Poor Fuel Economy Symptom
Step
| Action
| Value(s)
| Yes
| No
|
Definition: The fuel economy, as measured
by an actual road test, is noticeably lower than expected. Also, the economy
is noticeably lower than the symptom 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
Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
|
2
|
- Perform a bulletin search.
- If you find a bulletin that addresses the symptom, correct the
condition as instructed in the bulletin.
Did you find a bulletin that addresses the symptom?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 3
|
3
| Perform
the careful visual/physical checks as described at the start of the Symptoms
section.
Did you perform the visual/physical check?
| --
|
Go to Step 4
| Go to
Important Preliminary Checks
|
4
| Check the owner's driving
habits.
• | Is the A/C ON full time (with the defroster mode ON)? |
• | Are the tires at the correct pressure? |
• | Is the vehicle carrying excessively heavy loads? |
• | Is the driver accelerating too much, too often? |
| --
|
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
Normal
| --
|
6
|
- Visually (physically) check the Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks,
and improper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control
Information label.
- If a problem is present, repair the problem as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 7
|
7
|
- Remove and check the air filter element for dirt, or for being
restricted. Refer to
Air Cleaner
.
- Replace the air filter element if necessary.
Did the air filter require replacement?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 8
|
8
|
- Check for the proper fuel pressure. Refer to
Fuel System Diagnosis
.
- If a problem is present, repair the problem as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 9
|
9
|
Notice: If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, determime the cause of the fouling
before replacing the spark plugs in order to avoid damage to the new spark
plugs.
- Remove the spark plugs.
- Check the spark plugs for the following conditions:
- If a problem is present, repair the problem as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?
| --
|
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 present, repair the problem as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 11
|
11
|
- Check for an incorrect or a malfunctioning engine thermostat.
Refer to Engine Cooling
.
- If a problem is present, repair the problem as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 12
|
12
|
- Check the engine compression for being low. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
- If a problem is present, repair the problem as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 13
|
13
|
- Check the TCC operation.
- If a problem is present, repair the problem as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
|
- 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 for a possible plugged three-way catalytic
converter by checking the exhaust system back pressure. Refer to
Restricted Exhaust System Check
.
- If a problem is present, repair the problem as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 15
|
15
|
- Connect the J 33431-B (Signal Generator) to the VSS electrical
connector in order 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 the inaccurate
speedometer condition as necessary. Refer to Electrical
Diagnosis.
Is the action complete?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
| --
|
17
|
- Check the air intake system and the crankcase ventilation system
for any air leaks.
- If a problem is present, repair the problem as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
|
Go to Step 18
|
18
|
- Review all of the diagnostic procedures within this table.
- When all of the procedures have been completed and no malfunctions
are present, visually/physically inspect the following items:
• | All of the connections within a suspected circuit and/or system. |
- If a problem is present, repair the problem as necessary.
Is the action complete?
| --
|
Go to Step 19
| --
|
19
| Operate the vehicle
within the conditions under which the original symptom was observed.
Does the system now operate properly?
| --
| System OK
|
Go to Step 2
|