 48.5, 49.8 are those abnormalities or is mine the abnormality?? I drive this very hybrid-like I mean I'm not doing 20 mph, but I am not speeding and at least 50% of my driving is city-ish driving - speeds at or lower than 45 mph. I was really pretty happy with 40, but should I be???

[clummus]

I would be happy with 40. it's amazing to me that some forum members cars get consistently in the 50 range.

[anguyen]

It's not 65 the entire way, just the parts on I-95 -- there are also parts of the commute that have lower speed limits like 45-55 (with various downhills AND uphills involved), and this is where the MPG is the best, in my experience.

Even with partial commute like your mine i havent see in my 13FFH , but mine only pass 1,300 miles mark, the motor still break-in is the only excuse I can come up with for FORD.

[aaronj1159]

So my first commute to work after the update went well.

 

I think this is about a 2-3 MPG increase. I managed to break 60 once before the update but I think that was a rare perfect condition morning with backwinds and everything. I averaged 57-58 MPG before, so if I can consistently break 60 that'll be a nice increase. I'll see how it does on the way home where I used to average 39-41 MPG.

[kbailey990]

How can I tell what version I have?

 

I had the upgrade installed on Friday, But I never got into EV mode above 62 MPH all weekend. I coasted downhill going over the Sunshine Skyway bridge twice!

 

Is there a way to check the software version without going all the way back to the dealer?

[Da0ne]

So my first commute to work after the update went well.

 

I think this is about a 2-3 MPG increase. I managed to break 60 once before the update but I think that was a rare perfect condition morning with backwinds and everything. I averaged 57-58 MPG before, so if I can consistently break 60 that'll be a nice increase. I'll see how it does on the way home where I used to average 39-41 MPG.

 

nice numbers aaronj

 

How can I tell what version I have?

 

I had the upgrade installed on Friday, But I never got into EV mode above 62 MPH all weekend. I coasted downhill going over the Sunshine Skyway bridge twice!

 

Is there a way to check the software version without going all the way back to the dealer?

 

no way to really tell other than driving pass 62 mph and hope EV comes on

[dalesky]

Have my update scheduled for next Monday. Takes under an hour according to service scheduler. Very excited to see the difference. 2 days after the update I am planning a short road trip where I will be running at sustained 65 mph speeds.

The highest mileage I have gotten on a "significant" trip (over 10 mile) has been 52 MPH. I also am in the habit of using the remote start before I enter the car, which is for about 1 minute or so. Haven't seen a difference when using that, but I suppose there is a small impact. I just enjoy having cool air coming out of the vents when I sit down. When I then start the car before driving it the AC goes to a much higher fan speed, so obviously it starts on remote at reduced capacity. I wonder if the update will have any effect on that?

Anyone else like the remote start?

[corncobs]

How can I tell what version I have?

 

I had the upgrade installed on Friday, But I never got into EV mode above 62 MPH all weekend. I coasted downhill going over the Sunshine Skyway bridge twice!

 

Is there a way to check the software version without going all the way back to the dealer?

I just answered the question for a new forum member! Check the link its easy to tell if your dealer says it was done correctly get Ford involved member djminfll had to do this and was sent to another dealer.

 

http://fordfusionhybridforum.com/topic/7355-how-to-view-latest-pcm-update-in-vehicle/?do=findComment&comment=62895

[acdii]

The Update does work, on a perfectly performing car. I have serious doubts that it will do jack if your car is not performing up to par. Those of you who are having problems underachieving, been there, done that. The difference between the first one I had, and the new one is like night and day.

 

I sure Hope Ford can get off their collective cans and actually look into these under achievers, because it will give them a bad rep if they don't. I sure do feel sorry for whomever got my last car.

 

 

Buy Y'all cant touch dis new one. :)