Please Help '04 6.0 Fuel Usage 11.7 mpg

[Toddbo34]

Please help me with what direction to take. I am a newbie here so please bare with me. I own a 2004 6.0 Crew Cab 4x4 long bed with 33k miles. The only modifications are 4" lift with 35" Nitto's. The truck was getting around 17mpg until the EGR valve went out. Took it back to McRee Ford in Dickinson, Tx and every since the mileage has dropped down to 11.7mpg. McRee originally told me I had contamination in my tank and wanted $890 to drop it and clean it. I took it to a private shop and they dropped it for $240 and found nothing in the tank. Now McRee is claiming that I have contamination in my secondary filter. They never claimed this before so I changed my filters and found nothing. It seems every time I take the truck to them they try to find some way to blame me so that they don't have to cover it under warranty. I have noticed that they reflashed the computer several times trying to get the performance back but it just ain't happening. Since then I have had it out with McRee and I am lost at where to turn next. Please advise me in anyway you can. I don't know of any other dealers that give loaner vehicles out and I don't have anything else to drive. Is there anyone I can contact over McRee? Has anyone else had the low mileage issue? Also I have put my factory tires and wheels back on just for a comparison in mileage and it only changed 2/10ths

[rustyg02]

Go to a different dealer, at 11.7 mpg you could save the cost of an economy rental car ($20-$25) a day in fuel cost alone, assuming you do not have to have your truck for work purposes. Just think of the cost of rental for a couple of days, say $50 for example, and think of how much extra you will be spending in fuel vs. continuing to drive your truck. Something is obviously wrong, and it should not be to difficult for a competent dealership to isolate. I can't speak for others experiences, but I've had good experiences with my local dealership and service dept in Katy the few times mine has been in the shop.

[firesoutmatt]

First let me say 11.7 around town is not bad at all. If you can doucument that it was getting 17 mpg before (average not just one tank) you might be able to point the finger at something. Fuel mileage on these trucks is all over the place and from personal experiance mine gets around 12 mpg around town and maybe 16 on the hiway. Like Rusty said find another dealer and you might be surprised at what they might find or not. Good Luck and please post back if you do get it fixed.

[Rich807]

1st I EMPHATICALLY agree with above in regard to going to another dealer. Don't walk away from them, RUN.

2nd, IMO you may be been stung by a bad Flash. There's no shortage of folks out there that are ticked off to no end after having their truck flashed, most that feel they've gotten a bad flash complain about poor fuel mileage and lower power than what they had before it was flashed. Not everyone has this experience though, some say their truck runs better after having it flashed. There's also been some debate about whether or not some shops are properly completing the flash procedure.

Bottom line is get away from that dealership and hope you're not experiencing a permanent condition caused by an updated FMC strategy.

[Toddbo34]

I called Ron Carter Ford in Alvin, Tx today and told them of the problems. They agreed to take a look at it and that it should be getting better mileage. They also offered me a free loaner vehicle for all of my problems. Sounds like McRee can stick it up their arse !! Thanks for all the advice. I will be getting back with the results.

[dennispd]

That sounds like a good way to go although the 6.0s don't get the great mpg's you should be gettin about 4 or 5 more per gallon. I average 17 on mine back and forth to work 100 mile round trip, no Freeway drivin, not good but could worse.

[partzsf]

Toddbo34,
I have the same truck and get @14ish city and 17ish on the highway. I track every tank and depending on the flash have had as bad as 10 or so. I would agree with a bad flash. What version do you have?
Partz

[Toddbo34]

Mine was getting about the same before I suspect that they reflashed and problems began. I will probably take it in Tuesday.