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        General >> Problems >> 2.3 low mpg
        
(Message started by: craigs2007 on Apr 20th, 2008, 10:13am)
Title: 2.3 low mpg
Post by craigs2007 on Apr 20th, 2008, 10:13am
Hi,
Ive got a 2.3 scorp on a p reg.Done 127k.I dont know if there is some kind of problem with it because according to the trip computer im only gettin 18.4-18.6 mpg..Even on a motorway run at 60-70 mph thats all im getting..Is that about right or should it be more?
Thanks
Title: Re: mpg
Post by gozz on Apr 20th, 2008, 11:03am
craigs 2007
You should get 30 mpg from a 2.3.You need a fault code readout to reveal the problem if there is nothing obvious.Things like Lambda sensors and manifold pressure sensors will come up.No doubt your exhaust is very black ! Any unit that relies on vacuum for it's operation will send false messages to the PCM if there is a blockage or leakage.There may be a member near you with OBD2 reader.Whatever you do keep away from FMD,a little local man is better value for money.
                                GOZZ
Title: Re: mpg
Post by gost on Apr 20th, 2008, 11:37am
mines only 17.5  but mainly round town
Title: Re: mpg
Post by gozz on Apr 20th, 2008, 11:46am
gost.
Yours must be suffering a malady as well ! I have a 2.3 hearse which is a big bluff heavy beast,it works locally and rurally and always returns a minimum of 27 mpg.When I drive it myself it gets a d**ned good clearout,and still gives the MPG.Our 2.9 12v versions are never below 20mpg overall,and often return 23mpg when the old geysers drive em !
                               GOZZ
Title: Re: 2.3 low mpg
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Apr 20th, 2008, 2:40pm
I get around 21.5 ~ 22.0 mpg from my 2.3 auto...but that is quite a lot of town driving and short runs. Goes up to about 30 on a good long run though.
Maybe I need to get mine checked too !
Title: Re: 2.3 low mpg
Post by TiberiuS on Apr 21st, 2008, 11:46am
Ditto with Gozz, you're looking for bad lambda sensor or something. Could also be a coolant temp sensor or something, if the ECU thinks the engine's cold it'll run rich and kill your mpg. It's worth asking whether there's any driveability issues, does it lose power or stumble on the throttle or anything?

Long shot but if you're anywhere near Colchester in Essex I have the full OBD laptop kit, could do you a scan.

Back to the MPG issue, we've been here before. Mine would drink like a fish, the only way I could've hoped to touch 30mpg would've been downhill with no throttle :-/. about 18-20 in town, 24 on a run, 26 if I was a good boy and set the cruise at 70.  Perhaps the lambdas were tired but it used to get good fuel and a good run at high speed on open roads most of the time, ran fine otherwise...just very thirsty.

Regards, Bruce.
Title: Re: 2.3 low mpg
Post by craigs2007 on Apr 21st, 2008, 9:40pm

on 04/21/08 at 11:46:26, TiberiuS wrote:
Ditto with Gozz, you're looking for bad lambda sensor or something. Could also be a coolant temp sensor or something, if the ECU thinks the engine's cold it'll run rich and kill your mpg. It's worth asking whether there's any driveability issues, does it lose power or stumble on the throttle or anything?

Long shot but if you're anywhere near Colchester in Essex I have the full OBD laptop kit, could do you a scan.

Back to the MPG issue, we've been here before. Mine would drink like a fish, the only way I could've hoped to touch 30mpg would've been downhill with no throttle :-/. about 18-20 in town, 24 on a run, 26 if I was a good boy and set the cruise at 70.  Perhaps the lambdas were tired but it used to get good fuel and a good run at high speed on open roads most of the time, ran fine otherwise...just very thirsty.

Regards, Bruce.

Hi,
Car runs great except for the mpg..Im in cardiff so not much chance of you doing me a scan..Thanks tho
So you are saying its either a bad lambda sensor or coolant temp sensor?
What steps should i take?

Thanks
Title: Re: 2.3 low mpg
Post by gozz on Apr 21st, 2008, 11:06pm
craigs2007.
Short of time consuming unit substitution(the lambdas are awkward)find yourself a reliable small workshop with a good scanner man.He would'nt necessarily have to do the repairs,just tell you what's at fault.Small places usually charge £25-£40 to tell you what you need to know.
                                       GOZZ
Title: Re: 2.3 low mpg
Post by python9 on Apr 21st, 2008, 11:15pm
lambdas ARE A GOOD BEST TO START WITH AS THEY CAN CAUSE ALL SORTS OF FAULTS
Title: Re: 2.3 low mpg
Post by TiberiuS on Apr 22nd, 2008, 11:56am
Hi. Ditto with Gozz (again ;)), if you start replacing parts at random you'll be going on a wild goose chase and it'll get expensive.

A garage with a decent OBD scanner will be able to show codes and get some sensor data for you, a fault in either coolant temp sensor or lambdas should show up clearly on a scan. As I remember the Scorp has 2 coolant sensors (somebody correct me if I'm wrong), one for the ECU and one for the temp gauge etc. Could also be a wiring issue but that'd likely cause loads of other symptoms too.

Just don't go to Ford's, it'll cost you a fortune before you've even started.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Bruce :)
Title: Re: 2.3 low mpg
Post by sector-9 on Apr 23rd, 2008, 10:51pm
Two other things to check are sticking brakes (check for hot wheels after a drive), and tyre pressures, which can make a significant difference.  FWIW, I've found that most manufacturers quote very low pressures in their handbooks (presumably for ride comfort), but the cars often run better with about 5psi extra in them...

Darren


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