FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Gas Mileage Becoming Worse?

Hey all,

So during the past month or so, I've noticed that my gas mileage has been getting absolutely terrible. It used to be pretty decent, but now that needle moves to E like it's nobody's business.

To put it in perspective, to drive from San Jose to Stockton, it took me slightly over a quarter of a tank. Now it takes a half of a tank to get there. I haven't made any changes to the FJ at all, I get regular oil changes, tire pressure is correct. The only thing different since I've noticed is that I got the right sized spare put on (but I seriously doubt the added weight of the bigger tire is affecting it that much).

Any suggestions on what to do? I really don't want to take it to the stealership unlessI absolutely have to.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Boss73 on September 13, 2011 at 7:08pm

True dat.. Just canot get the mileage like good old oil..

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Permalink Reply by MoabFJ on September 13, 2011 at 3:24pm

I am not sure if you have checked the MAF sensor yet, but when they are dirty it will affect your mileage.

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Permalink Reply by Bz on September 13, 2011 at 10:53pm

X2^^

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Permalink Reply by Markie Sharkie on September 13, 2011 at 6:04pm

I barely run the AC, so that isn't a contributing factor.

I'll check the spark plugs and air filter first and double-check the tire pressure.

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Permalink Reply by potatomutato on September 13, 2011 at 11:30pm

perhaps it is all the weight you've gained since becoming of legal drinking age.

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Permalink Reply by opg4759 on September 14, 2011 at 8:42am

Damn tater you nailed it on the head

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Permalink Reply by Markie Sharkie on September 18, 2011 at 3:45pm

Hahaha hey now, I'm not that much of an alcoholic :-)

And I checked the air filter and it was pretty much clean. The tires were slightly low though (about 30-35psi, but I don't think that is the problem either). I just hope it's not the MAF Sensor.

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Permalink Reply by DWH on September 18, 2011 at 5:57pm

The MAF sensor can be cleaned easily.

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Permalink Reply by lpharigue819 on September 14, 2011 at 10:35am

I noticed that when I put cheaper gas, my mileage is less as well. Try to use shell / chevron gas and you will get more mileage. My average usually from 290 to 300 mile.

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Permalink Reply by Markie Sharkie on September 18, 2011 at 11:12pm

Ok so apparently the tire pressure gauge I was using was giving me inaccurate readings. The tires were actually at like 28-33psi so I put them up to 40-45psi and the FJ took less than a quarter to get from Stockton to San Jose. So I guess that solves that problem, hahaha.

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Permalink Reply by Overlander36 on September 19, 2011 at 9:20am

Don't want to tell you "I told you so" but....."I told you so" :-)
It's a good thing for all of us to remember as we air up and down. A few pounds of hwy air pressure can really affect your gas mileage in a big way.

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Permalink Reply by Markie Sharkie on September 19, 2011 at 12:45pm

Yeah I knew that tire pressure can affect gas mileage, I just didn't think 5-10psi could hinder the mileage by 50%. Plus my gauge reader was broken, so poor equipment problems on my part.