Mariner hybrid - mileage & other ???
Created November 8, 2005, at 1:56 pm by Anonymous
I picked up my new Mariner hybrid a few days ago. Haven't had it very long but so far love it!
I previously wouldn't buy an SUV but now have to admit I do like the size and convenience - for me, hybrid was only way I'd buy an SUV.
For other hybrid SUV owners .... so far, I'm not getting the mileage I'm supposed to .... not even very close. I'm hoping it's just that it's not "broken in" yet. I'm basing this on the info relayed through the navigation/hybrid reporting system - not on actual calculation of gas used and miles driven - I would think it would be fairly accurate though. I drive a mix of city and highway miles. Any ideas?
I'm thinking of getting a personalized license plate - another thing I would not have done before. I'd like to draw attention to the fact that it's a hybrid. My husband is against the idea. It may be kind of corny but, why not? Any suggestions?
Tax incentives - not sure how this will all come out. Since I paid quite a bit more for the hybrid version, it would be nice to make up some of that with a tax break. I ordered the vehicle - best I could tell, there was no way to negotiate so I paid full price - ouch! When I ordered it, I thought the tax deduction I'd hopefully get would only apply if I got the vehicle in 2005. Now looks like there may be a better deal for people getting hybrids in 2006. So far, the Mariner is not on the IRS approved list for 2005 deductions but I figure that will change. Am I out of luck for the 2006 credit?
As for creature comforts - the Mariner is very nice - has just about anything I could wish for!
Glad to be a new hybrid owner :-)
Related Forum Topics
Most Popular Pages
6 years ago
You are out of luck on the 2006 tax credit. You must have purchased the vehicle after 1 jan 06. Just because you buy a 2006, it doesn't automatically qualify. You have to buy a new (2005 or 2006) AND be the first owner, after 1 jan 06 in order to qualify.
The $2000 deduction that you get this year could be more than what the new law would give you. Some of the vehicles on the list aren't getting much. Its the prius, honda civic and insight that are getting the best credits.
6 years ago
If you've "taken possession" of the Mariner in 2005, then that means you will not be eligible for the 2006 credit. However, you should be able to get the 2005 $2000 deduction. I'm sure they'll update the list to include it (assuming that the Ford Escape hybrid is on that list). With the mileage, what are you getting? You should expect to get a lower than what the EPA rating is, unless your city driving consists of little to zero idling and you drive the highways at 55mph. However, you should be getting a better mileage than a nonhybrid SUV, and even slightly better than some large sedans.
Congrats on the new hybrid!
6 years ago
Did the Mariner Hybrid have a 110V "regular plug" type option? I know the Escape Hybrid does and I don't see this on the website. Also - I've read other postings (can't remember where) and others have said a break in period is required in order for the onboard computer to adjust to your driving style. Best bet (as far as I can tell) is to just accelerate as slowly as possible.
6 years ago
To "Hybrid soon" - funny you should mention the 110 volt outlet. I expected to get that but it does not have it. Looking back, it could be that I assumed it would have one since the Escape does (or can at least - I originally was looking at buying an Escape). I may have been mistaken or somewhere out there is some wrong info. I thought about checking back with the dealer but have decided not to b/c, from looking at picture of the Escape, having the outlet uses up a cubby hole that is otherwise quite handy (in my opinion). We decided we can live without the outlet since it would be rarely used anyway and would rather have the storage cubby. I doubt it can be added now but I've decided I'm better off without it.
On the mileage - I was hoping to average in the upper 20's since I drive a mix of city and highway (I think the EPA estimates are 29 highway, 33 city). I probably do more highway driving relative to a lot of people since I don't live a densely populated area (Kansas City area - very spread out). So far, the computer is showing overall average of low 20's. I'm also trying to adjust my driving habits to be more efficient. Hopefully I can bring the average up as I get used to it.
6 years ago
Good luck Mariner Hybrid Owner! I'd be interested to hear how much mileage you are getting as time progresses. I'll poke around for the discussions I've read in the past which directly address the mileage issue.
Did you get your hybrid from a dealership in Kansas City? I called a few local dealerships and they had no info whatsoever regarding options- and I want to order a Mariner hybrid! I'd be interested in calling your dealership. The only other info I've gotten so far has been on the Mercury website.
6 years ago
This may help with your quest for better mileage:
http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/ford-escape-hybrid-amp-br-lincoln-mercury-mariner-hybrid.026.html
Keep us posted!
