Ecoboost transmission temp

[riven1950]

I just purchased a new 2013 F150 Ecoboost. I have read the manual and do not find a reference to a " normal " or " excessive " numerical number for tranny temp. It only refers to the gauge moving to the danger area if overheating occurs.

After running 70mph on the interstate for an hour or so on my first trip the numerical temp was 194 +/-. The gauge shows mid range or normal.

Just curious what other ecoboost owners are seeing as a normal tranny operating temp. I ask because mine runs 15-18 degrees warmer than my old F150.

Yes, I do realize different engines operate at different "normal" temps. It just seems if the manufacturer gives you a temp gauge they would also tell you what is / is not normal ( a range ). Surely individual engines of the same make /model would have similar operating temps. wouldn't they?

[riven1950]

I think I will try it both ways.......will report the results when I return. Will be an interesting experiment. Will check with on board and hand calc. numbers. thks

[tragusa3]

I've not run premium yet. I sure don't see why the extra power would be needed...only if you're towing near the limits. With my 4,000 pounds, I could literally jump in the passing lane on a 6% grade and overtake folks.

The mpgs, however, would be welcomed. I've only made one test tow so far, and I was at 8.7mpg....of course, it was about as rough a 35 miles as you'll come across.

[Buck50HD]

This topic has been, and will be, debated to death. As for power, apparently there is Ford documentation that suggests higher HP with premium (380-385?) but I can't find the info.

I started last season using nothing but premium and had no trouble getting 10-11mpg with my 5th, even 11.8 one trip keeping at 60MPH. Later in the season I got lazy about filling up with premium ahead of a camping trip and started running 87E10 all the time. After that point, I couldn't get 10mpg, no matter what. Typically 9.5.

In my situation, premium is non-ethanol and regular is E10 so that is accountable for about a 4% difference. My scangageII shows the same ignition timing when running up a grade at full boost so it doesn't seem to retard timing with regular. I'm not sure about fuel injection timing or AFR changes. It's possible that fueling modifications have priority over ignition when this engine runs into trouble.

Unloaded, I see the same difference... 1-2mpg better with non-eth premium. You may not see any difference if both are non-ethanol, particularly when not towing.

Try it out for yourself.

[Kevin_O_]

The manual "RECOMMENDS" using premium whenever towing... You will get better mileage and more power. The engine will be that much happier so for the extra $5.00+ per fill up for premium it's definitely worth it for me..

[mhsmith]

I have been using reg fuel when towing and it has done well. I finally did read the section in the owners manual that premium 'should' improve your expierence when towing. So...in May I will do this as we are taking a trip that we do regularly and see what shakes out.

[riven1950]

Are you folks towing with Eco Boost using premium fuel? Have not towed yet, but will soon. Will be in flat lands ( Fl ). Have heard premium will give better mileage / power. Not to worried about power as my TT is < 4000lbs loaded.

Was thinking of trying part of trip down with reg gas, then switching at some point just to see if it makes a difference. Any experience or opinions?

Or maybe I should start a new topic?

[Kevin_O_]

Normal driving without towing i see 190-195. Towing it's 200-205 range.. Your good to go. Push the tow/haul button and hit the road!

[riven1950]

tragusa3 wrote:
Update, I have gotten a chance to tow since my last post here. After about 5 miles at 6%, I was at 204. Dropped back down to 194 quickly after the climb and that is my typical operating temp.

About what I expect. Will be trying my very for first time to Fl. soon. Will report results for comparison when I return.

[Buck50HD]

tragusa3 wrote:
Update, I have gotten a chance to tow since my last post here. After about 5 miles at 6%, I was at 204. Dropped back down to 194 quickly after the climb and that is my typical operating temp.

Sounds like you need a bigger trailer now:B

[tragusa3]

Update, I have gotten a chance to tow since my last post here. After about 5 miles at 6%, I was at 204. Dropped back down to 194 quickly after the climb and that is my typical operating temp.

[bmanning]

riven1950 wrote:
I'm the OP so no expert, but mine was running lower just driving it locally. When I got on the interstate for an hour or so it stayed pretty much at 194. Maybe it takes a while to get to optimal temp.?

I don't own an Eco but I have a Scangauge II that I swap between our 3 vehicles and I've noticed that, across the board, the transmissions do in fact take quite some time to get fully warm.

Based upon replies from other Eco owners mid-190s sounds like normal operation and no cause for concern :C

[Merrykalia]

212 has been the highest I have ever seen ours. That was on a 7%, 8-mile long grade. As soon as we topped out, it came back down quickly.

[riven1950]

I'm the OP so no expert, but mine was running lower just driving it locally. When I got on the interstate for an hour or so it stayed pretty much at 194. Maybe it takes a while to get to optimal temp.?

[tragusa3]

Wonder why mines a little cooler? I baby it when driving...could that be it?