Hey-

New to this forum but confirmed life-long Ford owner, coming from a trusty rusty Ranger. I have had my '03 KR Screw for about 2 weeks now and have a few questions:

1) On the underside of the center console lid there is an indented rectangular area about the size of a small paperback book with a small plastic spring clip, like it was made to specifically hold something. Right now it does a decent job of holding an extra pair of sunglasses in a case. Can anyone tell me what it was intended for originally?

2) I am curious about the way my truck coasts - boy, does it coast! I realize there is a lot of weight there, but this is the only vehicle I have ever had where the RPM's don't really drop at all when you let off the gas. Even letting off the gas and lightly tapping the brakes seemingly has no effect. It seems to act more like a manual tranny. Just wondering if this is normal behavior since like all I am trying to squeeze every last MPG out of it. BTW, on my first 2 tanks I averaged 15.9 and 15.3.

3) I can't find anywhere in the manual where it describes whether or not the truck is smart enough to shut off the air conditioning when the outside temp is low enough to cool the cabin when in auto mode. (Again, a gas mileage issue.)

4) Thinking about one of the K&N air flow setups, but I have been told by a few people that they are really hard on the engine in the long run because you sacrifice maximum dirt filtration for maximum air flow. I would like the extra performance/economy, but not at the expense of the long-term health of my engine. Opinions/comments/suggestions??

Thanks!
Mark

 

I can't believe everyone hasn't offered their opinions to your comments.
Welcome to the forum! Usually any post will have bunches of comments, so hopefully you will get lots of feedback.

Anyway, I also have a '03 KR that I bought used. Here are my comments:

1. On the underside of my center console lid is a rectangular box that precisely holds a kleenex box of the same size.

2. My truck also coasts a bit when I take my foot off the accelerator, but I think that is a good thing. It just uses less gas. I get 17-18 mpg going 70 mph with 99% rural driving. I have the original tires and they are at 34-35 psi. When I bought the truck the tires were at 26 psi, which is way too low.

3. I think the truck still uses the a/c condensor to dehumidify the air even if the outside temp is lower than the cabin temp, but I could be wrong.

4. My truck is stock, so can't help you, but alot of people here used K&N filters, etc.

Again, welcome and enjoy your truck!

 

Hey! Welcome to the forum. I also upgraded from a Ford Danger to my KR. I had a `94 Ranger XLT that I loved, but there is simply no comparison with the KR!

Anyhow, I don't rightly know actual answers to your questions, but I'll offer my 2 cents and disavow my answers if asked.

1. Dunno about the little space with the spring clip, but the tissue box explanation sounds good to me.

2. Based on your description, I'd hate to say it, but it sounds to me like your tranny isn't working right. Like any auto trans, it should disengage and coast when you take your foot off the accelerator. I've watched not only the tach, but also the dashboard computer when coasting on the highway - the RPMs will drop right down to low idle, and the mpg goes way up. I haven't been getting 15 mpg, though! I wish. I think I'm a little to heavy on the throttle. I have discovered that there is a big difference between fuel economy at 74 mph versus at 69 mph. Surprising how only 5 mph can cause such a difference in fuel consumption. Too bad I can't drive slower!

3. I also don't know if it shuts off the compressor when it cools down enough. I don't think it does, actually. It will shut it off momentarily if you accelerate hard - all cars do that. If you floor it, the computer senses that you want maximum acceleration, so it temporarily shuts off the compressor so that you're getting max power from the engine. I can feel the difference in the air coming out of the vents when that happens. After a couple of seconds, though, it kicks back in and goes back to cooling. Since that's the only time I feel a difference in the air coming out of the vents, I'd surmise that it doesn't shut off under normal operation - as KingRanchLady points out, it keeps running to dehumidify the air. If you turn it off of "auto", you'd immediately feel the difference as the compressor shut off.

4. Don't know nothing `bout the effects on your engine of running a non-stock air filter. I am intrigued by the possibility of replacing the engine management chip to get better performance, but (a) cost and (b) the fact that it voids the warranty have held me back from giving it a go...

Enjoy your KR!

 

I have an F350 KR Diesel (2006 w/ 6.0 liter) and just put an AirRaid (similar to K&N). It seems to me it makes a huge difference. The engine really comes alive. I have no expertise regarding potential wear on the engine, but I am not worried about it. Chips, yes, those can damage the engine and will void your warranty. Improved cold air intake and exhaust systems - again I am no expert, but I have never heard of these voiding a warranty.

Ed

 

Thanks for the replies.

KingRanchLady, I was expecting a bit more input from the others on the board here... Oh well, people are busy.

So a box of tissues fits perfect eh? Here I thought there was some fabulous piece of King Ranch accessory (like a tool kit or something) built specifically for that little compartment.

I am getting concerned about this coasting thing - but I would sure like some more input from other 150 owners before I take it in to be looked at. It just doesn't seem right that I can let off the gas at 60mph and still be doing 45 a half mile later on flat ground with no relevant wind. I think it is a simple matter of getting a few replies from others - do your rpm's drop off when you let off the gas and coast? More so if you just tap the brake or only if you tap the brake?? Can you coast the last mile home like me???

 

I did a quick test on my '01 with your letting off the gas and watching the RPM's and mine don't drop in city driving going about 35-40 granted at that speed i'm only at about 1100-1200 RPMS and my truck idles at 600. When I was on the highway this last weekend there was no drop in RPMS either. I have to take a drive for work this afternoon and I will get to 60 and let off the gas for a min and see how fast I'm still going and what my RPMS's are for you.

 

Welcome aboard! Glad to have you here at f150online.com!

Yep. That's a tissue holder. Check your local Walgreens (or similar). They'll have a box that'll fit perfectly in that space. Many Ford parts counters sell this as well (for a premium) as a good majority of the 'larger' FoMoCo vehicles have this functional space.

Normal to my recollection of my 01' KR. The 2004+, when on cruise control, will actually downshift and throw the RPMs through the roof, to compensate for downhill rolls.

I think it's just a simple sensor located on the dash that tries to maintain the set temperature within the cabin. I don't think it's that 'smart'... pretty basic auto climate system actually...

Hard call. Some will argue with you tooth and nail that it's actually a better filtration system. Others will say what you've mentioned in that it minimizes filtering efficiency.

I don't know the answer to this one.

I do, however, run an Air Force One intake on my 2005 KR and really think that it does a good job. I'm sure tests/studies have been done on the filtering efficiencies of these products, head to head, but, I'm not familiar with where these are published.

Honestly, I haven't heard a bunch of good about the K&N systems. Many report them to be flimsy and just not 'high' quality. Additionally, using a plastic flow pipe probably isn't the best choice of materials IMO either. Plastic holds heat pretty well whereas a metal pipe will dissipate it much quicker. You're out to get 'cooler' air to the engine so, it didn't make much sense to me to put something that would actually hold the heat. *shrugs*

I will tell you that I noticed a jump in my MPG after adding my AF1 intake... not huge but, definitely somewhere in the realm of 1-2 MPG plus, a pretty significant 'feel' difference on my pedal.

Hope that helps a bit... again, welcome aboard!

RP

 

A/C compressor will come on anytime the outside temp is above 50 per the owners manual to reduce condensation.