6 years ago
Yes - I bought the Mariner from a local dealer but only after doing the internet "ordering" process. If I recall correctly, I filled out an "order" and then was directed to a local dealership to complete the deal. I test drove a non-hybrid Mariner but since there are no hybrid Mariners at the lots, I don't think you generally get to test drive one. It surely was the easiest sale for the salesman he's likely had since I had already pretty much made up my mind. My prior car was 8 years old and I had decided a hybrid SUV was in my future - just had to decide which one. I quickly narrowed it down to the Escape and Mariner. I wanted virtually all available options so, as it turned out, the Mariner was actually about $100 less than the Escape with comparable stuff added (the Mariner has more "standard" stuff, only comes in 4WD and adding options is simpler for the Mariner b/c more items are packaged). If you don't want a lot of the options, the Escape might be better.
When I ordered the Mariner, the salesman at the dealership wasn't too familiar with the hybrid either and it was unknown when I would actually get it. It turned out to be pretty quick - about 8 weeks. It just so happens that the Escapes and Mariners are assembled in the Kansas City area so it only had to be shipped about 20-25 miles - maybe that helped with the quick delivery.
Good luck with getting yours!
6 years ago
The Mercury Mariner is NOT offered with the 110 Volt plug option. I checked the Ford "Mercury Mariner Hybrid Order Manual" as well as the owner's manual for the 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid (the Ford Escape Hybrid's owner's manual has instructions for use of the 110 Volt Outlet) as well as the computerized order form that dealers use to order custom built Mariners from the factory. None of them show an option for the 110 Volt outlet.
I have a week-old Escape Hybrid (with a 110 Volt plug). I am showing an average miles-per-gallon of 32.4 MPG (on the front-wheel-drive version -- the Mariner is full-time four-wheel drive so your results will be worse). The way that I've achieved this is to always drive in the Low "gear". As you deacelerate (coast to a stop), the Low "gear" turns on the electric motor when you're going below 40 MPH. Since we're dealing with a CVT transmission, the "low" gear isn't really a gear, it's just a software routine which tells the computer to be more aggressive using the electric motor. The more you use the electric motor, the better your mileage will get!
6 years ago
Congrats on your Hybrid purchase and the link to this forum. Keep us updated on the mileage! I will be driving my mariner hyrid on a mix of highway and city as well, so I am interested in your results. My foot tends to be heavy, but I have started to curtail that kind of driving in anticipation of the newer suv. :)
Chris
6 years ago
OK - now I am really confused...
I asked this question earlier and it was answered - but then I came across this web page:
http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/marinerhybrid/microsite/faq.asp
The Mariner Hybrid will offer features similar to the 2005 conventional Mariner, such as optional leather-seating surfaces, upgraded audio system, and the Intelligent 4WD System. The Mariner Hybrid will also offer some exclusive options, such as the Hybrid Energy Navigation System, 110-volt power outlet, and unique hybrid appearance features. Please visit the web site regularly, as we will post new information on the Mariner Hybrid as it is released.
Any ideas?
6 years ago
I was referring to the 110V outlet inside the vehicle...sorry.
5 years ago
An interesting note about the 110V Power Plug.
On the Mercury Mariner website cached from February 28 (http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:rnHiOkDV0dcJ:www.mercuryvehicles.com/marinerhybrid/microsite/faq.asp+Mercury+Mariner+Hybrid+110&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1) the Mariner is listed as having the 110V power outlet. However, now the site (http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/marinerhybrid/microsite/faq.asp) does not list it. I wonder why they took it out!?
5 years ago
I find that my total mpg goes up with more freeway driving and the highest I have gotten is 29.2. With lots of street driving, it drops to 26ish mpg but then I end up driving on the freeway and it pushes it back up to the 28-29 range.
5 years ago
On my 2006 Mariner Hybrid, purchased in April, the mileage is averaging 30.5 mpg. The computer said 30.6 and my last fill was 13.8 gal for 423 miles traveled. I reset the computer after the last fill and the avg is now 31.3 mpg. Mainly mixed highway and in town driving.
5 years ago
30mpg average? I am jealous. How are you getting that? I just bought a Mariner Hybrid 2 weeks ago and I am NOT getting the mileage I expected. So far averaging around 25 mpg (this is my 3rd fill up). I drive 70 mile round trip everyday to work. Mix of city/traffic driving and highway.
When I test drove the Mariner at the dealership my first question was, "So what do I do when it doesn't get the mileage it claims to get?". He told me he would guarantee it would. Guarantee? I asked him even if he guaranteed it still what would he do if it didn't? He said he would have it checked out by the mechanics and adjusted so that it would because it should.
