Eco Mode

[8131full]

Search through and didn't find anything specific. What does the 'eco mode' actually do? And, does it work?

Only difference I notice if I switch to it while driving is the speed slows and more throttle is needed to maintain speed.

Does it shut cylinders off?

Thanks.

 

[dlcorbett]

It controls throttle input, trans mapping, and power output. In other words, it limits how much power is sent to ur drive wheels and changes the trans shift points to give you the best gas mileage it can. In my experience, it works very well in town, if you drive economically. The gains are less so on the hwy though. It can be kinda liberal though, if u hit the gas hard, the car goes anyway lol.

 

[aggiegrad05]

It also softens the springs and the steering.

 

[8131full]

Cool, thank you!

 

[dlcorbett]

It does with ccd. If your car doesnt have ccd, it doesnt effect suspension, but does effect steering. It lightens and slows steering as well. Itd be nice if the individual components we changeable. I love sport steering, normal trans shifting.

 

[Gumby]

In my Lincoln MKT you could toggle the button for Comfort, Normal and Sport suspension by itself. I wish the Expy had this aspect as well. I find it cumbersome to switch to Sport mode with the drive mode button then go back up to the dash and click on the ASS then go back to the 4wd selector and re enable 2HI all to get a firmer suspension. I know first world problems...but still.

 

[curtis-bob]

I seem to notice a pretty good difference on highway as well.

 

[sixstring]

I seem to notice a pretty good difference on highway as well.

I wish that when you put the vehicle in ECO, that the next time you start up it returns to ECO.

 

[curtis-bob]

I agree.

 

[Lou Hamilton]

I’ve done a few tests with my Timberline with both ECO and Normal modes. They appear to handle the same as well as provide the same MPG over the same exact routes. Not sure if it is due to the different engine and suspension, but I have seen no difference.

I know the modes work because I use Tow/Haul mode frequently and it definitely preforms as expected in that mode.

I remember my 2019 handled differently but it had the CCD suspension. I can’t speak to the MPG because I can’t specifically remember if I tested it.

 

[rd618]

I’ve done a few tests with my Timberline with both ECO and Normal modes. They appear to handle the same as well as provide the same MPG over the same exact routes. Not sure if it is due to the different engine and suspension, but I have seen no difference.

I know the modes work because I use Tow/Haul mode frequently and it definitely preforms as expected in that mode.

I remember my 2019 handled differently but it had the CCD suspension. I can’t speak to the MPG because I can’t specifically remember if I tested it.

Interesting, I’ve been doing the same test on mine, between fill ups and on the same route. I’ve noticed a few things
cruising at 70-72, rpm is consistent in either mode. But eco will shift to 10th slightly faster when you back off the throttle.
Where eco gets about 1-2 mpg better is around town. It will stay in 10th down to 42mph and rpm will drop to under 1k. Normal doesn’t seem to do that, it will drop to 9th under 45. I have 3.73 like you too but 22” wheels.
Eco also softens the throttle, not scientific but I do notice the less power off the line, but not bad or intrusive.
I’m averaging 17-19 combined, I expect it to improve as it breaks in a bit more.

 

[Lou Hamilton]

Interesting, I’ve been doing the same test on mine, between fill ups and on the same route. I’ve noticed a few things
cruising at 70-72, rpm is consistent in either mode. But eco will shift to 10th slightly faster when you back off the throttle.
Where eco gets about 1-2 mpg better is around town. It will stay in 10th down to 42mph and rpm will drop to under 1k. Normal doesn’t seem to do that, it will drop to 9th under 45. I have 3.73 like you too but 22” wheels.
Eco also softens the throttle, not scientific but I do notice the less power off the line, but not bad or intrusive.
I’m averaging 17-19 combined, I expect it to improve as it breaks in a bit more.

I didn't pay that close attention to notice the shift points.

I just used the same 114 mile route at the same time when there was very little traffic (3am) and used cruise on the highway. I was able to do it about 4 times each direction this summer and it was always within .1 mpg as per the dash calculator -- 19.1 or 19.2 in the one direction and 18.8 or 18.9 in the other direction (one was slightly more downhill).

Mine was far more unscientific. LOL

 

[LazSlate]

For younger drivers or aggressive drivers I think ECO helps a lot to save MPG. But if you are experienced you can get the same ECO in normal mode by how you drive. The shift points still fluctuate depending on how far you push the pedal.

 

[duneslider]

You would think that if ECO got better mileage they would make that the standard at startup. Car manufacturers are doing everything they can to meet EPA standards I can't wrap my head around why they would have a mode that gets better mileage and not have that be standard?

I haven't run the eco much in a while but I don't remember thinking it made much difference for me.

 

[wakeboarder]

Search through and didn't find anything specific. What does the 'eco mode' actually do? And, does it work?

Only difference I notice if I switch to it while driving is the speed slows and more throttle is needed to maintain speed.

Does it shut cylinders off?

Thanks.

I prefer the way the adaptive cruise control accelerates in ECO mode as compared to normal. It is less aggressive.

 

[rd618]

You would think that if ECO got better mileage they would make that the standard at startup. Car manufacturers are doing everything they can to meet EPA standards I can't wrap my head around why they would have a mode that gets better mileage and not have that be standard?

I haven't run the eco much in a while but I don't remember thinking it made much difference for me.

The regulations are, and I’m paraphrasing, “typical mode the vehicle cycles to by default”, ford doesn’t want the normal mode to be eco as it is not as responsive and might put more wear on transmission and other components by staying in higher gears longer.
Normal mode should be a balance of comfortable driving, anticipated performance, and good fuel economy.
I like having the ability to select modes, but would prefer less of them, or a quick select button or two.

 

[mlogan]

Eco seems to limit turbo boost too unless you step on it. I agree it seems to help around town but I don’t have any evidence so far.