Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 16, 2002 | 06:44 PM
  #1  
Troglodyte's Avatar
Troglodyte
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: Southern Texas Panhandle
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2002 | 12:14 AM
  #2  
RedPOL's Avatar
RedPOL
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

Ive Got a 01 250 SD with the 5.4 and 3.73 gears! I know the gears are part of the problem but Im getting horrible gas milage compared to some of the other posts on gas milage I have read. Im getting about 8 at best and that is with out towing anything, and it seems as if the horse power just isnt there, very sluggish. I cant find anything wrong though, no odd sounds, nothing looks out of place, it doesnt miss, and runs fairly smooth. Heres a for instance, on my way to work there is this slow grade hill probably no more than 15deg. It runs about 1/4 to the top but I lose probably 10 to 15 mph! To me that doesnt seem right. Is it me or should I take it in and have it looked over? Please help I love this truck but the power is killing me!! HELP
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2002 | 06:02 AM
  #3  
Yeti's Avatar
Yeti
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,438
Likes: 11
From: IN FRONT OF YOU
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

Well, Like I said in another post, I get best of 14 (13 seems the norm)on the highway and thats running 35" tires. I do however have a cat back, KN FIPK, and a chip, but I don't think that would be the difference.
I drive to my cottage a lot during the summer, it's a bit hilly, and other than comming out of OD, my truck holds it own, actually I always think to myself how good it is compared to my other fords that Iv'e had. I only have 9,000 miles on mine but that shouldn't matter either.
You might want to have the dealer read you computer to see if something is wron, 8mpg, just sounds wrong.

 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2002 | 06:59 AM
  #4  
jaxf250's Avatar
jaxf250
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 6
From: Jacksonville, FL
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

>Im getting about 8 at best and that is with out
>towing anything, and it seems as if the horse power just
>isnt there, very sluggish. I cant find anything wrong
>though, no odd sounds, nothing looks out of place, it doesnt
>miss, and runs fairly smooth.

8MPG sounds awful low.... hmmmmm.

How many miles are on your truck?

Better start with the basics, maybe you'll find something amiss:

- have dealer (or other auto shop) hook it up to an engine computer
and make sure all plugs are firing well and there are no bad ignition coils
- excessively dirty air filter?
- plugged/dirty fuel filter?
- cat converter starting to get plugged up?

All these things can affect MPG.
That's all I can think of for now (have not had my AM coffee yet).

Good luck!

hth,

-- Bob

2001 F250 SD CC Lariat,
V-10, 4:30, 6' Bed, 4x4, Auto, K&N FIPK-2, SCMT-tuned
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2002 | 07:34 AM
  #5  
jade97's Avatar
jade97
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 759
Likes: 95
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

If it's a 4x4, make sure the hubs aren't locked.
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2002 | 08:27 AM
  #6  
FortyFords's Avatar
FortyFords
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

Thats bad !
All of the above suggestions are right on !
Is that 3.03 gears or 3.73 gears when you guys put the smiley in there it confuses me ,but they did not put 303 in a duty that i know of.

If it is a 4x4 and esof make sure its not stuck in 4x4 with a bad indicator light. seen it happen on explorers.
clogged cats will cause problems like this as stated.collapsed exhaust pipes or bad o2 sensors
have you been switching gas octanes? these trucks are setup to run 87, unless you have a chip.

you really haven't given us much info on your truck ? any mods ?

Rich









 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2002 | 01:14 PM
  #7  
Monsta's Avatar
Monsta
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Club FTE Silver Member

SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

Is your parking brake on?
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2002 | 10:34 PM
  #8  
Gary E K's Avatar
Gary E K
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: Seffner/Tampa Florida
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

>Ive Got a 01 250 SD with the 5.4 and 3.73 gears! I know the
>gears are part of the problem but Im getting horrible gas
>milage compared to some of the other posts on gas milage I
>have read. Im getting about 8 at best and that is with out
>towing anything, and it seems as if the horse power just
>isnt there, very sluggish. I cant find anything wrong
>though, no odd sounds, nothing looks out of place, it doesnt
>miss, and runs fairly smooth. Heres a for instance, on my
>way to work there is this slow grade hill probably no more
>than 15deg. It runs about 1/4 to the top but I lose probably
>10 to 15 mph! To me that doesnt seem right. Is it me or
>should I take it in and have it looked over? Please help I
>love this truck but the power is killing me!! HELP

The gears are not the problem. I don't think you will get much better
than your 3.73.

