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2.8V6 poor economy

2K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  Big Block Ford 
G
#1 ·
First a short intro - after many years of Audi ownership (Coupe/fast saloons), a growing family has lead to the need for a Galaxy (I'm 6'5" and we can't all 5 fit in an A6). Negotiations with SWMBO ended up with us getting a '96 2.8V6 as no way was I dropping much below 100bhp/100kg :)

Over the last year MPG has been much as expected, but for the last couple of months it's been way down - e.g. 16 on journeys I used to get 28+ on. This has been accompanied by an 'odd' smell from the exhaust (not burning, not sulphur, just 'odd').

My usual garage has run diagnostics which check out OK, and they are now officially bewildered! They've suggested more thorough diagnostics by the guy they refer such cases to, but I thought I'd first see if anyone here has come across a problem like this - or has a theory as to what may be the cause.

Cheers,

Andy
 
#2 ·
Hi Andy,
I'd be very surprised if no fault codes were logged in the module with your problem; after making sure it's not something simple like a dirty air filter, known concerns with this engine are faulty MAF sensor, HEGO sensor/circuit, and air leaks due to cracked vacuum pipes.
I'd suggest a full FDS/WDS diagnostic as well as a 4-gas analysis which should show up any secondary air draws.
 
G
#4 ·
Hi guys and thanks for the replies. As far as I can tell the performance is still OK - if there has been a fall-off it's been gradual whereas the poor economy came about quite quickly. I check MPG every fill and it was within expected limits until a 235 mile mainly motorway trip which took a tankful :-(

The air filter etc. should be OK - it's just over 6 months since a service and a couple of weeks since it was in for an oil change. I think I'll be calling the garage soon to get their specialist to give it a thorough checkup!.
 
G
#5 ·
OK, now the Galaxy has been sorted and I thought I'd let you know what it was - it was the Lambda probe (one of the few things not covered by the waranty, of course!).

Makes sense - if the engine management system was getting dodgy sensor readings it could mess up all sort of things, in this case the economy.

Cheers,

Andy
 
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