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 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 18
|
Go to Step 3
|
3
| Was visual/physical check performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 4
| Go to Visual/Physical Checks
|
4
| Check
owner's 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? |
| --
|
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. Refer to
Emission Hose Routing Diagram
.
- 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.
Refer to
Air Induction System
.
- Replace air filter element if necessary. Refer to
Air Cleaner Element
.
Was a repair required?
| --
|
Go to Step 18
|
Go to Step 8
|
8
|
- 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.
Notice: Determine the cause of the oil or gas fouled spark plugs in order to
avoid damage to the new spark plugs.
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 Engine
Cooling.
- 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 4T60-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. Refer to
Restricted Exhaust System Check
.
- 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.
- 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
• | Connect J 33431-B (Signal Generator) to VSS electrical connector. |
• | With the ignition ON, turn the tester ON and monitor the speedometer
and he speed displayed on the 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 Diagnosis.
| --
|
Go to Step 18
| --
|
16
|
- Check Air intake system and crankcase for air leaks. Refer to
Air Induction System
and
Crankcase Ventilation System
.
- 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
| Refer to Technical Service Bulletins
|
18
| Operate the vehicle
to duplicate conditions present when the original symptom was noted.
Is symptom still present?
| --
|
Go to Step 3
| System OK
|