Factory indicated truck computer updates

[reelfastgreg]

several months ago now, i had a service done on my 2014 F350 diesel. the service mgr said there was an 'update' indicated for my vehicle. so he went ahead and applied the update, i assume some sort of onboard computer patch.

what has happened is a reduction in fuel economy of 2 MPG either towing or just running.

has anyone else had this experience???

i intend to call in on Monday to see if there is a patch for this last 'update'.

[AWCHIEF]

I recently had 12 updates flashed on my Jeep. As far I can tell there are no obvious changes in performance or fuel usage.

[HowieE]

Take it to a Speed Shop and have them reprogram it. They can more than likely improve it over the original.

I have mine set up for an additional 30 hp and increased the mileage about 1 mpg. 13 mpg average totaling 16,700 lbs

If you want them to install a system so you can reprogram it yourself and or get gauge readings and codes from the CPU directly on the dash that is very helpful. I can tell a shop what codes I have set before I get there.

[reelfastgreg]

spoke with the Ford customer support person someplace in India. the gentleman upgraded my concerns to the next level. the female voice asked if the dealer had inspected the truck for things that might not be functioning correctly, nope. so tomorrow, early AM, i am driving back to the dealership where they will re-install this update and in general look for any other computer indicated faults. my supposition, loss of mileage will remain, and i will call the support line and report my findings.

[tjdonahoe]

Same thing happened on my dodge,each programming lost fuel mileage, it sort of come back after quite a few miles,if it runs good ,leave it alone....

[dznf0g]

If other mfrs are similar, and I think they are, many reflashes reset the fuel trim and ignition algorithms to a baseline. It takes up to 1000 miles to "learn" the drivers' driving style and demands.

That being said, depending on whether the driver has a heavy or economical foot, mileage can go up or down from baseline.

[gecko]

You're going down the right path. Software upgrades to anything are often not seamless!

We had a check engine light come on on our new Mercedes Sprinter while 1600 miles from home. Went in to the local dealer, who spent six hours checking out codes and then installed an overall software update. When he tested it, it shut down the turbo entirely! So he reinstalled the software and rebooted, and all was fine.

The problem turned out to not be software related at all, and was detected when the conscientious tech spent an hour going over the undercarriage and found a loose wire that had been chafing against the axle. A fifty cent part, and we were good to go. Just out a day of sitting around!

[iowaroots]

Could it be that winter fuel gets less mpg than summer fuel. It seems to be the case in the midwest.

[reelfastgreg]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

If other mfrs are similar, and I think they are, many reflashes reset the fuel trim and ignition algorithms to a baseline. It takes up to 1000 miles to "learn" the drivers' driving style and demands.

That being said, depending on whether the driver has a heavy or economical foot, mileage can go up or down from baseline.

that is an interesting point that i had not considered. had the work done this AM and on the road back home, 1.5hrs, i didn't notice any improvement in fuel economy. that said, i will put some miles on the truck before i pursue this much further.

[reelfastgreg]

Originally Posted by Earthcreeper

Could it be that winter fuel gets less mpg than summer fuel. It seems to be the case in the midwest.

that is another interesting idea that has merit regarding what i am currently seeing. i have no idea if we are still on winter blend or not but worth checking into that as well.

[HeavyAssault]

As addressed above the PCM is relearning the tables it uses daily. I second the winter fuel blend statement. Not only does that effect the MPGs but so does the cold air. Now you may need to wait till April/May but only you know your market when they switch up the supply.

I'm quite well versed on the Powerstrokes to tell you to just drive it. Give it time and maybe wait for the summer blend. You could try a fuel additive such as Power Service or Howe's, maybe use the Ford stuff. The Ford update has been to address the issue with the EGT sensors leaving people stranded. The parameters have been adjusted from my understanding to prevent a total shutdown of the truck.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by gpt

several months ago now, i had a service done on my 2014 F350 diesel. the service mgr said there was an 'update' indicated for my vehicle. so he went ahead and applied the update, i assume some sort of onboard computer patch.

what has happened is a reduction in fuel economy of 2 MPG either towing or just running.

has anyone else had this experience???

i intend to call in on Monday to see if there is a patch for this last 'update'.

Could it be that they are in cahoots with big oil?

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by r carl

Could it be that they are in cahoots with big oil?

Yeah, I'm sure that's it........