towing mode to avoid lugging?

[Tbone289]

It makes sense that higher octane would have a positive effect on this, as more advanced timing does generally improve drive-ability at low RPM.

Sponsored

 

[AZ-Mike]

I had a well discussed thread about this very issue about a year ago. I get it, the search engine here can be a bit wonky to say the least.

Ah... searching. Didn't think of that. LOL. I will certainly utilize that going forward. ty

 

[Meeka]

It makes sense that higher octane would have a positive effect on this, as more advanced timing does generally improve drive-ability at low RPM.

Pardon my ignorance but I just don’t understand how higher octane fuel will affect the ‘ shifting’ in an automatic transmission. Previous older vehicles didn’t run better with 91-93 octane in a V-8 with a B&M shift kit installed.

 

[Tbone289]

Pardon my ignorance but I just don’t understand how higher octane fuel will affect the ‘ shifting’ in an automatic transmission. Previous older vehicles didn’t run better with 91-93 octane in a V-8 with a B&M shift kit installed.

It doesn't affect shifting, it affects ignition timing. Those previous older vehicles you mention did run better on 91-93 octane if the ignition timing was manually advanced to take advantage of the available octane, but would not otherwise. Unlike older engines, timing advance is computer-controlled in modern engines like the Ecoboost and it will automatically take advantage of higher octane to a point.

 

[Bob The Builder]

Pardon my ignorance but I just don’t understand how higher octane fuel will affect the ‘ shifting’ in an automatic transmission. Previous older vehicles didn’t run better with 91-93 octane in a V-8 with a B&M shift kit installed.

These 2.0 engines are mapped for 91 octane so that is where one will get the best performance. As I stated it really helped in my case but comes with a cost. 91 E-free here is $4.08 a gallon so it comes at a cost. Not much of one given how little I drive so one has to make their own choices.

 

[Cherokee]

i TRIED the search and couldn't find anything so forgive me if i missed it.
'24 EcoB 4WD here.
I dislike how much the regular drive mode lugs below 1500 rpm so i was using Sport in-town driving but it's a bit too high rpm for my tastes.
i tried TOW mode and it seems to fit the bill as an in-between rpm level. Other than holding it's gear more going downhill, it seems just right for me, for under 60 mph driving.
Q: is there anything inherently wrong with this other than a bit less mpg and perhaps more engine wear? i'm thinking 1300/1400 rpm lugging is worse. thx.

Wow you better take that thing to Ford.
My 2024 Eco AWD Lariat has never even hinted it was about to even think about lugging at any RPM In any gear In any mode even from a creeping speed.
Once warmed up I throw it in Eco mode. Even then below 1500 RPM's I have no lugging.
All I get Is Instant power, A bit less in ECO mode but still smooth.

I assume ECO shuts down a cylinder ? Internet warriors does it ?

Now at 1,440 miles, I took it to 90 mph and held it there for a mile.
I noticed no wind noise. Nothing changed going up from sixty.
My wife had no clue I was going extra fast or she would have raised hell with me.
She said nothing. The cabin remained quiet.
For shits and giggles I quickly pushed down on the throttle a bit more and Instigated a gear change,
just one downshift, I felt no engine strain at all, 95 mph happened in a blink.

Then It happened, the dreaded co pilot asked, "How fast are you going? "
My reply, "75"
The Cabin went back to quiet.
I eased Pepper down to 70 and a sly smile came across my face.

I'm running BP Regular 87 and will likely switch to 89 or 91 come the thin air of summer.

 

[Brianx]

Wow you better take that thing to Ford.
My 2024 Eco AWD Lariat has never even hinted it was about to even think about lugging at any RPM In any gear In any mode even from a creeping speed.
Once warmed up I throw it in Eco mode. Even then below 1500 RPM's I have no lugging.
All I get Is Instant power, A bit less in ECO mode but still smooth.