Well... here I am at 25mpg. I know that the escape clause is alway, "It depends on how you drive it." but I assure you I am trying my very best to drive it conservatively so that the electric motor does more of the work. I am really trying but really.. how hard should I try? I am not flooring it I assure you.
Don't get me wrong I still like the vehicle a lot. I traded in a gas guzzling 98 Ford Expedition, and although I wasn't crazy about the small size at first the vehicle is very nimble & fun to drive. I got the premuim model with leather and navigation system, great stereo, etc. and I am still saving big time on the gas mileage difference.
I just wish it would get the mileage it claims. I already talked to the delaership and he told me to put about 3000 miles on it and if I am not happy still to bring it in.
Any thoughts?
5 years ago
After 2500 miles, I found that the mpg was ranging from 26 to 29 mpg. I recently hit the reset and after a mix of street and freeway driving, I'm staying in the 30s mileage now.
5 years ago
Simi Livin, the Mariner Hybrid gets is real mileage advantage in CITY driving. If your 70 miles is mostly highway, I doubt you will see much of a difference from a regular 4cyl Mariner.
5 years ago
I, too, was expecting the Mariner Hybrid to include the 110v outlet. I did notice it was not on the option list, but I was assuming that was because it was a standard feature.
I am surprised that the higher-end Mariner would not have something that the Escape offered.
5 years ago
I am getting an average of 26 in "suburban" driving. a few lights but most roads 35-40 MPH.
Not near what the 33 MPG city is supposed to get.
Highway driving is much better at 29 MPG which is dead on for the AWD Mariner sticker.
I'm hoping an adjustment will help , I'll be asking at the first service interval. Currently at 2000 miles.
It could also be the temperature which I have heard affects the battery and I am constantly running the AC. I get better mileage if I accelerate slightly downhill and coast uphill where possible (less strain on the engine brning less gas. This varies the speed so I can't do it when other cars are around. Based on another message I'm going to try low gear.
5 years ago
"Broken in" todays cars are "broken in" when
they are new...the manufacturing and milling
is so precise it will not make much difference after
driving for a while...years ago cars had to
be "broken in"...
5 years ago
I've have been driving the Mariner for 5000mi and have been getting 33mpg on the highway at 55 - 60 mph. In the city I average 31mpg. If I work real hard at it I can get it up to between 34 - 35mpg. these number are off the 15 minute mpg computer and are not based on actual fuel fill ups. I have been very please with the over all performance of the car and styling and interior.
5 years ago
I just bought a new 2006 Mariner Hybrid today. I took a long test drive with it, and did realize that it was not going to get 33mpg city mileage that the sticker promisses (at least not right away). But we were driving a 1999 Explorer with 166,000 miles, and getting about 10-15 mpg in town, so I was pretty happy to see 25-28mpg with the Mariner. I'm hoping we can work it up to 30+. Most of our driving will be city driving with very few highway miles.
We had been looking at regular SUV as that's what were accustomed to driving. But right now Ford has 0% interest on 2006 vehicles, and that put the payment on a Hybrid less than a regular SUV. So what the heck -- the dealer just happened to have one in stock, so now we own it. Once we get a few miles on it, I'll report back.
5 years ago
I purchased a 2006 Mariner Hybrid in May, 2006. It now has about 7,500 miles. During the warm weather, we were getting about 26 mpg, which was disappointing but acceptable. Since about November, our gas mileage has dropped to about 20 mpg. I have computed the mileage manually and my result is the same as the results calculated by the navigation system. I have talked to two dealers and have been told that this likely going to be normal.
I am extremely disappointed.
5 years ago
Hi Jim
There are many reasons why you can get bad gas mileage in the FEH/MMH and most of it is the driver. Because the engine is so small and is a Atkinson cycle, the torque to weight ratio causes you to maintain high RPM's if you drive it like most people on the road today. The mileage is there if you choose to drive for mileage. The power is there when you need it, but that's where you pay the price.
This is why I love my FEH! I drive for the mileage and seldom need the power. Over the past 2 years, I have found ways to recharge the battery with regen and have pushed my FWD FEH up to 70mpg on a 20 mile round trip. Of course this is with mostly EV mode where the best mileage is found in the FEH/MMH.
After relearning to drive with my FEH from my drag racing days, I know how to take advantage of mileage in everything I drive now. My '02 V8 Explorer got ~14mpg and now I can push it up to 24mpg. The Explorer does great on the highway, the FEH does great in city driving.
