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.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Blowtorch Betty on November 11, 2011 at 4:07pm

I started getting 10-12 mpg. I thought maybe it was the air filter after going to Hollister, but it wasn't. Took it to the dealership, and after a $135 diagnostic, they just shrugged their shoulders. Then I stopped by this idiot-savant mechanic's shop that I'd heard about. He asked me where I bought my gas, then suggested I try a different brand. So I stopped going to the Arco down the street and switched to Chevron and Shell. Whoah - 300 miles on a tank, and I got 21mpg between San Jose and Pismo! FYI that same mechanic had a car towed in to his shop that had filled up on Arco the night before -- he found a couple inches of water at the bottom of the gas tank.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Markie Sharkie on November 12, 2011 at 1:07am

Yeah Arco isn't the greatest I've noticed... it is cheap though.

My FJ gets the best on premium from Chevron. But I've been running the middle-grade for quite some time now.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by C4B_ROCKs on November 12, 2011 at 4:55pm

Thats the reason why I never go to arco and any other cheap gas station for gas unless it's a rental..

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Blowtorch Betty on November 12, 2011 at 7:25pm

My old Pathfinder that I unloaded this past summer didn't seem to care if I fed it Arco and Cheetos and 7-Eleven slurpees. But my FJ only accepts Niman Ranch steak and a fine glass of Barolo, it seems :) I've only had my FJ for a few months, but I'm learning quickly...