another crappy gas mileage thread

[chilisquid]

2004 4th gen 4runner, 4.7L V8, 4WD only 47k miles, original owner

crappy mileage between 10 and 12mpg. I used to get 15 or 16. This is the first time I have ever had this 4runner in cold weather. Over the past 11 years, It's been to Thailand, Singapore, and Brazil (I work for USG).

Already did the following ...

- Cleaned throttle body
- Cleaned MAF
- Changed Air Filter
- Replaced all four o2 sensors
- Paid the dealer 200 dollars for some sort of "vacuum flush"

It's not throwing any OBD-II codes. I'm trying a tank of 89 octane, I usually get the cheapest 87 octane.

Could it be just winter mix ? What about mechanical problems ? transfer case ? differentials ?

I've regularly replaced the oil in transmission, both differentials and the transfer case. I've never missed an oil change. Still has the original plugs. I changed the timing belt and water pump before taking it to Brazil 3-1/2 years ago. I couldn't risk having a problem there, they don't know how to work on american market cars.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

stuck caliper

 

[Mike07SE]

Change the 11 year old plugs?

Also agree on getting the brake calipers checked. They're notorious for having their pistons freeze.

 

[t-man]

I agree with the above statements. I have stock gears and 35's and still got 12-13 all winter long here in Northern Michigan, -30 Fahrenheit!

 

[m85476585]

It could be the wrong weight of oil. 5W30 synthetic is good, but Toyota has approved 5W20, too.

You could change the differential and transfer case gear oil for synthetic, but that shouldn't cause a drastic change.

If you drive only short trips in cold weather (below freezing) then 12 is about right.

You could try an Italian tune-up.

Check your tire pressure.

 

[chilisquid]

thanks for all your replies

yes, I'm only making short trips in cold weather. 3 miles to work and back per day.

I searched this forum, saw all the other threads on crappy mileage, probably has to do with the winter gas mix.

I had the brakes checked at the dealer, they said there was no problem. They also said the plugs can stay in because the car only has 47k miles. They said these plugs last 100k miles.

thanks for all the help !

 

[LTDSC]

sounds like caliper sticking or like someone else said, plugs need to be changed.

I avg 16 overall, 13 in town 16 hwy.

 

[Ralph Blake]

It might the gas your using. Blenders many times are raising the % of alcohol they add to gas. Even if the pump is marked 10% you really don't know if this is true.
I run real gas and hope I am getting real gas.