Topic: Gas Mileage

[freelance]

My wife is currently driving our 1996 GMC Jimmy to and from work.I swear that we used to get arpund 500Km to a tank,now it seems to be only getting around 300 KM Iam not sure of the exact MPG is supposed to get for city driving.I have changed the plugs and wires to no avail. Any data  on the exact MPG would be appreciated,aswell any advice on why my gas mileage has depreciated

[dash]

Freelance- go to main website(Canadiandriver.ca)—calculators—fuel consumption guide—you’ll end up on Natural Resource Canada-follow instructions for mileage stats.

Possible:  oxygen/MAF sensor, Cat , but money will be well spent on garage diagnostic-before changing many parts needlessly

[maritime_storm]

Fuel consumption increases as a vehicle ages for a variety of reasons, sensors such as O2 wearout, valves & rings don't seal as well, etc. A tune-up and computer diagnostic will probably restore some of the loss.

[Mdxtasy]

It also depends on where you drive it.  Sitting in traffic will increase the fuel economy as well.  Stop and go?  That also changes the fuel economy of a car.  I'd think about where the car was being driven prior to your wife taking it to work and see if there's a difference in how it's being used now.

[Brigitte]

500 km down to 300 km?  That's a lot.  The last time I experienced that kind of drop in mileage, I had a leak in my gas lines due to corrosion and the age of the car.  Engine was fine - the car was just losing fuel all over the highway.

You're not smelling gasoline inside or around the car, are you, Freelance?

[Mdxtasy]

I went from 14L/100KM to 18L/100KM because it was winter.  The amount of KM driven on a tank doesn't mean all that much...how much are you using per 100KM or mpg is a better measure of fuel economy.

[barrie1]

That will be the 4.3 engine in this truck, great motor when its running right. A lot of stop and go driving will eat the fuel up in this vehicle. Is this the 4 wheel drive model? Is it possible your wife has it in full time 4 wheel drive? I have to ask.

[freelance]

I have checked for any fuel leaks etc, nothing in that department.Aswell checked the 4WD indicator reads 2WD. Not to dis-respect the wife, but she drives in slow lane, hands at 10 and 2, if ya know what i mean!!!!Engine is the 4.3 variety, aswell there are only 130,000 KM on vehicle. I believe the tank is 65 li in capacity, so filling it up at 300 km its taking around 62 li of gas, i estimate that to be around 20li/per 100 km? I believe a diagnostic will be cheaper then an 02 sensor?This site is now added to my favorites,replies appreciated!!!!Look forward to driving my 03 accord every morning!!!!!!

[Roadrunner]

Freelance,
If your wife is always driving in the slow lane, the vehicle is slowing down and speeding up all the time. Over time more traffic appears and thus even More stop and go.  
Like Barrie said, poor gas mileage.