Poor Fuel Economy
Checks
| Action
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DEFINITION: Fuel economy, as measured by an actual road test, is noticeably
lower than expected. Also, the economy is noticeably lower than it was on
this vehicle at one time, as previously shown by an actual road test.
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Preliminary Checks
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| • | Refer to
Symptoms
for the
Important Preliminary Checks. |
| • | Check the air cleaner element (filter) for dirt or for being plugged. |
| • | Visually (physically) check the following items: Vacuum hoses
for splits, kinks, and proper connections as shown on Vehicle Emission Control
Information label. |
| • | Check the owner's following driving habits: |
| - | Is the A/C ON full time (Defroster mode ON)? |
| - | Check the tires for being at the correct pressure? |
| - | Is the car carrying exceedingly heavy loads? |
| - | Is the acceleration too much and too often? |
| • | Suggest to the owner to fill the fuel tank and recheck the fuel
economy. |
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Fuel System Checks
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Ignition System Checks
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| • | Remove the spark plugs and check for the following items: |
| • | Check the ignition wires for the following: |
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Cooling System Checks
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| • | Check the engine coolant level. |
| • | Check the engine thermostat for always being open or for the wrong
heat range. Refer to Engine Cooling. |
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Additional Checks
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| • | Check the transmission shift pattern. |
| • | Check for the proper calibration of speedometer. |
| • | Check for dragging brakes. Refer to Brakes. |
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