Poor Mpg, Only Getting 14miles Per Gallon!

[bob1234]

I've got a 2.3 auto Galaxy (S reg) which has done about 120,000 miles.

 

The problem is that it drinks lots of petrol! I reckon it does about 14mpg which is shocking and costing me a lot of money.

 

We've had it about a year and a half and it's always done this. It did have a leaky back box which was replaced and this made no difference.

 

Is there anything obvious I can check?

 

By the way, I drive it very slowly, always poodle up to 60 so its not my fault (I don't think).

[seatkid]

I'm surprised you've put up with this if what you say is true. You should get 25-35mpg depending on useage I would say.

 

Are you 100% sure of your consumption figure?

 

Can you smell petrol? - Is there a leak? - Examine the fuel system starting at the tank along the fuel lines through to the engine - check for leaks on fuel lines and at connections - note the engine (fuel pump) should be running to pressurise the system - for safety reasons this should be done in a garage workshop - DON'T DO THIS BY CRAWLING UNDER THE CAR OR IN A CLOSED/UNVENTILATED SPACE.

 

Is it running smoothly? Has it been serviced recently? When was the engine's air filter last changed?

 

 

 

 

 

At 14mpg, you'd be better off scrapping it and buying another car.

Edited April 6, 2009 by seatkid

[bob1234]

Thanks seatkid.

 

It was serviced shortly before I bought it and we have done about 12,000 miles. I suppose its dues a service but its been like this since we got it. I agree about getting rid of it! I do like the car though so even if we got rid I'd probably buy another one.

 

I'm pretty sure I've done my calcs right. If I put

[mikej]

Bloody hell :o 28 miles to a tenner you most definately have a problem , i run a 2.3 and although a mk2 the engines are basically the same and i easy see 28 mpg combined and regulary achieve 35 mpg on a run . Get a garage to check it out plug gaps , air filter , brakes binding etc something is very wrong , are there no other suspect symptoms ?

[bob1234]

It could be something obvious. Its had new breaks since we bought it so its not binding breaks. Also I can push it so I assume they are not stuck on.

 

It hasn't had new plugs or air filter so this may help.

 

No other symptons. It drives really well. Plenty of power, doesn't smell of petrol so I don't think its running too rich and it doesn't make any funny noises. It's really frustrating. I just hope a garage can pick up a problem. I don't want to pay them for nothing!

[bob1234]

Update....

 

I paid Ford

[big_kev]

They want

[seatkid]

I paid Ford

Edited April 30, 2009 by seatkid

[bob1234]

Brillaint, thanks for your replies.

 

I apreciate what you are saying about running temperature Seatkid. The needle is just into the normal section except when I sit in traffic when it moves up to the middle. I assume this is normal.

 

As for the print out from Ford, here is what it says...

 

'Carried out investigation. Found faults relating to fuel pressures and intake.

Advise replacing Upstream Hego sensor as a first step'.

 

The diagnostic report is as follows...

 

'Description - P0171

System Too Lean Bank 1

 

The PCM monitors the adaptive fuel table to ensure fuel control system components do not vary from their nominal values. The fuel control strategy wihin the PCM uses the adaptive fuel table to compensate for normal wear or aging of fuel control system components. The code is set when the PCM can no longer compensate for additional changes in the fuel system.

 

This DTC may be caused by: -

 

Suspect low fuel pressure

 

Crankcase Ventilation system

 

Suspect air intake system leak

 

Suspect engine vacuum leak

 

Suspect H02S11 curcuit - This is the Hego sensor

 

Suspect PCM

 

A blocked fuel filter will restrict the flow of fuel to the pressure regulator. If the fuel supply to the fuel filter is O.K. the fuel filter may be blocked.'

[sepulchrave]

I would certainly strongly suspect the HEGO sensor as well, you can easily replace this yourself with a decent pattern part from your local factors.

 

With regard to service items, you should of course replace the oil, fuel and air filters and change the oil as well. But these won't be the root cause of this problem.

 

Then you simply reset the ECU and drive the car until the ECU has learned the new lambda values.

[bob1234]

Brilliant.

 

Is resetting the ECU easy? I assume it will be in the Haynes manual (I haven't bought one yet).

 

I can't believe you all know so much!!

[seatkid]

Brilliant.

I can't believe you all know so much!!

Flattery will get you nowhere with these guys..... :lol:

 

Resetting the ECU simply involves disconnecting the battery for a couple of minutes. BEFORE you do this, make sure you have the radio security code as the radio will need to be reset afterwards.

[Cu4josh]

I am facing the exact problem with the ford galaxy 2.3 auto 2003 model only purchased recently from a dealer but they says they cannot do anything