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
Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (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 19
|
Go to Step 3
|
3
| Was a visual/physical check
performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 4
| Go to
Important Preliminary Checks
|
4
| Check the driving habits of the owner.
• | Is A/C ON full time (Defroster mode ON)? |
• | Are tires at the correct pressure? |
• | Are excessively heavy loads being carried? |
• | Is accelerating too much, too often? |
| --
|
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
Normal
| --
|
6
|
- Visually (physically) check the 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 19
|
Go to Step 7
|
7
|
- Remove and check air filter element for dirt, or for being restricted.
Refer to
Air Cleaner
- Replace air filter element if necessary.
Was a repair required?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 8
|
8
|
- Check for poor fuel pressure. Refer to
Fuel System Diagnosis
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 9
|
9
|
Important: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must
be determined before replacing the spark plugs in order to prevent further
damage.
- Remove the spark plugs.
- 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 19
|
Go to Step 10
|
10
|
- Check the 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 19
|
Go to Step 11
|
11
|
- Check for an incorrect or malfunctioning engine thermostat. Refer
to Engine Cooling.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 12
|
12
|
- Check the engine compression for being low. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 13
|
13
|
- Check the TCC operation.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
|
- Check the 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 19
|
Go to Step 15
|
15
|
- Connect the J 33431-B (Signal Generator) to the VSS electrical
connector to check for proper calibration of the speedometer.
- 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 17
|
Go to Step 16
|
16
| Diagnose and repair inaccurate speedometer condition as
necessary. Refer to Section 8A-33.
Is the action complete?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
| --
|
17
|
- Check the Air intake system and crankcase for air leaks.
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 18
|
18
|
- Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
- When all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions are
found, review/inspect the following items:
• | Visual/physical inspection. |
• | All connections within a suspected circuit and/or system. |
- If a problem is found, repair as necessary.
Was a problem found?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
| Check for Service Bulletins
|
19
| Operate vehicle within
the conditions under which the original symptom was noted.
Does the system now operate properly?
| --
| System OK
|
Go to Step 2
|