flashes

[Durfdaddy]

I keep reading about flashes and am just googling all of this. Is there a flash that will help get my gas mileage back? Is it something they should do when I have the car serviced or do I need to ask for them?

 

[CX-7owner]

Note: Once you have the latest flash you cannot go back to a different older flash.

 

[erhayes]

There are only two reflashes that I am aware off. One is for engine control module (PCM) and the other is for the transmission (TCM). Both of those address drivability and not fuel mileage. I'm averaging 21.74 mpg over 4 tank averages (SD of 0.53). My mileage went up ~ 5% as the engine loosens up by about 4,000 miles but the biggest improvement by far came from my driving style. If you hold a steady accelerator pedal and let the transmission shift ~ 24-2500 rpm you will get about the best the vehicle is capable of IMHO. I also found that my transmission will hang onto 5th gear for quite a while(55-60 mph) and if I get up to ~50 in 5th and back off the accelerator slightly, the AT will drop into 6 gear and stay there down to 43 mph or so. Ed

 

[AWmustang]

There are only two reflashes that I am aware off. One is for engine control module (PCM) and the other is for the transmission (TCM). Both of those address drivability and not fuel mileage. I'm averaging 21.74 mpg over 4 tank averages (SD of 0.53). My mileage went up ~ 5% as the engine loosens up by about 4,000 miles but the biggest improvement by far came from my driving style. If you hold a steady accelerator pedal and let the transmission shift ~ 24-2500 rpm you will get about the best the vehicle is capable of IMHO. I also found that my transmission will hang onto 5th gear for quite a while(55-60 mph) and if I get up to ~50 in 5th and back off the accelerator slightly, the AT will drop into 6 gear and stay there down to 43 mph or so. Ed

It also goes to 6th immediately if you engage the cruise control.

 

[Durfdaddy]

thanks for the info...I think I'll see what I can do the next time I go in for an oil change. As far as mileage, it doesn't seem to matter how I drive. It goes down if I tow a trailer but it pretty much stays around 17 or 18 no matter how fast of slow I drive. Frustrating...

 

[RiP 8/23/07]

after I got the recall done mine dropped 3 or 4 mpg dunno if the new swirl valve they replaced had something to do with it but I could get around 20 mpg easily with mixed driveing ... now I get 18 if I'm lucky all highway... its not that big of a deal for me just frustrates me seeing 17 or 18 mpg... hope its the weather like some people have been saying the cold weather kills mileage

 

[Ssteigss10]

I just had the update to alleviate the constant shifting from 5th to 6th on the highway.(which works great) Also had the "final" recalls done in regards to the swirl control valve etc. We were getting 16 to 17 MPG in City and 20 on the highway. Well see if it gets any better. To be fair my wifes commute is 7 miles all city so it doesnt see much Highway.

 

[CX-7owner]

Easy driving would be shifting under 2K rpms, and cruising on the under 2K rpms.
Well, for me at least.

 

[xraytedjim]

Has their been any flashes (TSB's) for the 2008 models yet?? I haven't seen any. Was just wondering. All of the TSB's i've seen so far have been for the 2007 model. Was everything fixed for 2008??

 

[Durfdaddy]

I am up to date on my flashes and recall now. I am just on my first tank of gas since but I can tell it is going to do much better and that is with some aggressive driving. The new flash is great and the car actually has a deeper sound when I get on it now. Now to get my new tires that the AWD seems to chew up and I'll be good.

 

[Ssteigss10]

Just an update. Ive had the "final" Swirl control valve updates done as well as the transmission update stoppong the constant 5/6th shifting on the highway. Just went on a 250 mile road trip about 90% highway and we got about 19mpg. No better/maybe 1mpg worse than before.(But that could be affected by many things). So its getting close the new EPA #'s. Despite quite a few minor issues(CELS) etc. the wife still loves the truck!!

 

[RiP 8/23/07]

I just drove to vermont last week and I got about 19 mpg, 250 miles when I filled at 1/4 tankabout 13 gallons, on the first 2 tanks but after I started home I noticed my gas gauge was hanging around 1/2 for a while and I was at 225 miles already... I wasn't gonna jinx it but then I got stuck in traffic near NYC thinking that all the miles I just saved went out the door I stopped at the next gas station after I got out of the traffic... at a 1/4 tank I put in 13.5 gallons and went 325 miles, 24 mpg. I am hopeing this is because the swirl valve that they replaced finally broke in or something or the computer adjusted itself.
before the recall I got around 21 mixed and was happy, lets hope it returns again.

its been 5000 miles since I had the recall done