Poor Fuel Economy Symptom
Step
| Action
| Value(s)
| Yes
| No
|
Definition: The vehicle's fuel
economy, as measured by an actual road test, is noticeably lower than expected.
Also, the fuel economy is noticeably lower than the fuel economy was
on this vehicle at one time, as previously shown by an actual road
test.
|
1
| Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?
| --
|
Go to Step 2
| Go to the
Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
|
2
|
- Perform a bulletin search.
- If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is present, correct the
condition as instructed in the bulletin.
Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step
3
|
3
| Did you perform a visual/physical check?
| --
|
Go to Step 4
| Go to
Symptoms
for the Visual /Physical Check.
|
4
| Check the
owner's driving habits.
• | Is the A/C on full time (Defroster mode on)? |
• | Are the tires at the correct pressure? |
• | Are excessively heavy loads being carried? |
• | Is the acceleration too much, too often? |
• | Is the vehicle being used for towing? |
| --
|
Go to Step 5
|
Go to Step 6
|
5
| Review the
items in step 4 with the customer and advise as necessary.
Is the action complete?
| --
| System OK
| --
|
6
|
- Visually/physically check the vacuum hoses for the following conditions:
• | Improper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information label. |
- If a problem is present, repair as necessary.
Was a repair required?
| --
|
Go to Step
18
|
Go to Step 7
|
7
|
- Remove and check the air filter element for dirt or for a possible
restriction.
- Replace the air filter element if necessary.
Was a repair required?
| --
|
Go to Step
18
|
Go to Step 8
|
8
|
- Remove the spark plugs. Check the spark plugs for the following
conditions:
• | Carbon tracking on the insulator |
Notice: Determine the cause of the oil or gas fouled spark plugs in order to
avoid damage to the new spark plugs.
- If a problem is present, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step
18
|
Go to Step 9
|
9
|
- Check the engine coolant level for being low. Refer to Engine Cooling.
- If a problem is present, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step
18
|
Go to Step 10
|
10
|
- Check for an incorrect or malfunctioning engine thermostat. Refer
to Engine Cooling.
- If a problem is present, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step
18
|
Go to Step 11
|
11
|
- Check for the following Engine Mechanical problems. Refer to Engine Mechanical
:
• | Hydraulic valve lifter problem |
• | Leaking cylinder head gaskets |
• | Worn or incorrect camshaft |
- If a problem is present, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step
18
|
Go to Step 12
|
12
|
- Check the TCC operation. Refer to
Transmission Fluid Check
.
- If a problem is present, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step
18
|
Go to Step 13
|
13
|
- Check the exhaust system for a possible restriction:
- Inspect the exhaust system for any damaged or collapsed pipes.
- Inspect the muffler for heat distress or for a possible internal
failure.
- Check the exhaust system back pressure for a possible plugged
catalytic converter. Refer to
Restricted Exhaust System Check
.
- If a problem is present, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step
18
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
| Check for a proper calibration of the speedometer.
- Turn off the ignition.
- Disconnect the ABS controller.
- Connect the J 33431-B
(Signal Generator) to the Vehicle Speed circuit in the ABS controller
harness connector (one terminal connected to the signal circuit and the other
to ground).
- With the ignition on, turn on the tester. Monitor the speedometer
and the speed displayed on a scan tool.
Does the speed indicated on the speedometer closely match the vehicle
speed that is displayed on the scan tool?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step
15
|
15
| Diagnose and repair the inaccurate speedometer condition
as necessary. Refer to Electrical Diagnosis Engine Electrical
.
| --
|
Go to Step 18
| --
|
16
|
- Check for any air leaks in the following areas:
• | The throttle body mounting area |
• | The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor |
• | The duct work between the MAF and the throttle body |
• | The intake manifold sealing surfaces |
- If a problem is present, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step
18
|
Go to Step 17
|
17
|
- Review all of the diagnostic procedures within this table.
- When all of the procedures have been completed and no malfunctions
are found, review/inspect the following:
• | All of the connections within a suspected circuit and/or system |
- If a problem is present, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step
18
|
Go to Step 3
|
18
| Operate the vehicle under the same conditions (as closely as possible)
as when the original symptom occurred.
Is the original symptom still present?
| --
|
Go to Step 3
| The repair is complete. If another driveability symptom exists, refer
to
Symptoms
.
|