Wind resistance is the biggest enemy in gas mileage, so drafting large trucks over 45mph will help almost every vehicle. High revolution (RPM) of the crank shaft is the other big enemy of MPG. If you want some tips on pushing the FEH/MMH, see my article at: http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/articles/t-hypermiling-the-ford-escape-hybrid--350.html
GaryG
4 years ago
I am currently at 25.2 mpg in a hilly Pittsburgh city area. I have had the Mariner for about 2 weeks and love it. it is used at 31000 miles so i do not expect the MPG to go up too much more.
I think the hills are what kills the mileage because the engine kicks on more than if i was in a flat area.
Happy driving!
4 years ago
What type of "adjustment" can be done at a service call? What woudl they do to get you better gas mileage.
Thanks and happy driving!
4 years ago
Welcome and good luck with your MMH.
First thing you need to check is your tire pressure and I recommend at least 44psi. Your air intake filter and High Voltage (HV) battery filter should be looked at and changed if dirty. The battery filter is located on the drivers side cargo side area with a small access panel. The filter is about $30 but it is important to keep a clean filter to reduce the A/C having to run to cool the battery. The cabin A/C does not need to be running for the Aux battery A/C to demand the single A/C compressor to run for cooling the battery.
Learn to coast in neutral and tap the brake pedal very lightly twice or more below 40mph to shut off the engine and go electric vehicle (EV). If you place the shifter in "L" at ~43mph and let off the gas, you can go EV below 40mph. There is no low gear so you can shift to "L" at even the highest speed of 100mph. However, I do not recommend just driving in "L", so use it to charge the battery with regen braking and to shut off the engine at and below 40mph. Try to find out how to hold your speed in EV (around 35mph tops for most) and I recommend driving with you right shoe off. The accelerator pedal is very sensitive, so watch the assist needle for the amount of assist that will demand the engine on for more torque.
When and if you want to learn all the special techniques I use, your '06 AWD MMH can get 40mpg and over 500 mile per tank of gas (13.5 gals most of the time). If you want to get serious about mileage, check out this article I wrote: http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/articles/t-hypermiling-the-ford-escape-hybrid--350.html
Feel free to ask questions about things you don't understand.
GaryG
4 years ago
Gary,
I have been reading alot of your posts and you are the Hybrid King! So get a crown if you do not already have one!!
Anyways, I will probably have some more questions I am sure. I do try to keep the EV running at around 25-25mph but it is tough because i live in a hilly area and the engine always seems to kick in.
"Talk" to you soon! :D :D :D
4 years ago
Hi everyone! I just took a trip to Cleveland from Pittsburgh via routes (I dont like the turnpikes). It was about 140 miles or so one way and i was averaging about 50 miles an hour and got 35mpg the whole way up!
I know it is not 40 or 50 mpg, but to me it was great, I am still getting about 27 in the city, which to me is still good.
Anyway, that is my story for today!
Happy driving!
4 years ago
Gary,
I did change the cabin air filter, it was so dirty (they shoudl have changed it at the dealer). Anyway, with that and also using some of the techniques (double tap, coasting in nuetral) I have been gettiing around 27 MPG now instead of 25, which i am still happy with.
One question i have. I do not have the nav system or the scan gauge. DO you reset your mileage each trip or do you keep it averaging for the whole tank? I have been reseting it after each tank to give me an idea of my average for the two weeks i drive normally.
Thanks!
Mark:D
4 years ago
I have a "new" (I am the first owner for the past 10 days)2005 Escape Hybrid. I bought the car out of state and drove it on the Ohio Turnpike back to Pennsylvania. On the very first day, I got as high as 34.7 mpg going 60mph with the air conditioning off. Last weekend, I took two older folks on a trip to Wheeling WV (Cabelas) and got as high as 35.2mpg going 65mph and again with the airconditioning off. On the way home with the airconditioning on--but not at the coldest setting--I got between 32.5-33.2 mpg via the scangauge II. I am tickled to have this mileage.
Around home with the famous Pennsylvania hills, mileage is between 28-32mpg depending upon how long I can stay in EV without hindering traffic. This is where the real learning occurs. Reading the various posts from experienced users such as Gary G. is quite valuable. Learning the various hybrid techniques (such as "fake shifting"-"double tapping the brake pedal"-"pulse and glide"-shifting between "D" and "L") and how/when to apply them to maximum EV, fuel efficiency and minimize RPM counts requires hands on experience. To our experienced posters, thanks for sharing your knowledge. :)
4 years ago
Mark, since I have both the navi and the SG, I have many choices and options. The navi or the econ gauge you have, cannot save all the data for an entire tank of gas. The Scangauge can save more than enough data for an entire tank. The SG also has a running tank average saved from the time you reset it at fill-up. The SG has a "current trip" that automatically reset after a few minutes with the key off. It has a "today trip" that stores your average mileage for the entire day and automatically reset after about 8 hrs of key off (overnight). It also has a "previous day" average to store data so you can compare one day to the next. As if this were not enough, all these stored data can give you things like Highest speed, highest RPM, average speed, fuel used, highest temperature, etc..etc.. etc... Mark, you need to seriously think about getting a SG.
