Mpg seems very low

[unko]

Makes a lot of sense, because usually gas tanks are just measured by a float level, it being a potentiometer more than Likely sending a voltage to the gauge. Well next fill up I will fill her up nice and slow, and do the math to see my mileage again.

Been working on my driving habit all today lol. Been easy on the pedal.

 

[Robb235]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this, but start with the simple stuff and change your O2 sensor and clean your MAF sensor. Even if your check engine light isn't on, you should still replace your O2 sensor if it's old. Go to an autoparts store and buy the MAF cleaner product, and spray your MAF off with it.

I had the same poor mileage as you when I first bought my T4R, and doing both of the above improved my mileage dramatically.

Also, what roof rack do you have? I have a large Yakima one, and I take a 2mpg hit with it on during interstate driving. I leave it in the back unless I'm only city driving.

I do mostly interstate driving, and can return 22mpg, and I'm auto. Your T4R is manual, so you should be getting better mileage than most.

 

[kolelt]

Do we have two o2 sensors ? You are talking about the one right under the car near the cat ?

 

[Robb235]

The one furthest to the front is the one you need to replace.

 

[Elkman7x7]

I don't think you will get much better than what you are. There is a lot of up and down driving where you are at and stop and go. Go easy on the ped for a month and see what happens
I have a 98. Driving from kingman az to where I live in the mountains I got 18.6 at 84mph. On the mountain rds where I live i am getting 18.1 but I drive like there is a egg under pedal.

My wife has a 2014 jeep GC with a hemi in it. mountain rds she gets 21.4 take it to phx stop and go she gets 17. she has a lead foot .

 

[NCrunner2012]

I used to get consistently over 20mps on my 98 3.4 4wd auto...I loved seeing 20.5+ when I did the calculation. After new NGK dual electrode plugs and OEM wires, air filter, flowmaster 40 series muffler, and BFG all-terrains, I watched my MPGs drop to the 16-17 range. I know the 32's didn't help, but it was dropping before the new tires.

I blame the crappy ethanol in the fuel...

 

[geohil]

NCrunner brings up a good point - non-ethanol gas will add mileage. So does Robb - change your upstream O2 sensor. That was good for 2 MPG on my truck alone.

Cheap:
Clean MAF
Seafoam steam
Remove inner elbow from airbox
Check and knock out debris in air filter
*Edit - make sure your tires are inflated to the top of their range.

Moderate price - Since you don't know the maintenance on this vehicle:
Change at least rear diff (should do front and transfer case too) to full synthetic
Replace fuel filter (PITA)
Run a Cat cleaner like Mr. Gasket Cataclean

Save up:
Up stream 02
Exhaust
Headers

Don't forget to reset your ECU after all this too.

Find a pump that has non-ethanol gas and experiment.

 

[BrianSD_42]

15 is normal.

13 is a problem.

 

[og80gt]

I have a 2000 5spd 4x4 and get anywhere between 14-16 mpg. I hardly do any hwy driving either. I also think that fuel economy wasn't a huge priority back then....hahaha

 

[MoveWeight]

NCrunner brings up a good point - non-ethanol gas will add mileage. So does Robb - change your upstream O2 sensor. That was good for 2 MPG on my truck alone.

Cheap:
Clean MAF
Seafoam steam
Remove inner elbow from airbox
Check and knock out debris in air filter
*Edit - make sure your tires are inflated to the top of their range.

Moderate price - Since you don't know the maintenance on this vehicle:
Change at least rear diff (should do front and transfer case too) to full synthetic
Replace fuel filter (PITA)
Run a Cat cleaner like Mr. Gasket Cataclean

Save up:
Up stream 02
Exhaust
Headers

Don't forget to reset your ECU after all this too.

Find a pump that has non-ethanol gas and experiment.

Where is the upstream O2 sensor located on 97 4runner sr5 v6? Which part number/ brand is the best to replace and how difficult is this to replace?

 

[geohil]

Just in front (engine side) of your catalytic converter, so below your passenger seat foot-well. There is a decent pic on one at the bottom of this page:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/75252-catalytic-converter-o2-sensors.html

 

[busmup808]

After getting an alarm with remote start I plan on buying an exhaust. With my minitruck toyotas I would always get a flowmaster, mainly for the sound but I don't think it's much of a performance exhaust. I've never had any other exhaust, what's a good exhaust to accompany our motors? I heard borla is good for toyota, and magma flow just seems to universals for an exhaust but I could be wrong.

Just take it to Exhaust Systems HI in Y-pahu and let them do their magic.

 

[unko]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this, but start with the simple stuff and change your O2 sensor and clean your MAF sensor. Even if your check engine light isn't on, you should still replace your O2 sensor if it's old. Go to an autoparts store and buy the MAF cleaner product, and spray your MAF off with it.

I had the same poor mileage as you when I first bought my T4R, and doing both of the above improved my mileage dramatically.

Also, what roof rack do you have? I have a large Yakima one, and I take a 2mpg hit with it on during interstate driving. I leave it in the back unless I'm only city driving.

I do mostly interstate driving, and can return 22mpg, and I'm auto. Your T4R is manual, so you should be getting better mileage than most.

Yeah I actually bought the MAF cleaner already, especially since it states gain 4-10 HP lol. Well this weekend I'm cleaning the throttle body again and MAF.

I have the stock roof racks and I use if often so I don't really want to be taking that one off to much.

This is a very successful thread, I gathered a lot of information from all your insite. Much appreciated, let's keep it going!! :nice thread:

 

[unko]

Just take it to Exhaust Systems HI in Y-pahu and let them do their magic.

Yeah I been there be for their price is really steep. I just plan on buying a exhaust and have bars muffle weld it in. I will keep my stock pipping and find my self a nice chrome top later.

Just wondering which would be better flows, magnaflow, borla?? Anyone got some clips of their exhaust?

 

[kolelt]

I get 200 miles on full tank. Maybe little more. Is replacing the o2 closes to the front easy ? Why only front one and not one under the car near muffler ?

 

[geohil]

I get 200 miles on full tank. Maybe little more. Is replacing the o2 closes to the front easy ? Why only front one and not one under the car near muffler ?

It is very easy assuming the bung hasn't rusted to the sensor. It only takes one open end wrench - I think a 3/8. Un-clip the old sensor and start again with the new one. I would personally use a little anti-seize.

The reason only the front one - the front one controls the air-fuel ratio - the back one just checks to make sure your Catalytic converter is doing its job.

 

[piecesparts]

I get 200 miles on full tank. Maybe little more. Is replacing the o2 closes to the front easy ? Why only front one and not one under the car near muffler ?

That is pretty low mileage, even for a low-geared little truck like these are. I just got home and I am at 200 miles and the tank is half full.

 

[unko]

That is pretty low mileage, even for a low-geared little truck like these are. I just got home and I am at 200 miles and the tank is half full.

Say what?? What kind of motor do you have an drivetrain?
Now I feel like I really have a problem with my mpg.

 

[unko]

After the beach yesterday, I was able to clean my MAF and throttle body. Let's see if that makes a difference.

Next on the list is change the rear diff fluid to synthetic and spark plugs and wires.
When I get the money to spend I'll go ahead and just replace the o2 sensor and hope that makes a big difference.

I have a code scanner and I scanned my truck and there is no trouble codes.

 

[piecesparts]

Say what?? What kind of motor do you have an drivetrain?
Now I feel like I really have a problem with my mpg.

I have a 97 with an automatic and 4WD behind a 3400 engine. The engine just got new plugs and wires with a deck plate mod tot he air intake housing and a Magnaflow muffler on the stock exhaust pipe.