Poor Fuel Economy Symptom
Step
| Action
| Value(s)
| Yes
| No
|
DEFINITION: Fuel economy, as measured by an actual road test, is noticeably
lower than expected. Also, economy is noticeably lower than it was on this
vehicle at one time, as previously shown by an actual road test.
|
1
| Was the Powertrain On-Board
Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 2
| Go to the Powertrain OBD System Check
|
2
|
- Perform a bulletin search.
- If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found, 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
| Was visual/physical check
performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 4
| Go to Visual /Physical check.
|
4
| Check owner's driving
habits for the following:
• | 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? |
Was the answer to any of the above questions YES?
| --
|
Go to Step
5
|
Go to Step 6
|
5
| Review the items in Step 4
with customer and advise as necessary.
Is the action complete?
| --
| System OK
| --
|
6
|
- Visually/physically check vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and
improper connections and routing as shown on Vehicle Emission Control Information
label.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a repair required?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 7
|
7
|
- Remove and check air filter element for dirt, or for being restricted.
- Replace air filter element if necessary.
Was a repair required?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 8
|
8
|
Important: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
- Remove spark plugs and check for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper
gap, burned electrodes, or heavy deposits.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 9
|
9
|
- Check engine coolant level for being low. Refer to Engine Cooling.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 10
|
10
|
- Check for an incorrect or faulty engine thermostat. Refer to Cooling and Radiator
.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 11
|
11
|
- Check engine compression for being low. Refer to Engine Mechanical
.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 12
|
12
|
- Check TCC operation. Refer to 4T80-E
Automatic Transaxle Diagnosis.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 13
|
13
|
- Check exhaust system for possible restriction:
• | Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. |
• | Inspect muffler for heat distress or possible internal failure. |
• | Check for a possible plugged three-way catalytic converter
by checking exhaust system back pressure. Refer to Restricted
Exhaust System Check. |
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
| Check for proper calibration of speedometer.
• | Connect J 33431-B (Signal Generator) to VSS electrical
connector. |
• | With the ignition ON, turn the tester ON and monitor the speedometer
and the speed displayed on a scan tool. |
Does the speed indicated on the speedometer closely match the vehicle
speed displayed on the scan tool?
| --
|
Go to Step 16
|
Go to Step 15
|
15
| Diagnose and repair inaccurate speedometer condition as necessary. Refer
to Vehicle Speed Sensor.
| --
|
Go to Step 18
| --
|
16
|
- Check Air intake system and crankcase for air leaks.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 17
|
17
|
- Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
- When all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions are
found, review/inspect the following:
• | Visual/physical inspection. |
• | Freeze Frame data/Failure Records Data. |
• | All connections within a suspected circuit and/or system. |
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
| Go to the Powertrain
(OBD) System Check
|
18
| Operate the vehicle to duplicate conditions present when
the original symptom was noted.
Is symptom still present?
| --
|
Go to Step 3
| Repair complete.
|