Bottom line, I reset the navi average MPG and the SG at fill-up when I reset the trip OD also. Your econ gauge should at least be reset at fill-up. However, if you get great mileage in the beginning of a reset econ gauge and bad mileage at the end of the tank, your average MPG on the econ gauge will read worst because it dropped the great mileage in the beginning. The oposite is true if you get bad mileage in the beginning of a fill tank but get better at the end of the tank, your econ gauge will report a false higher average. After a reset of your econ gauge at fill-up, after about 200 miles, the beginning data starts getting replaced with current data MPG.
GaryG
4 years ago
Also, I believe that the message center MTE is calculated based on the average econ and an empty value of about 13.7 gallons used, so if you always reset the trip odometer at fill-up, you can figure out your current tank MPG at any point before the next fill-up. For example, currently I have AVG ECON=36.0, MTE=131, and trip=342.9. Therefore, my current tank MPG is about 342.9/(13.7-131/36)=34.1MPG. My scan guage currently reads 34.6.
So I guess my FE is improving slightly during this tank, or all the number are within the margin of error.
4 years ago
Welcome to the family! You will get excellent information here. Browse through some of the threads in this forum, that is what i did and found excellent tips. You will find that Gary G is the King of Hybrids, take his information to the bank!
I have a 2006 hybrid and I am not getting the posted MGH, but did not really expect to. You usually won't get the posted MPG in any car, but several miles less.
Regadless, i do get great mileage for an SUV. A lot depends on where you live as well as "re-learning" how to drive. Driving the hybrids is so much different. I have increase my MPG by about 6 MPG in the two months i have had the car just by driving differently.
I am currently at about 28 MPG in the hilly suburbs of pittsburgh, PA. I recently took a trip to Cleveland and got 35 MPG which was great!
I consider myself more of the average driver and trying to keep the car in EV mode as long as possible is my challenge. I try to coast donw hils at under 40 MPG as much as i can, start of slow from a stop (hard to do with people on your butt, ut they can wait) and just keeping the RPM's down to get into EV mode as much as i can.
You will hear alot about the "double tap" method to get to EV mode. While i am not sure i have perfected this, i can say that it is more of a double pump for me rather than a tap. You really ust have to experiment and discover this on your own.
Enjoy your new vehicle!
Mark
4 years ago
Gary,
I have been reading most of your posts, even went over to "greenhybrid.com" to read some over there. I see you had a run in with a couple of other "hypermilers" who dissed your mileage ways. I am still on your side!! You have proven your methods.
Anyways, I am not a die-hard hypermiler yet, but do take bits and peices from your responses and have increased my MPG by several miles thanks to your techniques.
Can you give me the short version of how to do the fake shift? I am not clear on this and not sure how it helps.
Thanks so much!!
Mark
4 years ago
Thanks for your support Mark, but I think I have everything under control with the site owners now. Many people interested in what I've learned and want to share to help everyone improve their mileage, stepped forward in my support, so I returned to GH and 2 other sites.
The reason I'm going to Hybridfest to compete in the MPG challenge is to show the fake shift and how I've used it to improve my mileage. The results will be documented by others, not just me with a video.
Like everyone else, I can't drive in the best conditions all the time, but I've learned to drive the best way possible in all conditions for me. In the big cities, everyone drives like their trying to get away from a bomb behind them. There are other choices to get where you need to go just as fast, it just takes some planning.
In short, the Fake Shift I do is in "L" is to recharge a very low HV battery to go EV again. You don't have to do a double tap when you let off the gas pedal in "L" to go EV. It can be done with a near full battery also. Try shifting to "L" and letting off the accelerator in "L" to go EV under 40mph Mark.
GaryG
4 years ago
Many of us want to thank you for providing us with a ton of information. This is something that is not provided from dealerships. It is also a real learning experience determining how to stay in the electric mode (what should one do and when?) in real world conditions. For this reason, I'm looking forward to obtaining the FEH video (even if it has a price tag) you are referring to in an attempt to speed up the learning curve. Hopefully this video will also provide footage of FEH that do not have the hybrid navigation display.
