New 2013 Ford Focus EcoMode

[RandoCalrissian]

Hey all,

I bought my focus, new, about a week ago. It has less than 200 miles on it. I've been a little concerned about my mpg which has been hovering between 22-24, even when I'm on the highway. I recently discovered the EcoMode display. I have all of the petals for speed and none for anticipation. I've never seen any for anticipation. I try not to slam on the gas/brake. Is this just a case of my new car needing to be broken in? Is there anything I can do to help? I haven't reset the trip counter since I got it so I'm not sure how it calculates mpg. The dealer filled up the tank when I bought it and I'm about halfway through it.

[Sponsor]

[wacky]

don't worry about it too much - anticipation is just the amount of start/stop you do. they probably did some tune-up at the dealership that involved testing the brakes, so that would affect it.
mine was down at 1 when i first got it, and after a few tanks and a quick highway run, i'm at full.

don't take the mpg or any of that too seriously yet - until your car is properly broken in. i wouldn't recommend you revving past 2.5rpm though. be gentle on your car for the first ~3months :)

[Elizabeth]

Have you reset the mpg screen?
The total will be low partly due to the engine idling during dealer setup etc..
Reset the screen. while looking at that screen for mpg, puch down and hold down the middle button on the left steering wheel set of buttons.
The screen will start to say resetting. continue holding ontil it is done.
You can do this anytime, moving standingstill..
the actual mphs take time to rebuild, so the screen will be blank for a mile or so. andwill change radically the first ten or so until it has some info backed up.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by RandoCalrissian

Hey all,

I bought my focus, new, about a week ago. It has less than 200 miles on it. I've been a little concerned about my mpg which has been hovering between 22-24, even when I'm on the highway...

Hi RandoCalrissian,

In addition to the excellent advice that wacky and Elizabeth provided, I wanted to point you in the direction of our tips on improving fuel economy. Check them out here: http://owner.ford.com/servlet/Conten...=1239636411265

Originally Posted by wacky

...don't take the mpg or any of that too seriously yet - until your car is properly broken in. i wouldn't recommend you revving past 2.5rpm though. be gentle on your car for the first ~3months :)

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

Have you reset the mpg screen?
The total will be low partly due to the engine idling during dealer setup etc..
Reset the screen. while looking at that screen for mpg, puch down and hold down the middle button on the left steering wheel set of buttons.
The screen will start to say resetting. continue holding ontil it is done.
You can do this anytime, moving standingstill..
the actual mphs take time to rebuild, so the screen will be blank for a mile or so. andwill change radically the first ten or so until it has some info backed up.

Great suggestions/advice, wacky and Elizabeth!

Crystal

[misfire]

Originally Posted by RandoCalrissian

Hey all,

I bought my focus, new, about a week ago. It has less than 200 miles on it. I've been a little concerned about my mpg which has been hovering between 22-24, even when I'm on the highway. I recently discovered the EcoMode display. I have all of the petals for speed and none for anticipation. I've never seen any for anticipation. I try not to slam on the gas/brake. Is this just a case of my new car needing to be broken in? Is there anything I can do to help? I haven't reset the trip counter since I got it so I'm not sure how it calculates mpg. The dealer filled up the tank when I bought it and I'm about halfway through it.

Just so you know, the country is using fuel that is loaded with Ethanol currently. By the government doing this from September to April, we all suffer in MPG's and dollars in our pockets. Before the switch, I was getting around 400 MPG's to a tank. Now with the Ethanol crap, I am getting 280-300. Wait for the switch next month and see how good your car is.

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by misfire

Just so you know, the country is using fuel that is loaded with Ethanol currently. By the government doing this from September to April, we all suffer in MPG's and dollars in our pockets. Before the switch, I was getting around 400 MPG's to a tank. Now with the Ethanol crap, I am getting 280-300. Wait for the switch next month and see how good your car is.

Most of the fuel already contains 10% ethanol by volume, although the winter blend is more volatile and evaporates easier to aid in cold starts and cleaner emissions or so they claim.

Very little fuel sold around here at least contains no ethanol, at least not for on road purposes.

[RandoCalrissian]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll reset the screen after my first fillup.

[wacky]

i believe that "premium" or "supreme" (whatever they call the 94 octane or their highest grade of gas) should be at 0% ethanol based on regulation standards. all other grades have up to 10% ethanol.