Activating Efficiency Mode VIA VCDS. ALL THE MPG’s!!

**kaploww** · 05-31-2019 02:10 PM

For those of you who do not have Efficiency mode active already. Merry Christmas!

**Cris_OO7** · 05-31-2019 02:16 PM

Does it actually do anything?

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**viceroy1976** · 05-31-2019 02:34 PM

It reduces throttle response to zero and does its damnedest to change up gears by 2000 rpm

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**kaploww** · 05-31-2019 02:42 PM

It’s awesome in stop and go traffic/commuting situations where you can’t use your power anyways.

**NardoRS7** · 06-01-2019 05:00 AM

Does it change anything about the way the exhaust flaps open up or anything about the suspension?

**viceroy1976** · 06-01-2019 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by NardoRS7

Does it change anything about the way the exhaust flaps open up or anything about the suspension?

From my experience, it seems to be Comfort but to save fuel.

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**gk1** · 06-01-2019 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by NardoRS7

Does it change anything about the way the exhaust flaps open up or anything about the suspension?

It seems to hint at something different with regards to the sport diff while in efficiency mode, although I cannot think of what that would be exactly.

"Engine, transmission and the optional quattro® with sport differential respond in such a balanced way that further potential for savings can be utilised. For example, a modified shift program for automatic transmissions, with a deliberate adjustment of the shift point to lower engine speed ranges, achieves impressive fuel savings. The electromechanical power steering, optional cruise control, dynamic steering and adaptive cruise control help to reduce driving resistance. The air conditioning system is also adapted to requirements in that it is set to eco mode. This efficient driving style in the Audi drive select efficiency mode can achieve more mileage per tank of fuel, reducing CO2 emissions at the same time."

**ClaudeG** · 06-02-2019 12:30 AM

Well I’m trying this tomorrow. Thanks to OP

**ClaudeG** · 06-02-2019 12:13 PM

This is definitely a big plus for anyone that lives in a traffic infested area! Lol...

I did this and it isn’t bad at all, definitely toned down way that the engine responds, but the MPG is a big difference. The data is very prelim now, but i took a small drive that would normally say i am at 16 MPG, it has me at near 20.

Once again shout out to @kapplow

**kaploww** · 06-02-2019 02:21 PM

No prob my man.

I’m a big fan of the way the car drives with this done.

Makes a huge difference.

This is what comfort mode should have been.

**ClaudeG** · 06-02-2019 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by kaploww

No prob my man.

I’m a big fan of the way the car drives with this done.

Makes a huge difference.

This is what comfort mode should have been.

Agree! I’m excited for my gas mileage. Lol

**ichi d** · 06-02-2019 08:26 PM

Is it that good that you get way better mpg? I find that hard to believe.

**kaploww** · 06-02-2019 08:43 PM

In stop and go traffic it’s pretty significant.

I need more data before I can say for sure, but on my average commute it’s looking like 2-4mpg

**Audibot** · 06-03-2019 10:21 AM

This sounds like it may do awesome things for my TDI... guess I'll try enabling it tonight.

**kaploww** · 06-03-2019 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Audibot

This sounds like it may do awesome things for my TDI... guess I'll try enabling it tonight.

Let me know if it works!

**OaborbaG** · 06-03-2019 10:45 AM

Wonder why this wouldn't be enabled from the factory?
I'm guessing it will work as intended even for stage 1 and beyond cars?
Thanks OP, have a reason to load up VCDS when I get home now.

**kebabman** · 06-03-2019 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by OaborbaG

Wonder why this wouldn't be enabled from the factory?
I'm guessing it will work as intended even for stage 1 and beyond cars?
Thanks OP, have a reason to load up VCDS when I get home now.

I think it is enabled on euro cars from the factory maybe, and just disabled in the US for the usual reasons that we don’t get to have any of the cool stuff (Avant, dynamic turn signals, Matrix LEDs etc

).

**OaborbaG** · 06-03-2019 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by kebabman

I think it is enabled on euro cars from the factory maybe, and just disabled in the US for the usual reasons that we don’t get to have any of the cool stuff (Avant, dynamic turn signals, Matrix LEDs etc

).

QFT

They never let us have any of the cool stuff

**gk1** · 06-03-2019 03:31 PM

IIRC a few people tried it a while back and reported that they hated the way the car drove in some circumstances...particularly the s-tronic S6/S7.
Who knows, for those who try it post up your MPG % increases. TY

**viceroy1976** · 06-03-2019 10:47 PM

It does increase MPG, but the way it upshifts by 2000rpm, and lowers throttle response may leave many who don't like it at.

**MadAboutCars** · 06-04-2019 01:44 AM

It was enabled in my S6. One of the most significant things it does, with the DSG, is that it disables both clutches when coasting. When this is happening you just get the letter E, with no number, in the DIS. The negative is no engine braking and instead of the engine fuel being cut off and the car pulling up, the engine idles and the car doesn't drop much speed.

**Audibot** · 06-04-2019 10:13 AM

I didn't notice a single difference at all when this was enabled. Steering feel and engine didn't feel like they changed at all. Wasn't RPM limited either. Of course, the diesel is designed for efficiency anyway, but I am still wondering if there is more that I need to do in VCDS, since it seems to be that way for everything, and the lap timer still shows "D" despite it being "E".