 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 30, 2002 | 01:44 AM
  #9  
RedPOL's Avatar
RedPOL
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

Sorry for not giving enough info! Yes they are 373 gears. I only have 4300 miles on it. Yes 4x4 and no the hubs arent locked. No engine mods. Suspension and tires are all stock. Thanks for the sugestions it gives me some place to start!
 
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2002 | 05:38 AM
  #10  
FortyFords's Avatar
FortyFords
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

living in alaska ,doesn't really help your mileage either !
being that cold ,a crewcab also ! but still thats low mileage!
I would be take it back in to the dealer.sometime it takes the pcm to learn its program,maybe the air temps are not helping either.

Rich









 
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2002 | 05:40 AM
  #11  
Gary E K's Avatar
Gary E K
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: Seffner/Tampa Florida
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

>>Ive Got a 01 250 SD with the 5.4 and 3.73 gears! I know the
>>gears are part of the problem but Im getting horrible gas
>>milage compared to some of the other posts on gas milage I
>>have read. Im getting about 8 at best and that is with out
>>towing anything, and it seems as if the horse power just
>>isnt there, very sluggish. I cant find anything wrong
>>though, no odd sounds, nothing looks out of place, it doesnt
>>miss, and runs fairly smooth. Heres a for instance, on my
>>way to work there is this slow grade hill probably no more
>>than 15deg. It runs about 1/4 to the top but I lose probably
>>10 to 15 mph! To me that doesnt seem right. Is it me or
>>should I take it in and have it looked over? Please help I
>>love this truck but the power is killing me!! HELP
>
>The gears are not the problem. I don't think you will get
>much better
>than your 3.73.

What grade gas are you using?

 
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2002 | 07:33 AM
  #12  
jaxf250's Avatar
jaxf250
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 6
From: Jacksonville, FL
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

Rich brings up a good point: maybe it's somewhat related to the colder
temps and higher altitude. Not sure about the latter (maybe Anchorage is
not that high up...), but it made me think.

Another thought: do you think you got some bad gas at one time or
another? I mean, maybe an injector or three are a little clogged.
Maybe a cheap test would be to run some fuel cleaner thru the tank
once or twice to see if that helps out.

I agree with everyone else that at that low a mileage, you need to take
the truck back to the dealer and complain loudly. 8MPG is way too low.

-- Bob

2001 F250 SD CC Lariat,
V-10, 4:30, 6' Bed, 4x4, Auto, K&N FIPK-2, SCMT-tuned
 
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2002 | 09:08 AM
  #13  
FortyFords's Avatar
FortyFords
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

Sorry about my grammar this am hadn't had my coffee yet!
man that was bad!

Rich






 
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2002 | 04:40 PM
  #14  
pcorbin's Avatar
pcorbin
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Fair Oaks Ranch TX USA
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

FWIW, I've got the same setup on my 01 SD with 37K miles, run 87 octane, commute 80 miles a day in heavy, slow highway traffic five days a week and drive all over the Texas Hill Country on weekends, and my computer says I average a steady 14.7 mpg, day-in and day-out. About the worst I've seen is a brief dip down in the 10-11 mpg range when pulling a trailer up a hill. This drive train has proven to be the perfect choice for my commuting and weekend needs.

I can only repeat what others have advised: go back to the dealer and complain long and loudly!
 
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2002 | 06:03 PM
  #15  
Gary E K's Avatar
Gary E K
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: Seffner/Tampa Florida
SOMETHING WRONG???? HELP

>FWIW, I've got the same setup on my 01 SD with 37K miles,
>run 87 octane, commute 80 miles a day in heavy, slow highway
>traffic five days a week and drive all over the Texas Hill
>Country on weekends, and my computer says I average a steady
>14.7 mpg, day-in and day-out. About the worst I've seen is
>a brief dip down in the 10-11 mpg range when pulling a
>trailer up a hill. This drive train has proven to be the
>perfect choice for my commuting and weekend needs.
>
>I can only repeat what others have advised: go back to the
>dealer and complain long and loudly!

Go to the dealer man, I get 11 and 12 on my 99 V10 with 4.30 gear, @55 to 70 mph, and 8 to 10 pulling my 6,000 trailer @ 65 to 70 mph.

go back and talk to the and let us know.
If you need help Call the MONSTA
He always has the right answers for anybody
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:33 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE