2014+ Gas Mileage (MPG) Topic

n9ssham · June 10, 2016

After dealer flash update - Poor gas mileage fixed! When I purchased my new 2015 Silverado 4x4 Extended cab a little over a year ago it got great mileage. If I drove carefully I could average over 20 mpg, but it had been gradually getting worse, and most recently I have been struggling to get 15 mpg! I blamed it on winter gas at first, but now that it is June I was beginning to wonder what happened to my truck. So I took it into the dealer today and the guy tells me that I need some firmware update to fix the "stuck in 4WD mode during cold weather" recall problem. I always keep the truck in 2WD, and I have checked the indicator and the selector switch position a million times to be sure that was not the cause of my gas mileage problems; so I know that the INDICATOR was NOT showing 4WD mode at any time.

But, apparently the truck has been stuck in 4WD Auto mode without my knowledge. Hopefully it was not in FULL 4WD mode, although I think I would have noticed that! I had noticed some tire squeaking when turning on smooth concrete, but nothing like the binding and lurching I would expect from being in FULL 4WD mode. Anyway, on the trip home from the dealer it felt like I had my new truck back! The mileage on the real time indicator was pegged out most of the trip! By the time I got home (20miles), the average mileage was up to 22 mpg, with half city, half highway driving! If you haven't done this "Recall" I advise you get it done ASAP! I consider myself very fortunate that I only have 7,000 miles on the truck!

tyrich88 · June 10, 2016

After dealer flash update - Poor gas mileage fixed! When I purchased my new 2015 Silverado 4x4 Extended cab a little over a year ago it got great mileage. If I drove carefully I could average over 20 mpg, but it had been gradually getting worse, and most recently I have been struggling to get 15 mpg! I blamed it on winter gas at first, but now that it is June I was beginning to wonder what happened to my truck. So I took it into the dealer today and the guy tells me that I need some firmware update to fix the "stuck in 4WD mode during cold weather" recall problem. I always keep the truck in 2WD, and I have checked the indicator and the selector switch position a million times to be sure that was not the cause of my gas mileage problems; so I know that the INDICATOR was NOT showing 4WD mode at any time.

But, apparently the truck has been stuck in 4WD Auto mode without my knowledge. Hopefully it was not in FULL 4WD mode, although I think I would have noticed that! I had noticed some tire squeaking when turning on smooth concrete, but nothing like the binding and lurching I would expect from being in FULL 4WD mode. Anyway, on the trip home from the dealer it felt like I had my new truck back! The mileage on the real time indicator was pegged out most of the trip! By the time I got home (20miles), the average mileage was up to 22 mpg, with half city, half highway driving! If you haven't done this "Recall" I advise you get it done ASAP! I consider myself very fortunate that I only have 7,000 miles on the truck!

Dang! Good to know! Thanks!

Snoringbear · June 11, 2016

After dealer flash update - Poor gas mileage fixed! When I purchased my new 2015 Silverado 4x4 Extended cab a little over a year ago it got great mileage. If I drove carefully I could average over 20 mpg, but it had been gradually getting worse, and most recently I have been struggling to get 15 mpg! I blamed it on winter gas at first, but now that it is June I was beginning to wonder what happened to my truck. So I took it into the dealer today and the guy tells me that I need some firmware update to fix the "stuck in 4WD mode during cold weather" recall problem. I always keep the truck in 2WD, and I have checked the indicator and the selector switch position a million times to be sure that was not the cause of my gas mileage problems; so I know that the INDICATOR was NOT showing 4WD mode at any time.

But, apparently the truck has been stuck in 4WD Auto mode without my knowledge. Hopefully it was not in FULL 4WD mode, although I think I would have noticed that! I had noticed some tire squeaking when turning on smooth concrete, but nothing like the binding and lurching I would expect from being in FULL 4WD mode. Anyway, on the trip home from the dealer it felt like I had my new truck back! The mileage on the real time indicator was pegged out most of the trip! By the time I got home (20miles), the average mileage was up to 22 mpg, with half city, half highway driving! If you haven't done this "Recall" I advise you get it done ASAP! I consider myself very fortunate that I only have 7,000 miles on the truck!

Agree with the asap. I drive a 2015 LTZ CC 6.2 4x4, bought May 2015. When I took it in for first oil change the Customer Service guy checked my VIN for service bulletins, recalls, etc, and informed me of your above mentioned recall. There were also a couple of service bulletins associated with 4x4 that needed doing as well which were all taken care of. Anyway, the nugget to my post is he mentioned that the recall was only good for 36,000 miles/three years. So, when going in for service always be sure to ask that they check for outstanding recalls, service bulletins, etc, and have the work done while your truck is there.

Aldila · June 23, 2016

I have to say I'm really disappointed in my 2016 Z71 5.3 The best mileage I've seen is 17.2 hand calculated. My 2015 6.2 got around 21 driving the same route and habits. I had a 2014 5.3 that never got above 17.6 hand calculated in the 18th miles I owned it. I was hoping the 2016 would do better. I drive it easy and set cruise on 75 and go. I'm really second guessing passing on as ram ecodiesel.

tyrich88 · June 25, 2016

I have to say I'm really disappointed in my 2016 Z71 5.3 The best mileage I've seen is 17.2 hand calculated. My 2015 6.2 got around 21 driving the same route and habits. I had a 2014 5.3 that never got above 17.6 hand calculated in the 18th miles I owned it. I was hoping the 2016 would do better. I drive it easy and set cruise on 75 and go. I'm really second guessing passing on as ram ecodiesel.