Funny enough, about being rpm-limited--my car went to limp mode yesterday with three (3) fuel rail pressure codes. Went away today, but still was the weirdest feeling of flooring it with nothing happening.

**MolonLabe300** · 06-06-2019 08:58 AM

So, since you've been using this for several days. How much has your MPG improved?

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**OaborbaG** · 06-06-2019 10:00 AM

I drove around in the city with it last night, seemed to improve mpg on the dash gage by at least a few. Driving around around in 40 mph zones I was getting around 21mpg, which is quite a bit better than it was in comfort.
Not a lot of data, but thats my initial impression.
As others mentioned, throttle response is slower, so some may not like it too much.
Kind of wish C7's had a way of adjusting drive modes outside of MMI like the newer ones.

**kebabman** · 06-06-2019 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by OaborbaG

I drove around in the city with it last night, seemed to improve mpg on the dash gage by at least a few. Driving around around in 40 mph zones I was getting around 21mpg, which is quite a bit better than it was in comfort.
Not a lot of data, but thats my initial impression.
As others mentioned, throttle response is slower, so some may not like it too much.
Kind of wish C7's had a way of adjusting drive modes outside of MMI like the newer ones.

Is it only the RS cars that get a drive select button on the steering wheel? Can't set the programmable * button to be a drive select button?

**kaploww** · 06-06-2019 12:28 PM

Just finished my first tank of fuel.

I run 6 gallons of E85 in the tank so my consumption rate is already pretty high.

Previously I was getting about 250-270 miles per tank. For mostly city driving.

This last tank I hit 315 miles.

It’s a pretty significant improvement if you mostly drive around town.

**MadAboutCars** · 06-06-2019 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by kebabman

Is it only the RS cars that get a drive select button on the steering wheel? Can't set the programmable * button to be a drive select button?

Sadly they thought about it too late. In the C7 and C7.5 this was not an option. In later Audi models like our SQ5, you can allocate drive select to the * button.

I would have liked to have seen the ability to turn on the parking sensors/forward camera with the star button, as well.

**OaborbaG** · 06-07-2019 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by kebabman

Is it only the RS cars that get a drive select button on the steering wheel? Can't set the programmable * button to be a drive select button?

I have the heated steering wheel so I don't have the * button, be nice if we had the option like the Q5/SQ5 that have the selector in the middle near the traction control, I'm sure other models do too. Would be nice if they had that or something similar on the C7.
Wishful thinking I suppose.

**ericw.** · 06-07-2019 10:23 AM

Please add the directions to our ongoing VCDS thread so it's easy to find.

**ClaudeG** · 06-10-2019 10:27 AM

So after a week or so of using this, I definitely use it on short trips (under 10 miles) and when in traffic. There is definite improvement on the gas mileage, I used average 18 MPG or so, I am now up to close to 20, not a big difference but a difference.

Throttle response is definitely slower, but its efficiency mode, if we want throttle response then stick to Dynamic / Individual. I happen to like it, its meant to be used in certain situations, and definitely not for performance.

Has anyone had any questions when altering coding that will turn on a feature like this, or the Car Play tweak when taking your cars back to the dealer for any work?

**JLU88** · 06-12-2019 09:41 PM

Just activated it tonight and went for a short drive and wow! Was super impressed, I managed to achieve 30.6 mpg, I would usually get around 27mpg in the exact same driving conditions on Auto. Pretty excited on what a difference it'll make in local driving as I usually average 10-12mpg. Massive difference to throttle response on the highway, it really doesn't feel like going anywhere but driving local back home seems to be more than adequate.

**Gravy Train** · 06-13-2019 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by kebabman

Is it only the RS cars that get a drive select button on the steering wheel? Can't set the programmable * button to be a drive select button?

Funny enough, I've fitted and coded the Drive Select button to my steering wheel, replacing the * button. Toggling through the selections will not access Efficiency Mode, as it was likely deactivated for all RS cars.

**MadAboutCars** · 06-13-2019 04:49 PM

I would imagine there will be a setting to enable the efficiency with the drive select button. The steering wheel button is basically the up drive select button that the 4 and 5 series have.

**kaploww** · 06-13-2019 07:15 PM

I gotta figure out how to activate Auto-Start stop now.

**jsmonet** · 06-13-2019 09:06 PM

this picked me up 2mpg in craptastic so cal traffic, 5mpg in lighter. I'm fairly impressed

**OaborbaG** · 06-18-2019 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by kaploww

I gotta figure out how to activate Auto-Start stop now.

Is that possible on pre-facelifted cars?

**ichi d** · 06-18-2019 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by OaborbaG

Is that possible on pre-facelifted cars?

yes i did it to my 13. also tested it with the last fill up and it made no difference for me. im getting the same amount of kms off a tank. rather just drive in auto then to be stuck in slugged out mode.

**kaploww** · 06-18-2019 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by ichi d

yes i did it to my 13. also tested it with the last fill up and it made no difference for me. im getting the same amount of kms off a tank. rather just drive in auto then to be stuck in slugged out mode.

You activated ‘Auto Start/Stop’ on a 2013?

How did you accomplish this?

**viceroy1976** · 06-18-2019 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by kaploww

You activated ‘Auto Start/Stop’ on a 2013?

How did you accomplish this?

My '13 came with this as standard, so is possible.
You'll need the dash button (to enable/disable the feature) and the correct starter(uprated for extra start/stop cycles).

Personally though, I leave it disabled more often than not.