Checks
| Action
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DEFINITION: Fuel economy, as measured by an actual road test, is noticeably
lower than expected. Also, fuel 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
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• | Inspect the owners driving habits. |
- | Is the A/C ON or the Defroster mode ON full time? |
- | Are the tires at the correct pressure? |
- | Is there excessively heavy loads being carried? |
- | Is the acceleration rate too much, too often? |
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Fuel System
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• | Inspect that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector
and cylinder according to the firing order firing order: 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3.
Relocate the injector harnesses as necessary. |
• | Inspect for foreign material accumulation in the throttle bore, coking
on the throttle valve, or on the throttle shaft. |
• | Inspect items that cause an engine to run rich long term fuel trim near -13 percent.
For a rich condition, refer to
DTC P0172 or P0175
. |
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Sensor/System
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• | Inspect the air intake system and crankcase for air leaks. |
• | Inspect the crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation. Place a
finger over the inlet hole in the valve end several times. The valve should snap back.
If not, replace the valve. |
• | Inspect for proper calibration of the speedometer. Connect J 33431-B
Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester
to the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) electrical connector. Turn ON the ignition with
the tester ON and monitor the speedometer. The speedometer should indicate 86 km/h
(54 mph). |
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Ignition System
|
• | Test for proper ignition voltage output with J 26792
Spark Tester . |
• | Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following: |
• | An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Gap the
spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool. Refer to
Spark Plug Replacement
. |
• | Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs if
the spark plugs are gas, coolant, or oil fouled. Refer to one of the following procedures: |
• | Visually and physically inspect the secondary ignition for the following: |
- | Ignition wires arcing to ground |
- | Ignition wires for proper routing |
• | Wetting down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle
may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or
misfiring as you apply water. |
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Engine Cooling System
|
• | Inspect the engine coolant level for being low. Refer to
Loss of Coolant
in Engine Cooling. |
• | Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and for the correct
heat range. Refer to
Thermostat Diagnosis
in Engine Cooling. |
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Engine Mechanical
|
• | Inspect the engine for the following mechanical conditions: |
- | Sticking or leaking valves |
• | Inspect the following components for incorrect basic engine parts: |
Refer to the appropriate procedures in Engine Mechanical 8.1L for diagnosis
procedures.
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Additional Checks
|
• | Visually and physically inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and
proper connections and routing as shown on Vehicle Emission Control information label. |
• | Inspect the following components of the exhaust system for possible restrictions: |
- | The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes |
- | The exhaust manifold for a collapsed inner wall |
- | The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure |
- | The three-way catalytic converters for possible plugged conditions--Compare
the exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine. Test back pressure by removing
secondary air injection (AIR) test valves near exhaust manifolds. Refer to
Restricted Exhaust
in Engine Exhaust. |
• | Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause
an engine miss condition. A scan tool can usually detect EMI by monitoring the engine
RPM. A sudden increase in RPM with little change in actual engine RPM change indicates
EMI is present. Check for high voltage components, near ignition control circuits,
if a problem exists. |
• | Inspect the park neutral position (PNP) switch circuit. |
• | Inspect the intake and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash. |
• | Inspect the brake system for dragging or improper operation. Refer to
Brake Caliper Inspection
in Disc Brakes.
Ensure that the vehicle operator does not drive with a foot on the brake pedal. |
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