Declining mileage after update 13B10

[GreenChicago]

I was trying to wait until I'd burned at least one full tank of gas following the update, so here goes. Prior to the update I was regularly getting 46-48 mpg averages, and now I'm hovering between 42-44 at most on the same basic trips as before. Nothing has changed in my driving habits as before, not using heat/ other power sources, etc. Ford engineers advised that it takes 30 days to "break in" the new update before it stabilizes, but I don't like the direction this is headed. Anyone else observing the same?

 

I'm not saying I'm dissatisfied with FE overall versus my Subaru, but I thought this update was supposed to IMPROVE FE. What am I missing?

[Adair]

Hi GreenCHicago,

 

There are several threads with posts relating to this..........including some that I posted. I was sorely disappointed immediately after the update, but *shock*, the engineers seem to be right. After a month or so, my MPGs gradually climbed back up............on my daily commute at least. Last tank was a PR tank of 620. 

 

But the most recent road trip........meh.......nothing to write home about. I'll post a trip report later, for anyone who is interested. 

 

Others, however, are seeing awesome returns on even highway miles.

 

Don't give up yet, and do continue to post your findings. We're all still learning here.

 

Adair

[asb]

Absolutely wait 30 days.  

[drdiesel1]

Don't forget to reset the system :victory:

[fotomoto]

Besides what all has been said, there's also the weather factor for someone living in Chicago.   I know the OP is a first time hybrid owner and may not know how colder weather can negatively affect hybrid mpg's; especially with an information display that is highly reactive.   The ICE takes longer to warm up, may run longer if the HVAC system calls upon it for heat, cooler temps lower the pressure in tires, and the ICE cools down faster during glides, etc.

[homestead]

Mine has gone up about 3 mpg since the update, was getting 46 pre-update, now it is about 49.

However when the weather turned cooler for few days it dropped back to the pre-update 46 mpg.

[GreenChicago]

Don't forget to reset the system :victory:

What do you mean exactly by "reset?" I have been using trip #2 to track lifetime mileage since the upgrade. Is there something else you are suggesting?? Thanks.

[pjurek99]

My logbook from Fuelly (I had the update in September):

 

10/13/13   484.3  11.88     40.8    3.179   30%     

10/2/13     480.8  12.19     39.4    3.199   25%

9/19/13     414.3  12.06    34.4    3.390    25%

9/4/13       443.6  11.40    38.9    3.539    15%

8/27/13     437.2  11.81    37.0    3.599    25%

8/13/13     431.6  11.35    38.0    3.559    10%

8/6/13       447.4  11.43    39.1    3.490    30%

6/30/13     440.0  11.91    36.9    3.350    40%

6/18/13     436.0  12.03    36.2    3.479    60%

5/28/13     388.5  11.79    33.0    3.499    30%

5/21/13     465.0  10.83    42.9     3.899   60%

5/8/13                 11.25               3.350   25%

 

 

Today after ~100 miles - I have 44.2 on the gauge.

Edited October 16, 2013 by pjurek99

[drdiesel1]

What do you mean exactly by "reset?" I have been using trip #2 to track lifetime mileage since the upgrade. Is there something else you are suggesting?? Thanks.

Did you zero the lifetime data after the update ?  That's what I was referring to. I use trip #2 for my lifetime data and trip #1 is my per tank data.  The software update will cause adaption resets and the car will need time to adapt back to you. The mileage/mpg data will also zero and adapt it's tables and re-plot the values stored in the tables. This will take some time, so be patient and let it settle in.

 

I would also make sure the dealer didn't change my tire pressures. Some states (CA) require tire pressure checks every

time the car is in the shop. If you run a higher pressure ( I run 55 PSI) and they drop it, you'll see an MPG loss.

 

As stated by others. Cold weather with the use of the heater, defroster, and other power consuming features will

lower MPG numbers. Rain is a big factor too.

Edited October 16, 2013 by drdiesel1