Can anyone explain just exactly what is going on with a simulated gear? I realize the FEHL really has no conventional tranny.

 

There was a big change in your '09 FEH than prior models regarding the "L" position. There is no fixed LOW gear or "R" gear in any of the FEH/MMH models. The electric traction motor turns in reverse to back up the FEH. While accelerating in "L", the eCVT operates the same as "D". The '09 cannot operate in EV any longer in "L" and the engine will start if you shift to "L" while in EV. The "L" position should only be used for engine braking on a downhill in a deceleration mode. Hypermilers can use "L" in the '09 FEH/MMH for recharging the HV battery and for "Deceleration Fuel Shut Off" (DFSO) in certain conditions. I use "L" for slowing down in my '09 while the engine must run to charge the HV battery for instance. Having full DFSO in the '09 in "L" is like going EV when the engine must run because of speed above 40mph or a low "State of Charge" (SoC) below 42% in the HV battery.

Letting off the accelerator in "L" simulates a lower gear by using the traction motor as a heavy generator. The same thing happens when you apply the brakes, and this is why Ford uses the term "Regenerative Braking". When you slow the FEH with "L", there is no friction brakes used in addition to the Regen coming from the traction motor. The '09 FEH will have engine run-up every time you decel in "L" and you will get full DFSO while slowing down. The '05 - '08 models only get engine run-up when the HV battery will not accept charging.

GaryG

 

Thank you very much. I found and read your thread form 2006 on this subject and am glad you pointed out the differences for the 2009. Think I got it. Julian