getting 40-60 miles less per full tank

[ldytigress495]

HELP! getting 40-60 miles less per full tank

I have a 96 4runner. since jan, i've noticed a drop in the amount of miles i get per full tank. I used to get 240-260 per full tank and now i get 210 if i'm really lucky. i've taken it to the dealership and they said "my lead tech said all the tests came back normal. there is absolutely nothing wrong with your car".


what can the problem be?

 

[BamaDrewski]

Try this out.

I have had the same problem in the past. Sometimes, the 02 sensors do not show up as being bad no matter who runs the test. (02 Sensors should be changed every 100K miles. If yours have not been replaced, this could be part of the problem.) I changed them both out, ran some Seafoam in the gastank and made sure my K&N filter was cleaned and oiled. While I was at it, I cleaned the throttle body assembly and MAF sensor. I noticed an immediate improvement in the mileage! Good luck!

 

[p nut]

Ok, before you panic or do anything, figure out your MPG's instead of the useless "miles per tank" figure.

http://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Your-Car's-Fuel-Efficiency-(MPG)

Do this several times to get your MPG.

 

[004Gunner]

Running 25 psi in your tires will have the same effect. Believe me I know :

 

[TopRunner]

I think I have heard "summer gas" doesn't do as well in the mpg area.

Coments on that?

 

[gizmopt2002]

No summer gas does better than winter gas.

The additives are suited towards cold weather, and the combustion isn't as efficient as summer gas. It;s not gonna be a huge difference, about 10% though.

Cold air will burn more too.

 

[ldytigress495]

Thx guys, for your imput. This is the first time i've had this problem in the 12 years i've owned my 4runner.

The dealership said i was buring gas properly, so the sensor isn't the problem.

guess i'll check my tires, but i think i'll going to have to get a new car.

 

[TurboSix]

Ok, before you panic or do anything, figure out your MPG's instead of the useless "miles per tank" figure.

http://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Your-Car's-Fuel-Efficiency-(MPG)

Do this several times to get your MPG.

Good advice P nut. That is the first time I've noticed someone using an actual MPG on this site. Of course, I haven't been here long. But that is exactly how I calculate my milage.

 

[TurboSix]

Thx guys, for your imput. This is the first time i've had this problem in the 12 years i've owned my 4runner.

The dealership said i was buring gas properly, so the sensor isn't the problem.

guess i'll check my tires, but i think i'll going to have to get a new car.

Don't go buy another truck or SUV expecting a change. My father-in-law complains about his Tundra all the time, but he is used to driving a Ford Ranger. I can't seem to make him understand, no matter what truck he gets, he isn't going to get miraculous gas mileage. Be prepared for a big change in style and size.

 

[kl8ton]

I would replace the A/F sensor just upstream of your catalytic converter.

I had my Cat stolen and I temporarily put on a straight pipe, but had to disconnect the A/F sensor because the theif wasn't kind and cut very close to the AF sensor. When My new cat and muffler came in I plugged the A/F Sensor back in and went back up to 245 - 265 per tank instead of the 205 - 210 I was getting with it disconnected.


Good Luck.