I use Eco mode daily, and it Does improve mpg.

 

That's another setting that always defaults back to "normal", nothing you can do to change it.

 

not without monkeying with the programing or rigging up some sort of fake button pusher. IE a device that is wired to the mode button so that it upon power up - "cycles the button presses" to end up on eco mode by default.

That is possible and the route I would take if I were to do something like that.


However I would probably tell you to just drive like you're in ECO mode. More so than press the button.

 

Like others have said, you cannot do it on the truck. There is an aftermarket product that you can buy that when the truck is turned on it "Presses" the button the correct number of times to get you to your last selected mode...but it doesn't work with remote start.

TBH, I was really annoyed with it at first because I had to hit Auto start/stop button and then do the mode select but after eliminating the auto start/stop, just doing the mode isn't that annoying.

Another alternative is an overpriced Pedal Commander, you can set your TPS to sorta match Eco but leave it in "normal" mode...but $300

 

I highly advise against pedal commander products or others like them. A proper tune is far far better.

If you're going to spend 300 might as well spend 500 and get some real benefits. OH and a code scanner.

 

 

Out of curiosity, does Eco mode affect downshifting for speed control with cruise on? Academic for me, but I'm not a fan of the truck dropping two gears to hold my speed at 53 MPH when it's set on 50, and I can see the coming uphill approaching.

 

After a few months of driving I just started using the different driving modes. Started when I switched to tow mode while pulling our camper.
Actually made a difference while going through some really curvy up and downhill sections of Hwy 101 down the WA coast to OR.
Stopped hunting for gears every time we went from downhill to uphill and back again every mile. Pretty much stayed in 6,7,8 range for the most part.
Sport mode seems to shorten the amount of throttle you need to apply as well as the aggressive shift points. Don't care for it much in the rain, downshifts are a bit harsh.
Eco does shift a little smoother on the long highway trips and possibly get better mpg. Hard to tell but 20 mpg in a full size truck still amazes me.

 

Do you have one of these?
My laziness makes me want to order it right now.
No big deal pushing the drive mode button 4 times every start up(I keep mine in Eco 99% of the time).
Neither was pushing the AS/S switch, but I bought the eliminator for that too.
So 5 less buttons to push on start up. I'm a driver, not a pilot.
I don't need a sequence of events to get going. Push start, put in gear, release park brake, drive away.

 

I ordered one.
I'll post how well it works when I get it.
Thanks for the link.