Drastic/Almost Instant Drop in Fuel Mileage

AlbertaFJer · 12-05-2006, 01:31 PM

Has anyone had a drastic drop in fuel mileage lately? We were in an accident (light front end suspension damage) in August and before then, we were getting 22+ mpg and when we got it back in late September, we clocked it at maybe max 16 mpg (both highway). We haven't strayed from the premium fuel and we've even backed off considerably on the aggresiveness. It just keeps going down. The Toyota Service guys have told me that's just how it is but have agreed to scan it. I'm at a loss.

So, is it worth getting scanned or could I really get a good runaround here...? Any help?

Radio · 12-05-2006, 01:40 PM

Hello... I am from the Hat, nice to see another Alberta FJer on the forum!
I can't really comment with authority on your prediciment, however, I have noticed a drop in fuel mileage also, as it changed with the weather. I know you know that this happens in the winter, and my drop was quit substantial, but recovered with the temperature. Some of this I have chalked up to being new and having to go through winter first go.

Hmmm... but yours is quite the drop. Keep us posted on your findings! How many kms on your FJ?

rutherk1 · 12-05-2006, 01:44 PM

This may be out there but I saw a drop in mileage when I put remote start on my old Excursion.

I never accounted the 10 mins of sitting it did 2wice a day.

Probably isnt the case with you, but you never know.

AlbertaFJer · 12-05-2006, 01:46 PM

We're just under 10K.

I know what you're saying about the temp for sure, but this happened in the summer/fall when it was still quite warm. It's been pretty consistantly steady at under 16 mpg highway since then. I don't want to even think about what city mileage is. I know I'm getting under 300 km per tank in the city since September - using non-aggresive driving.

JLam · 12-05-2006, 01:49 PM

I've got nearly 16K miles on mine and I'm still averaging 18-19 mpg, same as when I bought it.

**1911** · 12-05-2006, 03:04 PM

Check to see if the gas station(s) you buy from is selling gas with Ethanol in it; that will hurt your mileage. Where I am it's gub'ment mandated that all gasoline sold be at least 10-15% Ethanol because it makes the tree huggers feel better.

KiltedBishop · 12-05-2006, 03:33 PM

Quote:

1911 previously said:

Check to see if the gas station(s) you buy from is selling gas with Ethanol in it; that will hurt your mileage. Where I am it's gub'ment mandated that all gasoline sold be at least 10-15% Ethanol because it makes the tree huggers feel better.

Even though refining it and transporting it create more emissions than it saves. Although the tree huggers aren't so keen on it, it's the corn farmers.

NECruiser · 12-05-2006, 03:36 PM

Hey as long as you don't have MBTE additive I'll take ethanol. MBTE has polluted more wells in southern NH than you can imagine.

**1911** · 12-05-2006, 03:41 PM

Quote:

KiltedBishop previously said:

Even though refining it and transporting it create more emissions than it saves. Although the tree huggers aren't so keen on it, it's the corn farmers.

True; in this country they're being subsidized billions of dollars a year to produce it. Your tax dollars at work!

mikey · 12-05-2006, 03:41 PM

I had noticed a drop in milage the last few weeks, but I think it was mainly due to the ungodly cold and snow that we had.

I probably lost about 80-100km per tank with the fould weather.