I assume ECO shuts down a cylinder ? Internet warriors does it ?

Now at 1,440 miles, I took it to 90 mph and held it there for a mile.
I noticed no wind noise. Nothing changed going up from sixty.
My wife had no clue I was going extra fast or she would have raised hell with me.
She said nothing. The cabin remained quiet.
For shits and giggles I quickly pushed down on the throttle a bit more and Instigated a gear change,
just one downshift, I felt no engine strain at all, 95 mph happened in a blink.

Then It happened, the dreaded co pilot asked, "How fast are you going? "
My reply, "75"
The Cabin went back to quiet.
I eased Pepper down to 70 and a sly smile came across my face.

I'm running BP Regular 87 and will likely switch to 89 or 91 come the thin air of summer.

You should write articles for Motor Trend lol. You got me to realize it's not true lugging. I've had that on old cars in the 60's.
Rather it's just a low rpm that has a sound i don't quite like. i get instant acceleration when I want to goose it. I guess it's just a personal preference as I can't imagine it would be designed to run at inefficient gear ratios.

 

[Tbone289]

I assume ECO shuts down a cylinder ? Internet warriors does it?

No, it mostly just remaps the throttle for less sensitivity.

 

[Tbone289]

These 2.0 engines are mapped for 91 octane so that is where one will get the best performance.

It's not mapped particularly for 91. It has variable timing that can adjust on the fly for a range of octanes. Higher octane allows it to advance the timing more before knock occurs, thus gaining performance.

 

[Brianx]

No, it mostly just remaps the throttle for less sensitivity.

No I definitely maps it to run a little higher rpms and use engine brake more. (If you're talking about Tow mode)

 

[Tbone289]

No I definitely maps it to run a little higher rpms and use engine brake more. (If you're talking about Tow mode)

I'm not. I was directly quoting a question about ECO mode.

 

[Maverick Ed]

i TRIED the search and couldn't find anything so forgive me if i missed it.
'24 EcoB 4WD here.
I dislike how much the regular drive mode lugs below 1500 rpm so i was using Sport in-town driving but it's a bit too high rpm for my tastes.
i tried TOW mode and it seems to fit the bill as an in-between rpm level. Other than holding it's gear more going downhill, it seems just right for me, for under 60 mph driving.
Q: is there anything inherently wrong with this other than a bit less mpg and perhaps more engine wear? i'm thinking 1300/1400 rpm lugging is worse. thx.

They need to have the option of selecting or setting your highest gear in a manual mode like my Equinox used to have. That way it won't always shift to the highest gear and keeping from lugging.

 

[Atlasmetmav]

I have the lugging as well, but at least during the cold winter it does not "Ping" at the very low rpm.
I was using higher octane gas in the summer and that did help a little.
I always use Top Tier gas.
As an example, on level ground, crusing approx 40mph, My EB likes to settle in as low as 1200 rpms and maybe even a bit lower. At that low rpm, the engine does feel and sounds a bit "sluggish". Once it gets up to 1400 rpms or more, it is very responsive and sounds better!

 

[Jetlat7878$]

i TRIED the search and couldn't find anything so forgive me if i missed it.
'24 EcoB 4WD here.
I dislike how much the regular drive mode lugs below 1500 rpm so i was using Sport in-town driving but it's a bit too high rpm for my tastes.
i tried TOW mode and it seems to fit the bill as an in-between rpm level. Other than holding it's gear more going downhill, it seems just right for me, for under 60 mph driving.
Q: is there anything inherently wrong with this other than a bit less mpg and perhaps more engine wear? i'm thinking 1300/1400 rpm lugging is worse. thx.

I believe using higher octane that is recommended by Ford is more psychologically than practical . It's a waster of your money.

 

[Brianx]

I believe using higher octane that is recommended by Ford is more psychologically than practical . It's a waster of your money.

I'd say 93 is better for towing heavy and ultimate performance

Sponsored