Poor Fuel Economy

Inspections	Action
DEFINITION: Fuel economy, as measured by an actual road test, is noticeably lower than expected. Also, fuel economy is noticeably lower than the economy was on this vehicle at one time, as previously shown by an actual road test.
Preliminary	Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Beginning in Symptoms - Engine Controls . Search for bulletins. Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics . Discuss the following with the owner that may effect fuel economy: Is the A/C ON or the Defroster mode ON full time? Are the tires at the correct pressure? Are the wheels and tires the correct size? Are there excessively heavy loads being carried? Is the acceleration rate too much, too often? Remove the air filter element and inspect for dirt or for restrictions. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement . Replace as necessary.
Fuel System	Discuss with the owner the type, quality, and alcohol content of the fuel. Oxygenated fuels have lower energy and may deliver reduced fuel economy. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (Without Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (With Special Tool) . Inspect the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Coil Test , Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool , and Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 . Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (Without Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (With Special Tool) . Inspect that each fuel injector harness is connected to the correct fuel injector and cylinder. Relocate the fuel injector harnesses as necessary.
Sensor/System	Inspect for the following that may cause the engine to run rich: NOTE: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in Cautions and Notices. Water intrusion in the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) connector Purging of a saturated evaporative emission (EVAP) canister Incorrect fuel pressure - Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . A leaking fuel pressure regulator - Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Leaking fuel injectors - Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted An air filter that is dirty or restricted - Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement . Inspect the air intake system and crankcase for air leaks. Inspect for an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value. Refer to Temperature vs Resistance . Inspect the crankcase ventilation system for proper operation. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical. Inspect for an inaccurate speedometer. Refer to Symptoms - Instrument Panel, Gages and Console in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console. Monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity with a scan tool. Refer to Scan Tool Data Definitions .
Ignition System	In order to properly inspect the spark plugs or to correct a condition, refer to the following procedures: Ignition System Specifications Spark Plug Inspection Spark Plug Replacement Inspect for proper secondary ignition voltage output with the J 26792 HEI Spark Tester. See Special Tools . An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability condition. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gage gap tool. If the spark plugs are found to be fouled, determine the cause before replacing the spark plugs. Inspect for damaged spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Inspection . Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the symptom occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300 .
Engine Cooling System	Inspect the engine coolant level for being low. Refer to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling. Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and for the correct heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.
Engine Mechanical	Inspect engine mechanical for the following: Compression Sticking or leaking valves Worn camshaft lobes Valve timing Worn rocker arms Broken valve springs Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals. For more information, refer to one or more of the following procedures in Engine Mechanical: Engine Compression Test Symptoms - Engine Mechanical Oil Consumption Diagnosis For incorrect, worn, or damaged basic engine parts, inspect the following: The camshaft - Refer to Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. The cylinder heads - Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. The pistons, etc. - Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures.
Additional Inspections	Visually and physically inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Inspect the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. The scan tool should indicate an RPM drop when the system commands the TCC ON. Inspect the exhaust system for a possible restriction. Inspect for the following: The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure Possible plugged catalytic converter - Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust. Inspect the brake system for dragging or improper operation. Refer to Brakes Drag in Hydraulic Brakes. Verify that the vehicle operator does not drive with a foot on the brake pedal.