I have two recent issues. The first is the accelorater response. That typical pause that I have read about. I understand there is a TSB for a computer reprogram. My dealer would'nt give it to me. It was chalked up to be "normal".....WHY?
Second issue is my gas mileage. 11.65 city, and 14 at best hwy. I have expected perhaps lower than estimated mpg's, but not this much. Tank by tank I estimate my mileage the old fashioned way. The service tech took the truck for a drive and "his" computer said 16 city/21 hwy. Come to find out that they relied on the on board cluster display when I read my invoice. I was told there was nothing that could be done. I explained that I figure each tanks mpgs at fill up. They trust the computer.......WHY?

I acknowlege there are people that fake illness for sympathy. I assure you I am not one that likes to sit at the dealership for free four hour old coffee and stale donuts.

How can I resolve my issues?

 

As far as the throttle response issue goes, others have been successful at getting the PCM flash by describing it as a safety concern. Tell your service mgr that the throttle delay almost got you hit when you pulled out in the middle of an intersection. If that doesn't work, try another dealer!

 

Find another dealership to have look at it. Chances are if you tell them that your current dealership wasn't willing to help you, that they will in hopes of doing future business fwith you. The reflash shouldn't cost them anything to do, so it's not like they're going to be losing money on it. Sounds more like they are lazy and don't care since the sale is done. As far as mileage, give it time and a chance to fully break in, and try filling up at different gas stations to see if there might be a gas quality issue. For me I get the best mileage using either Shell or Amoco gas.

 

OK, here's the story I have on the "Yes there is/No there isn't" question on a reprogram for the throttle response:

I had a failure of the throttle body, truck went to idle no matter how I pressed the accelerator pedal. At first, the dealer knew nothing about it. Second time when I called from the road shoulder, they knew all about it and had a TSB and were happy to replace it.

Checking today I was informed that there was a reflash for the throttle body problem. Maybe the right question is not being asked when checking on the reflash. There is a TSB-but under a throttle body failure (with the orange light on), not an acceleration lag or "something." I was told that it was the only reflash for the throttle that was out there.

Hope this helps.
Jimmyj
04 F150 XLT SCab 5.4L in Dark Shadow Gray

 

Triton - what engine? Have you considered the supertuner?

 

5.4. Tuner is a consideration, but I'd rather ford fixes my truck to live up to their claim for fuel efficiency.

 

Has the mpg just recently gone bad, or has it been that way from day 1?

 

It's been bad since day one. I am surprised the mechanics had so much faith in the onboard computer reading. I wanted to get a few miles on the truck before I complained. I have 4700 miles now and think by now it would be at its optimum.

 

You are doing good on gas....I getting about the same, but I drive about 90mph....
I don't think Ford will help me...

As I say to everybody, I didn't buy a truck for fuel economy.... especially an F150 V8.

 

Triton, I agree with what's being said about the dealer you've been messing with; they're just not bothering to investigate and you should try another one. Your mileage is below what you should be getting, especially after 4700 miles!

My reflash took care of the hesitation and helped slightly with MPG (BTW, there is no TSB...if they hook it up to the computer it'll show what update is in the PCM and if a newer one is available). But in your case, I think there's something wrong with either the computer, throttle body, or the mass airflow sensor. Too much fuel is being dumped in.

Pull out a plug, is it full of carbon? Or check the air cleaner, is there something that might be blocking it??

And, thinking outside the box, could one of the brakes be dragging, especially the emergency brakes?? Check the heat from your wheels after a vigorous ride, is one hotter than the rest?? There could be a remote chance that one of the e-brake shoes is not fully releasing. (the rear brakes are a disc/drum combo...the e-brakes are old-fashioned shoes inside the drums)

I hope you get this taken care of, cause I've been reading about your concerns for a while now. You've been a good sport with your dealer, but they are not giving you the service you deserve. Just do the basic checks described, and if nothing is obviously wrong, then the problem lies in the computer, and that's where another dealer can help you out.

Good luck, and let us know how this works out!!

 

I think also that your mileage may be down a bit. I just drove to Alaska and back with my 2004. It had 200 miles on it when I started. I should state that it's a 5.4 Triton and 4X2 Supercab with a canopy on the back. It got 18 mpg up and 23.4 on the way back. The trip was 9800 miles total. I drive about the average speed limit generally and no 'shotgun' starts. I think your mileage is down but then again, it's going to depend on a lot of factors. You have a 4 wheel drive, no topper on the rear bed, automatic transmission and all three of these deter from the best mileage you could get. I have a friend who has a near identical truck. He floorboards it every single chance he gets and likes to drive about 20 mph faster than the posted limit. He still averages about 15 or so and quite frankly, I am surprised it's that good. He also collects tickets as well and when you throw in the cost of those, the cost of driving per mile accellerates.....rapidly

 

I am currently averaging 13-14 on my F350 CrewCab...I only have 5200mi at this point and have been told by others to expect it to get better after 10-12K miles...If anybody out there has noticed when the breakin period seems to be truly over please let us know

 

I noticed the biggest change after about 4000 miles or so

 

with about 700 miles I'm gettin about 15 mpg with 87 oct.. I'm drivin about 50% city & 50%hwy miles. scab 4x4 373 gears 5.4

 

I average 14.5 mpg, but I abuse the truck. This includes speeding, up/down shifting gears and fast starts. No tickets so far.....But I do not see any differance in RPMs between 65 to 85.Its little below or at 2000RPMS.