4 years ago
When I first got my '05, I could have been saving a lot of gas back then if I knew what I know now about hypermiling. The video will be free or what it cost me. Hopefully, a link to YouTube or something will make it possible to see at no cost.
Cheers
GaryG
4 years ago
BillyK,
Just wondering what part of PA you are from. I am in Pittsburgh and it would be nice to know a fellow hybrdi owner in the area. I have a Mercury Mariner Hybrid (MMH). We can share our hilly western PA stories!
Happy Driving!
4 years ago
If you don't mind a long post...
I live in Butler. The terrain in Pa will make it difficult to achieve the "high" mileage that "flat-landers" achieve. The colder weather months will also take a hit on our mileage and our AWD versions will also cause a decrease of 1-2mpg incomparison to the FWD versions. Yet, we have to be thrilled to have a vehicle that has the ability to be a member of the "30-30" club--30 mpg or better city and highway. Furthermore, we have some "protection" against possible future legislation that would impose "carbon taxes" on vehicles.
I drove my first Escape hybrid in January 2007. I visited my local Ford Dealership who had just sold their only Escape Hybrid model several week earlier. The dealership was not planning on obtaining another hybrid for quite some time as Ford as in the process of redoing their Escape factory and converting to the MY2008. I then visited anther dealership where a 2007 "plain" white Escape hybrid sat on the lot. I was surprised by the engine drone under accleration and unxpected for the rapid increase and decrease of engine RPMs with the continous variable transmission. I needed to do some more homework (reviewing of various websites) prior to purchasing. I have to admit I also was comparing the Escape Hybrid to models from Subaru and Volvo.
Well, as I researched the web, gasoline prices continued to increase and I decided drop Volvo and Subaru from consideration. I learned from my research (employee from the Escape plant in Missouri) that vehicle were subject to decontenting- including the sound insulation mat under the engine hood. Sure enough, I found a new 2005 Hybrid that had a engine hood mat. My 2005 seems a lot quieter under accleration than the 2007 model I drove.
Learning to drive a hybrid "requires" experience. It takes practice to learn how far your foot should move/press when you acclerate in an attempt to keep the vehicle in electric mode. It is fairly easy to understand the concept increasing tire pressure and of keeping the RPMS under 2000 in an attempt to maximize fuel efficiency. It is more difficult to learn and properly apply some of the advance hybrid driving techniques that we read about from the experienced posters. I'm referring to "fake shifting", "pulse and glide", "shifting into and out of D on the fly" and what other techniques they use.
I appreciate all the information the experience posters provide for us and then let us decide which one(s) we will try and utilize. This is something one can not get from the sales staff at dealerships. I sometimes wonder if these experience posters should publish a manual (would it be cost effective as an on-line downloadable version?) for the less experienced users to help speed up their learning curve.
I have a scan guage in my 2005 Escape Hybrid. I recommend this especially if you do not have the hybrid featured display system (the navigation system is junk). I have a short commute to work---as short as 4 miles so I may not get daily commute MPG readings as others do. That said, I got 48 MPG today on the way home! Well, I have to tell you, at least half of the drive home is "down hill!" and I can keep the Hybrid in electric mode for maybe 2/3 of the journey. Sometimes my hybrid jumps out of electric mode when it is ascending a hill even if my speed is less than 20mph. I have gone in electric mode as fast as 39 mph downhill and almost 30 mph on the level. On interstate 79/70 I have achieved a mileage reading as high as 35 mpg going slightly over 60mph. Two times I have achieved an instant mpg reading of over 100--that is when I had a downhill run and kept the vehicle in electric mode.
My major dislikes of the vehicle include the hard driver's side armrest, lack of overhead dash console as the existing dome light creates shadows, lack of temperature monitor and lack of sunroof/moonroof option. I am currently searching for solutions for all but the last concern.
I'm done for now. I won't post this long again.:)
4 years ago
Billy it's good you point out you should choose the techniques you want and feel good about using. Not all the techniques I use are for everyone. Over inflating tires was something I was against up to a year ago. Today I maintain 50psi that has not only increased my mileage, but it appears it has slowed down tire wear especially on the inside rear tires where I was having a problem. In fact, it looks like the tires quit wearing completely, but we know that's not possible.
I'm a flat lander here in Florida, but a high bridge seems to give my mileage a boost. The key is keeping the RPMs down going up in a good part of the torque curve and getting regen in "L" and in EV on the way down and coasting in "N" at 40mph for a long EV glide. Above 40mph on the downhills, Key-Off FAS would be my choice.
