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Gas Mileage Problem

2K views 5 replies 0 participants last post by  Jack 
G
#1 ·
Are there any owners of a 2000 Focus with the SOHC Engine that has
experienced gas mileage that doesn't come close to the original. I believe
the original MPG was 25 city 33 highway. (Correct me if I am wrong).
Mine is only getting about 20 to 22 average. I've had the fuel pump changed
under recall, changed the fuel filter, changed the plugs and wires 3 times
in the last year, changed the O2 sensor twice in the past year, installed a
ford replacement ignition coil and throttle body position sensor, installed
a K & N Air Filter, and still no change in the mileage.

Anyone else having mileage problems or have any suggestions.

Thanks
 
G
#2 ·
"Frank" <frankdenunzio@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:2lm0f.3722$Wb3.1983@trndny04...
> Are there any owners of a 2000 Focus with the SOHC Engine that has
> experienced gas mileage that doesn't come close to the original. ...any
> suggestions.


If the thermostat is stuck open the engine will be running cold and the
mixture will be way too rich. Do you have good heat out of the heater?
 
G
#3 ·
That's about right for combined city/some highway driving. These cars are no
screaming gas misers, especially around town in stop start traffic.

It depends on how you are determining MPG.

Factors effecting fuel efficiency are: how much weight the car is carrying,
weather, altitude, how the car is driven,(driving 65 mph instead 50 mph uses
35% more fuel), tire pressures, kind of tires etc.
It was just proven that the gas claims on the EPA stickers placed on new
cars are a bunch of hogwash and they do not get close in the real world..
It looks that you have spent a lot of money to replace perfectly OK parts.
Want to save gas? drive slower.


"Frank" <frankdenunzio@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:2lm0f.3722$Wb3.1983@trndny04...
Are there any owners of a 2000 Focus with the SOHC Engine that has
experienced gas mileage that doesn't come close to the original. I believe
the original MPG was 25 city 33 highway. (Correct me if I am wrong).
Mine is only getting about 20 to 22 average. I've had the fuel pump changed
under recall, changed the fuel filter, changed the plugs and wires 3 times
in the last year, changed the O2 sensor twice in the past year, installed a
ford replacement ignition coil and throttle body position sensor, installed
a K & N Air Filter, and still no change in the mileage.

Anyone else having mileage problems or have any suggestions.

Thanks
 
G
#4 ·
"Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:TDw0f.78661$oW2.37585@pd7tw1no...
> That's about right for combined city/some highway driving. These cars are
> no
> screaming gas misers, especially around town in stop start traffic.


Actually, 20mpg U.S. is definitely below expectations for combined
city/country driving. One would have to be doing mainly city driving and
have a heavy foot.

My 2000 SPI wagon has gotten close to the gov't specs since new and still
does (except in winter, of course). I drive gently and keep it well
maintained.

However, throwing parts at a problem is obviously a waste of money.
 
G
#5 ·
I'd have to say you have something going on somewhere. I have an 04 ZX3 with
the 2.3L PZEV engine and im getting about 27 combined, mid 30's highway,
your smaller engine should give better results. Some things to look at:

Have you tried some fuel injector cleaner ? If not, try 2 bottles together
now, than 1 more with the next 2 or 3 refills.
Are the tires inflated properly ?
Are your brakes dragging ? This is a common cause of poor milage.
Do some self evaluation...are you a lead foot driver ? Try to purposely
drive smoothly without sudden stomps on the gas pedal or brakes. Try driving
no more that 10mph over the speed limit to keep engine rpm's lower.



"Frank" <frankdenunzio@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:2lm0f.3722$Wb3.1983@trndny04...
> Are there any owners of a 2000 Focus with the SOHC Engine that has
> experienced gas mileage that doesn't come close to the original. I believe
> the original MPG was 25 city 33 highway. (Correct me if I am wrong).
> Mine is only getting about 20 to 22 average. I've had the fuel pump
> changed
> under recall, changed the fuel filter, changed the plugs and wires 3 times
> in the last year, changed the O2 sensor twice in the past year, installed
> a
> ford replacement ignition coil and throttle body position sensor,
> installed
> a K & N Air Filter, and still no change in the mileage.
>
> Anyone else having mileage problems or have any suggestions.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
 
G
#6 ·
For my 2002 SE, I can get the city and highway mileage on the sticker.
I have a 5 speed manual transmission.

For city driving I get around 27 to 29 MPG. For highway driving, on
nice flat California interstates, such as I-5, I set my cruise control
to 70 MPH and I get 36 MPG. If I stay with traffic, varies between 70
MPH and 85 MPH, my MPG drops down to about 31 MPG.

Now if I slowed down to 55 MPH, I would likely get around 40 MPG, which
I think I got close too once. However, driving that speed on I-5 would
put my life and vehicle at risk ;)

Cruise control is what I find helps me MPG most. I also do the
following:

* always have a clean air filter - I change it every 10,000 miles

* always check my tire pressure and keep it at the pressures indicated
on the sticker on the driver side door jam

* changed my plugs, wires, and O2 sensor at 60,000 miles

* change my oil every 3000 miles
 
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