Ecoboost Engine Braking in 1st?

[Metaloon]

Two part question:

1. Is the 8F35 set up to allow engine braking in 1st gear? The gears magazine article makes it sound like it can, but there's also this thread from the Bronco Sport forums indicating that it might not let you.

2. Assuming that it physically can and that the computer will let it, has anyone figured out a way to get their maverick to stay in 1st for low-speed engine braking?

I drive a lot of forest roads that require 10-15 mph downhill speeds. No matter what I try I can't seem to get the 8F35 to stay in 1st going down them. Tow/haul, low, tow/haul + low, mud/ruts, etc.

It usually bounces between 2nd and 3rd, and that behavior doesn't change depending on whether I set the modes while stopped or while moving. If I bump the gas I can get it to kick into 1st, but it goes back up to 2nd as soon as I stop accelerating.

I know that I could just use hill descent control, but I'd much prefer the feel and functionality of 1st gear engine braking for this scenario.

Sponsored

 

[dalola]

Nope. Ford pulled the ultimate blunder by not having Select-shift at least as an option, if not standard. Really annoying in multiple situations....

 

[fossil]

even with decent control our trucks rely on brakes not 1st gear. maybe with a tuner, I use a 5Star tune in my motor home strictly for transmission mapping.

 

[Flub]

If our DoTs were wise they'd ban these dial shifters and make cars more economical and driver friendly, but instead they want to ban engines, so

 

[Maverickent]

Two part question:

1. Is the 8F35 set up to allow engine braking in 1st gear? The gears magazine article makes it sound like it can, but there's also this thread from the Bronco Sport forums indicating that it might not let you.

2. Assuming that it physically can and that the computer will let it, has anyone figured out a way to get their maverick to stay in 1st for low-speed engine braking?

I drive a lot of forest roads that require 10-15 mph downhill speeds. No matter what I try I can't seem to get the 8F35 to stay in 1st going down them. Tow/haul, low, tow/haul + low, mud/ruts, etc.

It usually bounces between 2nd and 3rd, and that behavior doesn't change depending on whether I set the modes while stopped or while moving. If I bump the gas I can get it to kick into 1st, but it goes back up to 2nd as soon as I stop accelerating.

I know that I could just use hill descent control, but I'd much prefer the feel and functionality of 1st gear engine braking for this scenario.

I assume you've tried selecting "L"? I remember reading, in the user guide, it's just for those situations you've mentioned.

 

[Metaloon]

even with decent control our trucks rely on brakes not 1st gear.

Yup, don't like that part of it or the steady speed. Feels like more work alternating between pedals than it would be to just press the brake. I've seen some videos of people using it to good effect in more technical situations, but it's definitely not the forest road solution.

I assume you've tried selecting "L"? I

First thing I tried. It works for keeping you in 2nd or 3rd, but not 1st.

The Bronco Sport thread was interesting, they were saying that they couldn't hold 1st downhill even with the paddle shifters. If so I don't think there's much hope. Anybody with a Bronco Sport who can confirm that?

 

[Old Man]

Wait, nobody said we had to read the owner's manual.

 

[Montana]

Yea I mentioned this before as well.

Damn thing hunts worse than Elmer Fudd especially on trails.

Definitely needs selector/paddle shifting or just a standard 6 speed imo (not the best idea for obvious reasons), but the real solution for the 8 speed would be a remap. Still have not found any decent tunes for it. Not much support for that kind of stuff like my previous Tacoma had. There is like a 300 page thread and the tune I previously had on the taco was highly recommended for anything from a stock setup to a 3" lift running 35's (most would also regear as well). Meet a tuner, test it out, plug and play. Nothing like that for the Mavericks to remap the shift points and get more from the EB without going full send on performance or "eco mode". So for now, I just live with it.

annoying unhelpful post

 

[Gray Goose]

Two part question:

1. Is the 8F35 set up to allow engine braking in 1st gear? The gears magazine article makes it sound like it can, but there's also this thread from the Bronco Sport forums indicating that it might not let you.

2. Assuming that it physically can and that the computer will let it, has anyone figured out a way to get their maverick to stay in 1st for low-speed engine braking?

I drive a lot of forest roads that require 10-15 mph downhill speeds. No matter what I try I can't seem to get the 8F35 to stay in 1st going down them. Tow/haul, low, tow/haul + low, mud/ruts, etc.

It usually bounces between 2nd and 3rd, and that behavior doesn't change depending on whether I set the modes while stopped or while moving. If I bump the gas I can get it to kick into 1st, but it goes back up to 2nd as soon as I stop accelerating.

I know that I could just use hill descent control, but I'd much prefer the feel and functionality of 1st gear engine braking for this scenario.

I've only been happy with engine braking from a manual transmission. The majority of automatics are designed for highway use even in vehicles marketed as "off-road".

 

[bgn]

Nope. Won't engine brake under 13 mph for me.

Sponsored