Don't tell us, tell Ford

[NextTruck]

.......would fit in the government's objectives ............

Sponsored

 

[NextTruck]

hhhhmmmmmmmm

 

[commadorebob]

Thanks for telling me right now, but I have no desire to get rid of auto start/stop. I am curious how you and bbhaag think my post mentioned or inferred that complains should be posted on the Ford site.

Because the two examples you provided in the OP are complaints. However, I've learned enough from the rest of this thread to be done with it.

 

[OneAlienBoi]

I'll tell you right now that if your wish is to get rid of the Auto-start/stop, that is a non-starter for Ford. Government trumps customers on that one and there is no amount of complaining that will change that. However, allowing the owner to default to ECO mode would fit in the government's objectives and so I would think that is workable.

Suggesting features for Maverick that already exist on other models might not be worth the ink. Ford likely already considered those and have a reason why they don't exist on Maverick. Ford is trying to hit a price point and some features likely push the truck to a price that competes with Ranger.

An idea worth mentioning to Ford might be a port that allows you to connect a solar panel to the truck for trickle charging the hybrid battery when not in motion. That would increase the fuel mileage (and by extension, reduce the emissions) over the life of the vehicle and allow those that park their trucks outside to essentially keep the battery charged for the next drive. Maybe even offer a solar panel tonneau cover that integrates with it, similar to what Tesla has threatened.

Yeah, the stop/start on the maverick is great anyways, at least on the hybrid. You almost never notice it. The engine usually shuts off if you're stopped at an intersection, then turns on while you're already moving, very seamless. It's obvious more noticable on the ecoboost, but still decent. It saves gas, and reduces wear and tear, a win-win.

 

[OneAlienBoi]

Ford, like ALL American companies only thinks 90 days ahead. If it doesn't affect the next quarter, flush it. Have you ever seen the cartoon where the company SUGGESTION BOX has no bottom and is located above a large garbage can?

I mean, Ford was the only car companies to adequately predict and prepare for the 2008 financial crisis, they're one of the only companies that predicted and capitalized on the mass trend of this transition to trucks and crossovers while reducing car models, something basically all of their Japanese, Korean, and American rivals have since copied. They were one of the most progressive companies with giving both genders and all races equal pay all the way back in the 1920s. I mean Ford literally thought decades ahead of everyone else, envisioning the need for mass produced and affordable cars during the late 1800s, while everyone else was focused on making cars a rich man's toy.

Ford has definitely made some mistakes my friend, no doubt about it. But it's very shortsighted to say they don't plan for the future, when that's all Ford does.

 

[Old_Norm]

Because the two examples you provided in the OP are complaints. However, I've learned enough from the rest of this thread to be done with it.

You should have continued with English class. How does anything in my post meet the following definition?
com·plaint
/kəmˈplānt/

noun

1. 1.
   a statement that a situation is unsatisfactory or unacceptable.
   "I intend to make an official complaint"
   
   Similar:
   protest
   
   
   protestation
   
   
   objection
   
   
   remonstrance

 

[NeedForSteve]

i.e. "Suggest you add the ability to select which driving mode will be the default when starting the car."

Like with the Auto Start/Stop, this likely won't be possible either. The EPA certifications regarding Emissions and Economy results extend to the vehicle calibration *at the time of testing*, meaning they'd have to independently certify the vehicle for operation on public roads in each operational setting. This either costs money, or the vehicle straight up doesn't qualify in some of the settings.

The workaround is that the vehicle is allowed to operate outside of the certified parameter as long as the parameters return to compliance after each key cycle. I'd imagine for a low-cost vehicle like the Maverick, Ford may have never spent the extra money to meet standards in ECO or SPORT mode, so it has to reset after a key cycle.

 

[Old_Norm]

Like with the Auto Start/Stop, this likely won't be possible either. The EPA certifications regarding Emissions and Economy results extend to the vehicle calibration *at the time of testing*, meaning they'd have to independently certify the vehicle for operation on public roads in each operational setting. This either costs money, or the vehicle straight up doesn't qualify in some of the settings.

Look, the driver can select the driving mode without violating EPA laws or directives. Currently, a driver can always manually set ECO mode before moving the vehicle and never use whatever mode the EPA certified. How would allowing the driver to select ECO mode as the default driving mode, in the settings, be illegal? Haven't seen the EPA police make any arrests.

 

[BradnChristine]

They don't want to hear about my biggest complaint...that when you do something that causes FULL Regenerative braking (but no service brake application) there is zero indication to the vehicle behind you that you are dramatically slowing with no brake lights.
Here's how to see what I mean:
1. Set your cruise to 55mph and get to speed.
2. Press the middle control downward to set a new cruise at 45 MPH.
3. Note the dramatic speed decrease via regenerative braking.
Don't try this with anyone behind you.

