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        General >> Problems >> Low MPG on 2.3L
        
(Message started by: geraghtyg on Apr 5^th, 2004, 2:37pm)

Title: Low MPG on 2.3L
Post by geraghtyg on Apr 5^th, 2004, 2:37pm

Hi
My recently aquired 2.3L ultima seems to be suffering from very low MPG. In the first few days that I got it, it was averaging about 22MPG on journeys which consisted of 2/3 urban and 1/3 motorway driving.
I then cleaned the MAF sensor with carb cleaner (one of the wires was very dirty). Then with a sparkling clean MAF sensor and new air filter I set off for a weekend in the country. THe drive consisted of about an hour of drving each way and was all either motorway or on quiet country roads and the roads were clear. Cruise control was on most of the time, air con was on about 1/2 the time and motorway spped was a constant 75mph with country roads about 50mph. This resulted in an average of 26.5MPG for both trips - Very low by anyones standards. Any ideas on what could be causing this.
This morning's journey to work resulted in 23.3MPG and the traffic wasn't too bad - ABout 16miles drive.

Graham

Title: Re: Low MPG on 2.3L
Post by admin on Apr 5^th, 2004, 5:39pm

I would have expected you to get around 30mpg on your long run. I assume you are using the fuel computer rather than a brim to brim refuel to check mpg - might be a problem with the fuel computer sensors so a check over a couple of tank fulls might be worth doing.

Check also that you don't have a binding brake (seized caliper) and that the wheel bearings are ok. Also try without a/c on as a seizing compressor will drag a lot of power from the engine and lower mpg.

Also check your tyre pressures.

An OBD2 check would also be useful to monitor the fuel trims which might indicate a air leak somewhere or a failing lambda sensor.

I am assuming that the engine is idling and running perfectly ok.

Just a few thoughts to keep you going (and to give you things to worry about LOL)

Steve

Title: Re: Low MPG on 2.3L
Post by geraghtyg on Apr 5^th, 2004, 6:23pm

Thanks Steve

I am using the computer. I have only done 260 miles on this tank and according to the computer there are less than 90 miles left. The needle on the fuel gauge is nearly into the red at this stage. The tank was filled to the brim the other day. The service screen said there was 68.4 litres in it when I filled it - fairly accurate there. Tyre pressure is fine. I checked that the day I bought the car. Brakes don't appear to be binding. If I slap her into neutral, she rolls forever. And the engine still sounds silky smooth, almost 6 cylinder like :) Idles fine - Looks like a shade under 800cc on the tachometer and steady. Noticed the passenger seat heater isn't working - Better try the connections underneath. At least mine works - That's the important thing.

Title: Re: Low MPG on 2.3L
Post by Kenboy on Apr 5^th, 2004, 8:18pm

Hi I to have a 2.3 and your mpg is just about right, If I am light on the pedal about 300 to a full tank I reached this conclusion after chatting to other owners of these cars and alas the concensus of opinion bears this out.
Thirsty beasts arn't they.

regards Kenboy

Title: Re: Low MPG on 2.3L
Post by geraghtyg on Apr 6^th, 2004, 8:40am

Wow, they are fond of the drink, aren't they??? :o I really wasn't it expecting it to be this thirsty. Looks like I'm gonna have to do more overtime on a regular basis! Seems to be as thirsty as a 6 cylinder. I have been light on the throttle myself and just passed the 300 mile mark on the way to work this morning. The low fuel chimes gave their first sounding last night and by the time I got to work this morning, the fuel guage was showing 35 miles even though the needle is about 2/3 thirds the way through the red section of the fuel guage. Getting a bit worried that the fuel will run. I had better fill up in the cheapest petrol station on the way home from work today - Only 81.3c per litre - Good old Tesco ;D

Title: Re: Low MPG on 2.3L
Post by Steve_S on Apr 6^th, 2004, 11:58am

My 24v looks good then with an average of 24mpg, no hanging around.

Title: Re: Low MPG on 2.3L
Post by geraghtyg on Apr 6^th, 2004, 12:23pm

If I could afford the road tax and could also get insurance, I would have a Cozzie. There's also the problem of there being very few to buy over in this Godforsaken kip.
There was one for sale recently for €3,000 but it was a '95 and that's getting a bit too old for my liking. Still, if I could afford it, I'm sure my gut would give in and I would have to and buy it.

Title: Re: Low MPG on 2.3L
Post by iainc on Apr 15^th, 2004, 1:07pm

After cleaning the MAF, recently drove approx 90 miles down M6 to Manchester airport - 2 of us, plus luggage and skiis - and managed 34.9 (= best ever) (mostly c-c and with a-c off), and then about 33.5 (a-c on) on return journey (must be more uphill). More usually, my '97 auto ult 2.3 will do 33 +/- 1 on a long run (motorways, A-roads) and 29 +/- 1 on short (approx 15 miles) trips on undulating country roads if treated very gently. I don't do much urban stuff, I'm glad to say; numbers would be much lower. The auto box cars are heavy and thirsty; but for driving a car like it, it's still worth the extra petrol pounds. (still way off the pace of my old 2 litre Granada, which would manage 40 mpg on a long run)

Iain C

Title: Re: Low MPG on 2.3L
Post by Alan on Apr 16^th, 2004, 12:22am

Hi guys

I have got a 24v cosi and I get about 225 to 250 miles to a full tank. I drive mostly arround town but when I get on the motorway I do tend to blow the cobwebs out, So Do this sound about right. ::) ::)
Cheers
Alan