Checks
| Action
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DEFINITION: Fuel economy, as measured by an actual road
test is noticeably lower than expected.
|
Preliminary
|
• | Search for service bulletins. |
• | Check owners driving habits. |
- | Is A/C ON full time (Defroster mode ON)? |
- | Are tires at correct pressure? |
- | Are excessively heavy loads being carried? |
- | Is acceleration too much, too often? |
- | Is E85 ethanol fuel used? If so, suggest the owner perform an
actual fuel mileage comparison using standard unleaded fuel. If the fuel mileage
is correct with standard unleaded fuel, the fuel consumption is normal. |
|
Fuel System
|
• | Check items which can cause an engine to run rich--Long Term
FT significantly in the negative range. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for
DTC P0172
. |
• | Check items that can cause an engine to run lean--Long Term
FT significantly in the positive range. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for
DTC P0171
. |
• | Check for proper operation of the evaporative emission (EVAP)
control system. |
|
Sensor/System
|
• | Check the oxygen sensor (O2S 1). The O2S 1 should respond quickly
to different throttle positions. If not, check the O2S 1 for silicon or other
contaminants from fuel or the use of improper RTV sealant. The sensors
may have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a
high but false O2S 1 signal voltage--rich exhaust indication.
The PCM will reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine,
causing a severe driveability problem. |
• | Check for proper operation of the MAP sensor. |
• | Check for proper operation of the TP sensor. |
• | Check for proper operation of the ECT sensor. |
|
Ignition System
|
• | Check for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792
spark tester or equivalent. |
• | Check the spark plugs for the following conditions: |
- | Improper spark plug gap |
- | Burned electrodes or heavy deposits |
• | If the spark plugs are fuel or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling
must be determined before replacing the spark plugs. |
• | Check the ignition control module (ICM) for proper ground connection. |
• | Check the ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking. |
• | Check the spark plug wires for proper resistance and condition. |
|
Engine Cooling System
|
• | Check engine coolant level for being low. Refer to
Loss of Coolant
in Engine Cooling. |
• | Check for incorrect or malfunctioning engine thermostat. Refer
to
Thermostat Diagnosis
in Engine Cooling. |
|
Engine Mechanical
|
• | Check engine mechanical for the following: |
- | Sticking or leaking valves |
- | Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals |
• | For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect for the following: |
|
Additional Checks
|
• | Check TCC operation. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch in Transaxle
Diagnosis. |
• | Check exhaust system for possible restriction. Check for the following: |
- | Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |
- | Inspect mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure. |
- | For possible plugged three-way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check
. |
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