Fuel Consumtion 2004 V8 Limeted

[AK602]

OK GUYS,
I have a 2004 Limeted v8. I know this has been discussed many times, but I dont understand. I can barely get 10 MPG with mixed city/highway, while driving like an old man.

The only mechanical modifications are TRD Dual outlet exhaust, a K&N air filter, One size up on the tires and a 2 inch front level lift. The rest of it is stock. I never got good fuel milage with her, but she just seems to be drinking it.

I have owned it since new. Had plugs and a timing belt done just after 60k.

Running synthetic in the motor, transfercase and diffs.

I just don't get it.

Does anyone have any ideas. Or is it just a great truck with a gas guzzler attitude.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Hmm, I'm getting 14 at worst with my 03 Limited (and a heavy foot). I'd say something is definitely wrong. Don't wanna get off topic, but can you PM me some pics of your 4runner if you have any? I'm looking at doing some similar mods to mine.

 

[AK602]

Here ya go....

Aron Kastell's Photos - OFF ROAD 11-11 | Facebook

Hmm, I'm getting 14 at worst with my 03 Limited (and a heavy foot). I'd say something is definitely wrong. Don't wanna get off topic, but can you PM me some pics of your 4runner if you have any? I'm looking at doing some similar mods to mine.

 

[drbiii]

I normally average 13-15 MPG with my 07.

My only mod is the 20" wheels.

 

[M1911]

Have you changed the diameter of your tires? If so, have you recalibrated your speedometer/odometer? If the diameter of your tires is larger, you are traveling further for every rotation of the tires, so your speedometer and odometer would be reporting low, which would also falsely report low MPG.

Lifting the truck will increase aerodynamic drag, so that will reduce MPG.

 

[AK602]

I have upped the tires one size. The sppedometer is off by one or two mph max. Testen with multiple gps units. The truck still sucks gas like there is no tomorrow.

I have vast experience in the automotive field but this has me baffled.

No black smoke, no rich odor, no CEL.

It just drinks it.

Have you changed the diameter of your tires? If so, have you recalibrated your speedometer/odometer? If the diameter of your tires is larger, you are traveling further for every rotation of the tires, so your speedometer and odometer would be reporting low, which would also falsely report low MPG.

Lifting the truck will increase aerodynamic drag, so that will reduce MPG.

 

[b.abe825]

I don't have vast experience... but could the ECU be malfunctioning? Thinking that with the CAI and dual outs that it needs to run richer? Which I guess wouldn't register on the CEL.

Also what octane are you using? The 04 V8 is supposed to run on 91, and when I use the 87 I get a huge drop in MPG (not 10). When I use the 93 that is down here I get about 17, on 89 about 15, and with 87 about 12.

 

[AK602]

I try to run 89, maybe I should run a few tanks of something better.

 

[Nuke]

Of course, there's the obvious stuff: Tire pressure low... Brakes dragging...

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've always heard elevation could play a factor. As for mine, I typically fill up with the middle grade (89) and get 15-16. I'm not sure if it is a change on driving habits (haven't noticed any but gotta address this) or the 87 octane regular gasoline I used the last two tanks but I'm getting high 14's now. Octane can definitely make a difference from what I have seen (although this is highly debateable). Thanks for the pic btw!

 

[eskimochaos]

Clean the MAF - the oil from your CAI could be ****ing it up.

 

[progress4m]

After seeing K&N filter that you have I would recommend checking your mass air sensor and making sure you do not have oil residue on it.
BTW: depending on the weather my runs from 17 to 18.6 mpg (50% hwy 50% city) with lift and AT tires.

 

[Nuke]

Even if the MAF is contaminated (which happened all the time on my 3rd gen) it would through a CEL but not affect mileage much if at all but it's worth checking as well as doing a TB cleaning.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Are you warming up your 4runner prior to driving it? That could be dropping your mpg's. Check your alignment as well.

 

[MikesToy]

Press that "Reset" button and get on the freeway (75-90mph) and come back on the streets.

 

[Harold1950]

2005 Sport V-8

I get a hair less than 16mpg.....usually around 15.87 or close to that.........stays fairly constant if I drive light footed or heavy footed.....but will vary a little with the bigger shoe............

 

[PlanetAlaska-]

My wife's 2004 V8 Limited 4x4 gets 17 mpg hwy.
Stock tires.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Defanitly clean the Mass air sensor. My 03 was feeling slugish and getting lower mpg. Cleaning the mass air sensor woke it up again and improved the mpg. cheap and easy to do. Also may not hurt to run some good fuel injector cleaner through it. When I added the lift and 265x70x17 tires I lost 1.5-2 mpg.

 

[warwagon]

I'm having the same problem with mine, Daystar with 265/70's the display went from around 16.7ish to 12.5ish, put some higher grade fuel in it, got an alignment and put my tire pressure to 35 which is max for the Terra Grapplers. Checked my speedo with my Garmin and it is only 1-2mph off, which I wouldn't think would toss it off 4mpg. It could be due to this massive cold streak we have had lately.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I'm having the same problem with mine, Daystar with 265/70's the display went from around 16.7ish to 12.5ish, put some higher grade fuel in it, got an alignment and put my tire pressure to 35 which is max for the Terra Grapplers. Checked my speedo with my Garmin and it is only 1-2mph off, which I wouldn't think would toss it off 4mpg. It could be due to this massive cold streak we have had lately.

It is not only the taller diameter but those off road tires are a lot heavier to get and keep rolling. The lift increases wind resistance.