Those short trips have improved for me with the use of key-off FAS also. This is an advanced technique not for everyone though. This was another technique that took me sometime to try. I need everything I can get to maintain mid 40's tanks with the requirement to run the A/C for battery cooling during these hot summer days. Most hypermilers maintain their mileage during the cold winters this way also. My next project is to bypass the heater core with shutoff valves to keep the cabin cooler longer during recir A/C.
One other trick I've learned is to drive with a right barefoot. Shoes cause a big decrease in control of the accelerator pedal. It's now a part of my pre-start pocedure and a habit.
BTW, I have the wireless Wayfinder V2020 inside and outside temperature sensors which work good. It also is a compass with a 1 1/2" x 2" screen. Picked it up new on Ebay for about $69. The inside sensor was separate for about $30. These retail for over $200.
GaryG
4 years ago
Thanks for the input on the wireless Wayfinder V2020 temperature sensor. Will have to check on e-bay and elsehere for pricing. This seems to be the way to go and not to worry about any wiring hookups. But...where did you place the outdoor temperature sensor on your vehicle? :confused:
Do most of the advanced hybrid techniques require visual feedback from the hybrid/radio/navigation display unit? Or can use of the ScanGauge II unit be utilized for this purpose? For example, I basically understand the pulse-and-glide method of driving but without a hybrid display unit in my vehicle, how do I obtain visual feedback that my efforts are correct? Something to consider next month at the gathering in Dane County, Wisconsin.
We all realize Ford Motor Company should have included the hybrid display as a standard feature as Toyota does with its Prius model. Has anyone "hacked" the hybrid/radio unit as if it could be stationed under the seat with a wired connection (USB?) to a smaller display unit on the dashboard? This way one could install an aftermarket (kenwood/elcipsce DVD/GPS unit) in the center console dashboard area as the Ford GPS unit is not worth the money they charge for it. ;)
4 years ago
The outside temperature sensor is hard to locate to avoid road heat and engine heat when your not moving. I put mine in the lower front grill area to shield it from wind, road and engine compartment heat. I'm sure there are better places, but the manual says to avoid the rear of the vehicle because of exhaust heat.
The most important gauge to me on the energy screen is the battery level. I always know about when the engine is going to start to charge the battery. This also allows me to know when to fake shift in "L" to build the battery before a stop which prevents restarts and gives me juice to get moving in EV again. Also, the small generator only charges to 53%, so you need 7% from regen to top off the battery at 60%. This keeps the ICE from kicking on the small generator and burning extra fuel more often during highway driving where the battery stays on the high SoC level. You can get enough regen at highway speeds by just coasting a little in "D". If you had the energy screen you would know all this.
When I bought my FEH, I didn't consider the nav sys as a option, I considered it a bonus with the need of the hybrid display. In other words, why pay that kind of money for a hybrid with no hybrid gauges. Personally, I would give up the AWD to save money for the hybrid gauges, which I'm glad I did.
Many people have added a GPS where the radio or navi goes, but no one I know of got the hybrid information added to any other unit than the factory unit. Some have also taken out the factory navi and replaced it with a better GPS. That was not a smart thing to do IMHO to give up how to learn how to drive the FEH/MMH for better mileage. The SG will improve your mileage, but most of the FEH/MMH hypermilers have the navi. However, some are now hypermilers that don't have the navi so don't give up.
GaryG
4 years ago
Gary, if I am correct, you were previously in contact with the Scangauge company during their efforts to improve on the first version of this item. Does this company have the ability/skills to produce a third generation of their unit-one that would include some graphical hybrid displays?:cool: This could be a next logical step.
4 years ago
I've talked to a number of people at Scangauge including the designer. We talked about them developing a battery gauge after they modified the first SG to work with hybrids. I knew the value of people not spending $1750 - $2500 to get just the hybrid information from the FEH/MMH could open doors for SG. Ron Delong told me that the SG had to be a generic gauge to work on most all vehicles, and a design change just for the FEH/MMH would be impossible. Even if all the hybrid manufactures had the same design, it would still be unlikely for a long time.
The reason SG was designed was the government made it a requirement to standardize the OBD11 connection to give emissions data so all vehicles sold in the US could be tested by any of these generic gauges. Who knows, the law could change to require additional data for hybrids, but I wouldn't hold your breath for that.