 

[Flomounier1]

Here is Ford's suggestion/complaint box.

 

[OrCoaster]

They don't want to hear about my biggest complaint...that when you do something that causes FULL Regenerative braking (but no service brake application) there is zero indication to the vehicle behind you that you are dramatically slowing with no brake lights.
Here's how to see what I mean:
1. Set your cruise to 55mph and get to speed.
2. Press the middle control downward to set a new cruise at 45 MPH.
3. Note the dramatic speed decrease via regenerative braking.
Don't try this with anyone behind you.

Don't you know? This is the new style of stealth brake checking. This prevents the drivers' dash cam from picking up on your red lights in their faces and giving them all the cause to come at you in court. They will have no claim that you slowed down when they rammed into you.

Yeah, it is a scary thought but I think they should do something about flashing the brakes in some way if you are doing full regen braking. It only makes for a safe travel way on the highway.

I know to cover the brake in my truck with the manual transmission if I use it to slow down hard but don't use it for a gradual play of the clutch. So why not have the lights come on if you pull your foot all the way out of it? I thought some manufacturers have the option you seek, maybe it is an urban myth. Where are those myth-busters anyway?


Just by chance have you tried your method in all the various drive modes? Which gives you the most/hardest regen brake effect? My guess would be ECO mode and the least the Slippery mode. Check it out and report back to us, won't you?

 

[BradnChristine]

...


Just by chance have you tried your method in all the various drive modes? Which gives you the most/hardest regen brake effect? My guess would be ECO mode and the least the Slippery mode. Check it out and report back to us, won't you?

Exctly correct. I do not like slippery mode at all, as there is minimal braking and it takes maximum pedal effort...just like it should if the pavement was really slippery. Eco definitely produces the most regen.

Interesting that my C-Max has a push button to engage ECO (the only other mode besides "Normal") and I've left that switch on for a few years now. It doesn't need reapplying each start. I only take it off when I want to "come off the line" faster to make a lane change or I'm next to a Prius.

But while ECO in the Cmax also makes for more regen, it is nothing like the amount of regen in my Maverick in Normal or ECO. When I drive home, there is a 55 mph zone, followed by a heavily patrolled 45 mph zone...and it is all downhill in the 1.5 mile 45 zone. I usually am on cruise control for that segment, as it is too easy to get a ticket. When I drop to 45 at the zone change, I have to pay attention if anyone is behind me when the regen anchor is thrown out.

 

[OrCoaster]

Exctly correct. I do not like slippery mode at all, as there is minimal braking and it takes maximum pedal effort...just like it should if the pavement was really slippery. Eco definitely produces the most regen.

Interesting that my C-Max has a push button to engage ECO (the only other mode besides "Normal") and I've left that switch on for a few years now. It doesn't need reapplying each start. I only take it off when I want to "come off the line" faster to make a lane change or I'm next to a Prius.

But while ECO in the Cmax also makes for more regen, it is nothing like the amount of regen in my Maverick in Normal or ECO. When I drive home, there is a 55 mph zone, followed by a heavily patrolled 45 mph zone...and it is all downhill in the 1.5 mile 45 zone. I usually am on cruise control for that segment, as it is too easy to get a ticket. When I drop to 45 at the zone change, I have to pay attention if anyone is behind me when the regen anchor is thrown out.

Wowza did not expect an answer that quickly, Thanks for that.

So maybe when you approach the 45-speed trap zone you tap the drive mode and bump it into Normal and get less braking effect before you get too far into the zone? Not trying to tell you how to drive just wondering if that would do the amount of slowdown you need to make the 45 speed without causing drivers behind you to go for their brakes.

I know, I know, more dang button pushing when I am trying to drive in heavy traffic. All these bells and whistles coming at me are new for sure. The ride is quieter than my 81 VW but for sure more complicated.

 

[Gullzway]

How about fixing the Deep Sleep issues that appear to have been going on for years, not just in the Maverick.

 

[Grabber Rick]

Yeah, the stop/start on the maverick is great anyways, at least on the hybrid. You almost never notice it. The engine usually shuts off if you're stopped at an intersection, then turns on while you're already moving, very seamless. It's obvious more noticable on the ecoboost, but still decent. It saves gas, and reduces wear and tear, a win-win.

I would think it adds wear and tear to the starting system. I would think it would wear on the battery too. Takes more juice to start something than to maintain it. Especially while running A/C and headlights. This is on the 2.0 engine of course.

Sponsored