Low MPG
02-03-2009, 06:11 PM
#12
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: MA
Posts: 1,387
Everybody who lives in cold climates claims they add stuff to the gas in the winter and it makes the mpg drop a little.
02-03-2009, 08:46 PM
#13
Deputy CatDog - To Purr'tect and Explode
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: NM
Posts: 1,900
02-04-2009, 03:20 PM
#14
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 1,244
its true, they add chemicals to keep the gasoline from gelling up, the gas is not as efficient in the colder climates in the winter.. and the excessive idling doesnt help.. it has to be warm to drive or stuff breaks
02-06-2009, 12:40 AM
#15
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location:
Posts: 1,999
Check the diagnostic codes. With the engine off, turn the key to on, off, on, off and on. Watch the Check engine light and count the flashes. On, pause, On, On would be a code 12. Last code is 55, end of message.
02-07-2009, 03:33 PM
#18
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: NJ
Posts: 236
I got the code 12 so on pause on on what does it mean?
Last edited by Juno; 02-07-2009 at 03:45 PM.
02-12-2009, 02:42 PM
#20
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 26
Code 12 says the codes were cleared. Maybe you took the battery out, or the batt died, or some one cleared the codes before you bought it...????
Dealers, garages charge about 100 or up for a code scan. Go out and get (or borrow) a code scanner that gives codes, definitions, and some sensor readings. I have the CP9185, I love it. Read the raw data and see what the 02 sensors say. A bad 02 sensor wont stop your engine from running, but it will cause the comp to dump fuel in the engine, resulting in low low low fuel mileage.
A good scanner, like the CP9185 i got will run about 185 to 200 us dollars. You fix your car twice and its paid for. The 02 sensor, maybe 50 to 100 dollars. The pain killers after the dealership gets done swapping parts cuz "theyz be old" will drain your bank account. Mechanics and divorce lawyers say the same thing "It'll only cost a little more than you have in the bank".
btw, this only applies to OBDii (1996 or newer vehicles.) For older, you'll need to get a special scanner or a volt meter and crack the books.
Dealers, garages charge about 100 or up for a code scan. Go out and get (or borrow) a code scanner that gives codes, definitions, and some sensor readings. I have the CP9185, I love it. Read the raw data and see what the 02 sensors say. A bad 02 sensor wont stop your engine from running, but it will cause the comp to dump fuel in the engine, resulting in low low low fuel mileage.
A good scanner, like the CP9185 i got will run about 185 to 200 us dollars. You fix your car twice and its paid for. The 02 sensor, maybe 50 to 100 dollars. The pain killers after the dealership gets done swapping parts cuz "theyz be old" will drain your bank account. Mechanics and divorce lawyers say the same thing "It'll only cost a little more than you have in the bank".
btw, this only applies to OBDii (1996 or newer vehicles.) For older, you'll need to get a special scanner or a volt meter and crack the books.