GaryG
4 years ago
GaryG,
Do you know of a source for CAN commands (and what the replies mean) for the FEH? I don't as yet have the PC/ED manual, could they be in there? The battery info is certainly on the CAN bus, so you should be able to use the SC's custom commands to retrieve it. So far I have been unable to locate anything on the web that lists them.
Carl
4 years ago
Carl, you are not going to get that kind of info from the PC/ED manual. I'm not even sure my Son could help us with Fords design and he just graduated from MIT in computer science and electrical engineering with a 4.8 gpa. He told me it could be done, but he you know he has better things to do. The last company he work with developed SiteAdvisor . A company called McAfee bought that program for 80 million dollars. Poor old dad can't afford his 22 year old son anymore.
GaryG
4 years ago
Great to hear from you fellow "burgher"! One tip regarding highway driving, at least form what i have found, stay around 50-55 MPH and you will get better mileage. This is hard when you are in a 70 zone, but when in a 55 or 60 zone just stay a little slower. It was so hard for me to do thid because i am a competitive driver meaning i hate when people pass me. But I did yield about 35-37 MPG when on about an hour trip on the highway so i thought it was worth people flying by me.
Happy driving!
4 years ago
Did you achieve this value (35-37mpg) with the cruise control on? If you had the cruise control on, did the RPM's exceed 3000 on the uphills?
My experience with highway driving with and without the cruise control indicates I do not have to worry too much about a difference in fuel efficiency. However, I have not gone "over" the six mile long uphill:confused: on the Pa Turnpike between the New Stanton and Somerset exits. I may this weekend (Saturday) as I would like to attend a historical CCC presentation at Laurel Hill Park which is just east and below Seven Springs Ski Area.
4 years ago
I had the cruise control on most of the time, RPM's stayed pretty low. I took the scenic route trip to cleveland instead of the highways, on the way home i took the highways and didnt get as good of mileage because i had to keep up the speeds of 60-70 mph. Although it is based on one trip i found that speeds between 45-55 mph gave me the best mpg.
4 years ago
:D New toy this website. I have recently acquired an 08 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV and after 4 months and 4000 miles I can safely say that a combined 32 mpg is sustainable in Oklahoma City driving. I have been updating my mileage at the GreenHybrid website. I am looking forward to the Federal Tax Credit of $3000 since I paid sticker ($29,100). After that I will have an FEH comparable in price to the luxury 6 cylinder version and with the same performance. All combined I am extremely happy with this vehicle and wonder why the FEH does not get more rave reviews with the Green community.
4 years ago
We've had our 08 FEH 4WD since September and are quite satisfied overall with the mileage. Overall average is around 28-29mpg, mostly in-town with a little highway driving. Just returned from an 800 mile trip and achieved 30.9mpg during strictly highway driving, some in the moutains of western North Carolina, Tennesee and Kentucky.
I have noticed lower readings in the cold weather when the ICE is running longer to warm up and I also have noticed that mileage varies much more than with a normal car depending on driving conditions and driving habits.
For best results you have to get to know your vehicle, get a feel for how and when the ICE kicks on and off. Accelerate gently. I have found that you need to use a light touch on the accelerator to keep it in EV mode. Anticipate braking as much as possible to use regen braking more, mechanical braking less (again, you have to develop a feel for this). Use the cruise control as much as possible, even in urban 40mph zones, even for what seem like short distances. This seems to have a bigger impact than you would think. In warm weather, use ECON mode of AC as much as possible. This allows the ICE to cycle on and off as it was designed for. Interior may warm up a bit when sitting in traffic but rarely gets uncomfortable.
4 years ago
It takes a little while to learn how to manage a FEH. I have an 08 AWD FEH and I enjoy learning how to drive it. We live in California and just returned from xmas vacation in Idaho. I learned a few things on the way.
Cold weather lowers the MPG significantly. My experience on the highway was a reduction of about 5 mpg when the outside temp is below 0F. Also the when I drove at 75, the milage decreased about 3-4 mpg over driving at 70. Driving around town in California, I get around 33 - 34 mpg. I use the electric motor as much as possible (drives my wife nuts). In Idaho, I got around 23 mpg. This is accounted for by warming up the car so I could get the ice off the windshield. Also the gas engine runs all the time so the heater can warm up.
Your gas mileage will improve dramatically as you learn how to manage your hybrid. Good luck.
4 years ago
For cold weather mpg improvement:
-FIA Winter Grille Covers--cover your upper grille opening and provide a quicker normal operating engine temperature--one can also block part of or all of the lower grille opening for optium results
-engine block heater
Get a Scanguage II unit to provide a ton of vehicle operating information. Do a goggle search or scanguage.com
Post a new comment