Drive mode complaint

[FiremarshalBill49]

This has probably been addressed before, but having so many different drive modes (Normal, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul, and Sport) is pretty useful, though the Eco mode best fits my needs and driving style. However, EVERY SINGLE TIME I get into my Lariat Maverick, I need to stop and push the center console drive mode button 4 times to get out of the default Normal mode and back into the Eco mode. Why can't Ford set it up so that your driving mode defaults to whatever mode you prefer? Is this a software issue? Can my dealership reset something to make Eco mode my default?

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[dalola]

Why is this, you ask? Because Ford secretly hates you? No.

It's the same reason Auto Stop/Start always defaults to on every time you start your truck. Normal is the default drive mode because that is how the EPA tested it for the ratings & CAFE. Any setting that is NOT default for the EPA, cannot be default for you, either, if Ford wants CAFE credit for it.

 

[colinl]

Why is this, you ask? Because Ford secretly hates you? No.

It's the same reason Auto Stop/Start always defaults to on every time you start your truck. Normal is the default drive mode because that is how the EPA tested it for the ratings & CAFE. Any setting that is NOT default for the EPA, cannot be default for you, either, if Ford wants CAFE credit for it.

true, but...

when driving my Bronco in something other than Normal drive mode, if you cycle the ignition on and off, you will see an on-screen prompt asking to resume the previous mode. for example, Eco. you only have a few seconds to hit OK, maybe 3 at most, but it's there.

the Maverick doesn't do this. presumably it could, but I'm not so naive to think that Ford would push this out to existing trucks. if it doesn't do it now, I wouldn't count on it ever doing it any sooner than the next model-year.

 

[2020 GT500]

OP: you do not need to be stopped to change modes. Depending on the mood that you want to be in just count the number of tap on the mood change button and you’ll get used to it by feel without even having to look down. Yes it is annoying but it is what it is and once you get used to it you won’t even think about it anymore.

 

[dalola]

true, but...

when driving my Bronco in something other than Normal drive mode, if you cycle the ignition on and off, you will see an on-screen prompt asking to resume the previous mode. for example, Eco. you only have a few seconds to hit OK, maybe 3 at most, but it's there.

the Maverick doesn't do this. presumably it could, but I'm not so naive to think that Ford would push this out to existing trucks. if it doesn't do it now, I wouldn't count on it ever doing it any sooner than the next model-year.

I'm not familiar with the Bronco, but the point is, you still have to select it somehow, or the vehicle will automatically default to normal. So, the method is not the point; it's automatic (no driver input) vs driver input, and anything resulting in CAFE credits for the OEM must be automatic.

 

[colinl]

I'm not familiar with the Bronco, but the point is, you still have to select it somehow, or the vehicle will automatically default to normal. So, the method is not the point; it's automatic (no driver input) vs driver input, and anything resulting in CAFE credits for the OEM must be automatic.

you turn a dial to select the drive mode the first time you change it. same as pushing the button 4 times for eco mode in a Maverick, in practice.

what I was saying - and maybe you did understand - is that it will prompt you upon next restart to resume Eco mode. if you're looking in your mirrors, backing out, selecting a song, you can miss the prompt because it is displayed just a few seconds before it goes into Normal mode.

but if the Maverick had that, you would just push OK on the steering wheel rather than hit the drive mode button 4 times to select Eco again.

 

[dalola]

you turn a dial to select the drive mode the first time you change it. same as pushing the button 4 times for eco mode in a Maverick, in practice.

what I was saying - and maybe you did understand - is that it will prompt you upon next restart to resume Eco mode. if you're looking in your mirrors, backing out, selecting a song, you can miss the prompt because it is displayed just a few seconds before it goes into Normal mode.

but if the Maverick had that, you would just push OK on the steering wheel rather than hit the drive mode button 4 times to select Eco again.

Yep, understood, it's a shortcut, not available on the Maverick.

And I'll assume you understand my explanation of why some kind of user input is always required to change drive modes, be it one step, or ten.

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