Topic: 06 Pursuit GT - Drop in Fuel Economy

[RunsinLight]

I've owned the car for about 5.5 years now. Over the past 12 months I've noticed my fuel consumption has increased. I really don't pay attention to the specific numbers it just seems like i'm gassing up more often.  I don't think I drive anymore then I have in the past. I don't really drive in different areas then I used to. I've always checked my tire pressure every 1-2 weeks so I can't see that being a problem. I don't  know much about gas but I know I don't go to Shell as often as I used to. More Esso and Petro Canada now.

Any ideas?

[EV Dan]

Not a mechanic, but my few guesses would be
- dirty air filter
- faulty oxygen sensor
- thicker oil than used before
- could also be spark plugs
- wheel alignment...

[Trainman]

...fuel filter

Try going back to Shell if you can, maybe a fuel issue?

[RunsinLight]

One thing the dealer always tells me is my fuel injectors are dirty even though I do use bottles of cleaner. Would this effect anything beyond performance?

[RunsinLight]

...fuel filter

Try going back to Shell if you can, maybe a fuel issue?

Is this something that can easily be changed? I don't mean myself but at a garage.

[EV Dan]

One thing the dealer always tells me is my fuel injectors are dirty even though I do use bottles of cleaner. Would this effect anything beyond performance?

Thats one of the things dealers like "fixing". If the threads are not rusty the fuel filter should be easy to replace. I got it for my old Grandam in walmart and it took my mechanic 10 min to replace it. So no big deal for a new car. At the dealer's I would imagine all that costs a fortune.

[Trainman]

...fuel filter

Try going back to Shell if you can, maybe a fuel issue?

Is this something that can easily be changed? I don't mean myself but at a garage.

Depends on the vehicle.  As it turns out, the fuel filter on my Forester is attached to the fuel pump, in the fuel tank.  It is considered a non-maintenance item, so there is no easy way to change it and no interval for it.

All other vehicles I have driven have had easily changed fuel filters.  I used to have it done every other oil change due to the high probability of getting bad fuel around here.  Added maybe $20 labour/part to the bill, depending on the vehicle of course.  If you have never had yours changed, I would start with that and see what happens.  But normally a plugged fuel filter will show poor driveability as well due to poor fuel delivery.

As for the injectors, I wouldn't bother doing the dealer clean after only 5 1/2 years unless you had a batch of bad gas or you really put on the kms.  Just my thoughts tho....

[overtakeyouintheleftlane]

Try changing your PCV valve and engine air filter once a year. These items are usually neglected and cost your gas and performance. Cheap parts and you can do it yourself.

[dr_spock]

I would suggest to start measuring your gas mileage and keep a record book.  After you have some numbers (a baseline) to compare from, then start to make changes.  Change brand of gas for a few fill-ups and see how it compares to the previous numbers.   If they aren't that much better, then change the air filter and do the same.   Start with the easy stuff and work towards the difficult things to change like the fuel filter. 

Note: there are other things that can affect your gas mileage like traffic, A/C, weather, driving style, etc.

[triuman]

Our 07 Saturn had problems with a bit of rough running, and worsening fuel milage. We took it in, and Saturn did find the fuel injectors were faulty. Dealer did replace all the fuel injectors under warranty. So you just never know.....

[maritime_storm]

Actually their is an issue with injectors on the 2.4L, the dealer will replace the injectors and flash the PCM. If your under warranty still it is covered by it(TSB) if not it's on your own dime. If your car isn't under warranty and Motorvac service may clean them out and buy you some time before they require replacement. One thing you didn't mention(or I missed it) was how many kilometers are on this car.

[cparsons]

RunsinLight, did you have the car checked for this? Does anyone have the TSB number?

[maritime_storm]

Here's a link that should help.

http://saturnfans3.saturnfans.com/~saturnfa/forums/showthread.php?t=127505&highlight=Injector

Other thought that should be explored, have you had this car on a scan tool to check for O2 sensor function? A lazy front O2 will also increase your mileage without neccessarily throwing a code.