Why not just get another 6.2? Those things are awesome regardless of MPG! And if MPG is better too... sounds like a win/win

EDIT: For the record my best tank is 18.5 with my 5.3L (I just got 17.5 on a tank yesterday, Both of those tanks were from Santa Fe, NM back to texas though). I have 10 ply 275/70/18s on it though. What kind of tires do you have on it?

Edited June 25, 2016 by tyrich88

Aldila · June 25, 2016

Why not just get another 6.2? Those things are awesome regardless of MPG! And if MPG is better too... sounds like a win/win

EDIT: For the record my best tank is 18.5 with my 5.3L (I just got 17.5 on a tank yesterday, Both of those tanks were from Santa Fe, NM back to texas though). I have 10 ply 275/70/18s on it though. What kind of tires do you have on it?

I still have factory 275 55 20 tires. I looked in to trading, but just not justifiable at the moment. If I traded, it would be for a ecodiesel. Edited June 25, 2016 by Aldila

uptou2bu · June 26, 2016

I have to say I'm really disappointed in my 2016 Z71 5.3 The best mileage I've seen is 17.2 hand calculated. My 2015 6.2 got around 21 driving the same route and habits. I had a 2014 5.3 that never got above 17.6 hand calculated in the 18th miles I owned it. I was hoping the 2016 would do better. I drive it easy and set cruise on 75 and go. I'm really second guessing passing on as ram ecodiesel.

These trucks are hit and miss on mileage with the cylinder deactivation. You should be getting around 20 mpg if not something isn't right. Some have been having a problem with the 4 wheel drive being engaged and not showing that it is. Outside of that it could be a giant list of issues. I got rid of mine, made them take it back.

Aldila · June 27, 2016

Anyone that has added catback exhaust and maybe a MIT see mpg increase?

tyrich88 · June 28, 2016

Anyone that has added catback exhaust and maybe a MIT see mpg increase?

Yeah a little bit.

I added a 3" magnaflow setup and MIT with K&N filter.

Highway mileage added maybe 1-2

In town it's worse because its more fun to put my foot into lol

Granted, I also added a grill guard around the same time i added these. So that took away a little bit and then I got it back with the intake and exhaust.

I also have 275/70/18 10 ply BFG KO2's and a 2" level on mine, so thats a mileage hit as well.

With stock tires and no grill guard you may gain a little more than I did. Can't tell you for sure though.

Edited June 28, 2016 by tyrich88

Aldila · June 28, 2016

Yeah a little bit.

I added a 3" magnaflow setup and MIT with K&N filter.

Highway mileage added maybe 1-2

In town it's worse because its more fun to put my foot into lol

Granted, I also added a grill guard around the same time i added these. So that took away a little bit and then I got it back with the intake and exhaust.

I also have 275/70/18 10 ply BFG KO2's and a 2" level on mine, so thats a mileage hit as well.

With stock tires and no grill guard you may gain a little more than I did. Can't tell you for sure though.

Yeah highway mpg is what I'm desiring. 17.8 this last weekend of I20 through TX with cruise set. If I could get to 19 mpg, it would be like hitting lottery....well close to that feeling.

tyrich88 · June 28, 2016

Yeah highway mpg is what I'm desiring. 17.8 this last weekend of I20 through TX with cruise set. If I could get to 19 mpg, it would be like hitting lottery....well close to that feeling.

I will say, at least for me )and you too it seems),that I-20 is an MPG killer... don't know why though

When i'm on I-20 i only get 15-17, the 17+ is more so once i hit highway 84 coming up towards Lubbock.

I would think those changes should get you pretty close to that if not over...

If I had some stock wheels and tires to test it for you, I would... But, I got rid of my stock tires before I ever brought the pickup home haha

What part of I20? and how fast are you going?

Aldila · June 28, 2016

I will say, at least for me )and you too it seems),that I-20 is an MPG killer... don't know why though

When i'm on I-20 i only get 15-17, the 17+ is more so once i hit highway 84 coming up towards Lubbock.

I would think those changes should get you pretty close to that if not over...

If I had some stock wheels and tires to test it for you, I would... But, I got rid of my stock tires before I ever brought the pickup home haha

What part of I20? and how fast are you going?

Stretch between milsap and big spring. Cruise set on 75. I did the same stretch in a 2015 6.2 and had no problem getting 21 mpg. I'm just too upside down or I'd be looking at another 6.2 or ecodiesel.

tyrich88 · June 28, 2016

Stretch between milsap and big spring. Cruise set on 75. I did the same stretch in a 2015 6.2 and had no problem getting 21 mpg. I'm just too upside down or I'd be looking at another 6.2 or ecodiesel.

Gotcha, the stretch I usually drive is from fort worth to sweetwater. The area around weatherford kills my MPG.

I have heard from a few people that own the dodge and just based on what i've heard from them and those that i know that own the 6.2... I would go with the 6.2 every time.

Also the catback and MIT would be a good upgrade. You'll definitely enjoy the truck more. Mine is a lot more fun now.

Aldila · June 28, 2016

Gotcha, the stretch I usually drive is from fort worth to sweetwater. The area around weatherford kills my MPG.

I have heard from a few people that own the dodge and just based on what i've heard from them and those that i know that own the 6.2... I would go with the 6.2 every time.

Also the catback and MIT would be a good upgrade. You'll definitely enjoy the truck more. Mine is a lot more fun now.

I ordered the MIT. I'm trying to decide on which catback. I'm leaning toward the Dynomax with ultra flo muffler. Seems like really good price.