Checks
| Action
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DEFINITION: Fuel
economy, as measured by an actual road test, is noticeably lower than expected.
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Preliminary Checks
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• | Check the air cleaner element, or the filter, for dirt or being
plugged. |
• | Check the vacuum hoses for splits, for kinks, and for proper connections
as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label. |
• | Check the driving habits of the owner for the following conditions: |
- | The A/C is ON full time, or the defroster mode is ON |
- | Incorrect tire air pressure |
- | Carrying excessively heavy loads |
- | Aggressive driving habits |
• | Suggest to the owner to fill the fuel tank and to recheck the
fuel economy. |
• | Suggest to the driver to refer to Important Facts on Fuel Economy
in the owner manual. |
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Fuel System Checks
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Ignition System Checks
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• | Check the spark plugs. Remove the spark plugs and check for the
following conditions: |
• | Check for an open ignition control (IC) circuit. |
• | Check the ignition wires for the following items: |
• | Check the knock sensor (KS) system operation. |
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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. |
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Additional Checks
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• | Check for proper calibration of the speedometer. |
• | Check for dragging brakes. |
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