Average MPG Computer Accurate?
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 28
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Average MPG Computer Accurate?
I have been test driving a few 2006 6.0 F350 Crew Cab 4x4's trying to decide exactly what I want before ordering one. The trip computer Avg MPG in all the trucks has read about 15-16 city, and 17-21 highway. Is this the average mileage for a stock truck? Is the trip computer pretty accurate? I'm trying to avoid buying $100 worth of diesel to figure the mileage long hand. Thanks for your help!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 3
From: Eastern CT.
I just filled my tank 2 days ago, 376 miles 27 gallons to fill it, thats 13.925 mpg, and its a 06' F-350 6.0, XLT, SC short bed, 3:73 auto, with cap, and tools in the back.
I am thinking it may still be winter blended fuel here in eastern CT, I dont have the trip comp on mine, hand calcs.
I am thinking it may still be winter blended fuel here in eastern CT, I dont have the trip comp on mine, hand calcs.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 4
From: Great Falls MT.
My 05 PSD CC LB When I first had bought it I would hand caculate the MPG to see how accurate the trip/ avg mpg gauge was and every time they were so close I quite figuring. I was suprised at the accuracy.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 138
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From: Atlanta GA
My '05 cc/sb/fx4 at the worst it has been is 0.5mpg off. The best is that the error is to the low side, it tells me about 1/2mpg less then i am actually getting. Also reset mine after every fill-up.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Although it is often referred to as the "Lie-O'Meter", I have found that the computer is quite accurate. My computer is almost always .5-1 mpg optimistic, meaning my actual hand calculated mileage is usually .5-1 less than the computer calculates. I, too, have stopped hand calculating. I use the computer reading to keep an eye on overall mileage. Seems to stay in the 14.5 -17 range with the type of everyday, unloaded driving that I typically do.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 45
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From: TEXAS
I have a 2004 FX4 6.0 Crew Cab. I have checked many (most?) of my fillups on paper by the odometer miles and pump gallons. On paper I consistently calculate 16.5 - 16.7. The computer consistently says 17.2 - 17.5. This is about 60% hwy / 40% city.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,212
Likes: 4,215
From: Kaysville Utah
Like most of the above, I find the mpg display to be pretty accurate. If it's given a few miles to calculate the average. If you reset it and run around the block, with lots of stop/starts, it'll be way low, and if you reset it while cruising down a flat stretch of hiway, it'll be way high.
But if it's got a 10 mile average, it'll be a pretty accurate representation of what you'll get for that type of driving.
But if it's got a 10 mile average, it'll be a pretty accurate representation of what you'll get for that type of driving.
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2000
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Mine runs about .5 optimstic but its really hard to be accurate the way the tanks are to fill with any consitancy
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 932
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From: Edmond, OK
I have filled the 04 to the brim since new and kept track of the indicated MPG vs. actual for +56,000 miles over the last two years; resetting at each fill up.
Mine would indicate 0 to 0.6 MPG optimistic. It was originally consistently .5 to .6 optimistic, then with colder weather it became more accurate, then back to about .5 to .6 optimistic.
Mine has never gotten actual hand calculated mileage better than the overhead.
Traded the 04 for the 06 Saturday, so we will see how the 06 works out.
Bob
Mine would indicate 0 to 0.6 MPG optimistic. It was originally consistently .5 to .6 optimistic, then with colder weather it became more accurate, then back to about .5 to .6 optimistic.
Mine has never gotten actual hand calculated mileage better than the overhead.
Traded the 04 for the 06 Saturday, so we will see how the 06 works out.
Bob
Posting Guru
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Mines not even close on my 01 without the programmer Stock it's off by about 1.5 MPG on the high side 17 MPG stated and actual 15.5 and with the programmer its states 21 and I get about 14.5!!
I have no programmer on my 06 and it's the same, it shows 17.2 and I get 15.5. I don't consider that to be close!!
I have no programmer on my 06 and it's the same, it shows 17.2 and I get 15.5. I don't consider that to be close!!
New User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 23
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which companies make turbo back 4" ? not 3" to 4"
hello all
i want new exhaust but i want it to be 4" from the turbo back and still keep the cat. mbrps is 3.5" turbo to cat and 4" all the way back. but it looks like bully dog has a 4" system. do you guys have any other? i would like to spend around 400-500 dollars.
also , im looking for the computer in the overhead. that tells direction and mpg automaticaly. my truck didnt come with one. anyody know where i can get one, from a totalled truck or somethin. ford wants way too much
thanks
tdmeltdown
i want new exhaust but i want it to be 4" from the turbo back and still keep the cat. mbrps is 3.5" turbo to cat and 4" all the way back. but it looks like bully dog has a 4" system. do you guys have any other? i would like to spend around 400-500 dollars.
also , im looking for the computer in the overhead. that tells direction and mpg automaticaly. my truck didnt come with one. anyody know where i can get one, from a totalled truck or somethin. ford wants way too much
thanks
tdmeltdown
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Missouri City, TX
I am driving daily the same configuration truck you are test driving. My daily commute is about 16 miles each way with only 5 traffic lights to maneuver. My speed during those 16 miles is from a snails pace to 70mpg (when I get on the toll road). My absolute best mpg is 14 and only saw that once. For the most part, I am seeing 13.3-13.5 (hand calculated) at every fillup. You did not state but mine is automatic with 3.73 axle ratio.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: NW Wyoming
Within a MPG everytime I check! No chip or tuner on the truck though. The best use for it though is to prove to the wife that she's letting it idle too much!
Last edited by 72Lester; Mar 28, 2006 at 08:41 PM. Reason: spelling