2003 T4R V6 Bad MPG

[longobongo]

Just bought my 2003 T4R about a month ago... Everything seems to run fine no problems. But the gas mileage is terrible... It is listed as suppose to get 16 MPG City... I am getting 10-11 MPG according to the computer... Filled it to half tank, have traveled 45 miles and it is below quarter tank already...

What can I do to fix this?

fftopic:Side Question: What is the best oil to use with this model 4runner?

 

[CAD_GA1390]

check for seized calipers, clogged air filter, low tire pressure, dragging parking brake. change plugs if not done recently. make sure exhaust flowing freely. clean MAF. i could suggest more....i use mobil 1 5w30 in my 1GR

 

[longobongo]

Thanks for the suggestions CAD...
What test can I do to see if the calipers are seized and dragging parking brake?
By Plugs you mean spark plugs?

 

[coconutpete]

I would also suggest a "real world" test of mileage. Fill your tank and then reset your trip odometer. When the light comes on, fill the tank to full and print out a receipt. Then divide whatever is on your trip odometer by the gallons your bought. This will give you your real world mileage. I do this with eveyr tank just for kicks.

 

[CAD_GA1390]

Thanks for the suggestions CAD...
What test can I do to see if the calipers are seized and dragging parking brake?
By Plugs you mean spark plugs?

jack up vehicle, spin wheels, should spin freely, not drag. how recent were the plugs changed? you have the v6, 30k plugs, when they get old, MPG starts to suffer

 

[ASUMTNEER]

My guess would be frozen piston in one of your brake calipers. Are you getting excessive brake dust? When mine started to stick I was getting crap gas mileage like this. M1 5w-30 here as well, btw. Good luck

 

[redbull9944]

Could also be an o2 sensor, but that'll usually throw off a code and the CEL will come on. Have you tried using a code reader?

 

[macoyle]

I would drive around for a tank and hand calculate the mpg. While your driving around for a week or so you can collect new plugs, MAF cleaner, Lucas fuel injector treatment and get the codes read like stated above.

Once your done with that tank see what you are actually getting and go from there. Do the tune up, check the brakes, etc. Then drive for another week or so on another tank and see what your results are then-

 

[radlynx]

remove the fan belt and check the pulleys, alternator pulley, ac pulley if any are binding.

 

[longobongo]

I would drive around for a tank and hand calculate the mpg. While your driving around for a week or so you can collect new plugs, MAF cleaner, Lucas fuel injector treatment and get the codes read like stated above.

Once your done with that tank see what you are actually getting and go from there. Do the tune up, check the brakes, etc. Then drive for another week or so on another tank and see what your results are then-

Thanks for the suggestions everybody!

macoyle - Which Lucas Fuel injector treatment should I buy and use and how much of it?
I found the following below on amazon.

Amazon.com: Lucas 10020 Fuel Treatment - 5.25 oz.: Automotive

Lucas 10013 Fuel Treatment - 1 Gallon : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[03limited2WD]

Sorry if this has already been suggested, but...
It is most likely a sticky brake caliper and / or a past due tune up (Spark Plugs, Air Filter, MAF cleaning)

Your 2003 V6 should have a transmission dip stick. Check your fluid level. Your ATF fluid should be a translucent dark red color. If the fluid is chocolate colored, I would suggest researching a Drain & Fill. Get 8 bottles of the Toyota Type-IV ATF Fluid and do 2 drains and fills over the next few weeks.

I would also drain and fill the diffs and transfer case.
75W-90 all around if I am not mistaken. you cant go wrong with Amsoil Severe Gear, unless price is an issue.

Also check the pressure in your tires.

 

[earthrealm]

how many miles to a full tank?...how did you resolve this issue?

 

[longobongo]

how many miles to a full tank?...how did you resolve this issue?

Im still waiting for some stuff to come in...
Once I get the lucas fuel treatment in, I will fill up. Test brake calipers, tire pressure...
Ill let you know how it goes.

 

[longobongo]

I put in TOTAL QUARTZ 9000 5W40 Synthetic Oil... Is that okay?
Temperatures in my area is usually hot... around 75-130 F every day...

Also I installed a new K&N Air Filter, and a new OEM Toyota Oil Filter....
Once the Lucas Oil fuel treatment comes in I will fill up the tank and do a mileage test.... Will keep yall informed!

 

[TT4RLtdV8]

When I had my v8 limited, the second week I had it my mpg went from 16 to 10 with no change in driving style. DId MAF, HCF delete, K&N, mobil1 syn, and seafoam (not in that order) and it did the trick and then some... next tank got my personal record of 18 on my mixed commute (15 miles highway, 5ish city one way).

 

[longobongo]

So yesterday I checked my tire pressure. my FR was 30 psi and RR was at 20 psi...

could this have affected my MPG that much to see a 3-4 MPG decrease?
I aired them up today to 35-36 psi for every tire...

:violin:

 

[F4injected]

So yesterday I checked my tire pressure. my FR was 30 psi and RR was at 20 psi...

could this have affected my MPG that much to see a 3-4 MPG decrease?
I aired them up today to 35-36 psi for every tire...

:violin:

Did you check the pressure when cold or hot? (i.e., in the morning or in the afternoon?)

If at cold it is 20 psi, then it could have been the cause for the low mpg. I think our tires are reccommended for 32 psi cold for the best mpg, traction and wear.

 

[atran27]

When I had my v8 limited, the second week I had it my mpg went from 16 to 10 with no change in driving style. DId MAF, HCF delete, K&N, mobil1 syn, and seafoam (not in that order) and it did the trick and then some... next tank got my personal record of 18 on my mixed commute (15 miles highway, 5ish city one way).

what is seafoam?

 

[earthrealm]

had a similar problem..turned out 2 be a frozen passenger side caliper.....
front passenger wheel was always hotter than the other wheels.........that was a dead giveaway

 

[Gecko123]

So yesterday I checked my tire pressure. my FR was 30 psi and RR was at 20 psi...

could this have affected my MPG that much to see a 3-4 MPG decrease?
I aired them up today to 35-36 psi for every tire...

:violin:

Of course, if the recommended is 32 are at 20, that is huge drop. that is about 33% less air than recommended. And your 30 psi is low to but not too bad.

That is one reason why they made it mandatory for new cars starting in year xxxx ( I don't remember the exact year) that all new cars must have TPSM. This was to help to save fuel.