Eco mode?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1,110
Never used it and never will though I did try it once. IMO, you could duplicate the effect on mileage by driving like a "hypermiler" ......I, on the other hand, prefer how my truck drives in tow haul even when empty.
Dave
Dave
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,571
Likes: 1,654
From: Bighorn Basin, NW Wyoming
What does “ECO” mode do anyway?
Short shift the transmission and retard throttle input?
That’s what “SLIPPERY” mode seems to do.
Short shift the transmission and retard throttle input?
That’s what “SLIPPERY” mode seems to do.
Last edited by GAZZILLA; Oct 28, 2025 at 10:41 AM.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 21
I never bothered to check; does the 2026 F250 even have a sport mode?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,639
Likes: 964
From: Near Yosemite CA
I used the Eco mode once on my '22 F550, once, what a joke, it's already neutered as a CC so it was even worse, when I get in and start it, I hit it 5x and put it in the deep sand/snow mode, turn on the EB, turns off TC and makes it way better to drive, TH is close, but the sand/snow mode works best IMHO for it, then I shift it manually when needed.
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 64
Likes: 16
That's exactly what ECO mode does. I assume slippery mode puts it into 4H? The only modes I've used are normal, eco, tow/haul. I use eco on long trips when I'm not towing. I don't like it in town.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 924
From: Kaufman TX
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 924
From: Kaufman TX
It's like the throttle modifiers (pedal commander, pedalmonster..) but in the other direction. Where those exaggerate throttle inputs, this retards throttle input. Neither are doing anything you can't already do with your right foot.
$100 says its not changing any engine running parameters that could increase fuel efficiency like valve, injection, or ignition timing because there's no reason Ford would leave that mileage on the table in normal mode (EPA requires using normal mode), reducing advertised efficiency.
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Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,571
Likes: 1,654
From: Bighorn Basin, NW Wyoming
On my 2022 “SLIPPERY” mode does not put it into 4H, “DEEP SNOW/SAND” mode does.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 104
Likes: 101
Ford should allow more customization, which would foster more sales.....
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 292
From: SE Michigan
I'm less than 800 miles in on my '26, so (a) I know it's still breaking in and (b) I know the Lie-o-Meter for MPGs is nowhere near as accurate as hand-calculations (I'm only on my 2nd tank, so I can' even begin to do that), but I drive ~50 miles one way to work three days per week, 95% of it on the freeway. Fridays are always wide open. I hit the freeway, reset the Fuel Economy meter, and let the 6.7L PowerStroke F350 Platinum lumber all the way to work @ 70 MPH in ECO mode (all flat here in Michigan): 22.9 MPG this AM. Using Archoil 6500, BTW. After I get a few thousand miles on it and have the ability to hand-calc my MPGs, I'm hoping for good numbers.
Last edited by roadpilot; Oct 31, 2025 at 09:48 AM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 292
From: SE Michigan
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 292
From: SE Michigan
I used to put my F150 into 'Sport' mode (which automatically put it in 4H), then I hit the 2H button. That put it back in 2H but left it in 'Sport' mode.
I assume the '26 SD will do that, just haven't tried it yet (only have like 900 miles on it).
IIRC, 'Slippery' mode in my F150 did put it in 4H by default.
Last edited by roadpilot; Nov 2, 2025 at 07:58 AM.