"Help" 04 Tacoma "Terrible Gas Mileage"

I bought an 04 Tacoma PreRunner / 2.7 engine,single cab,auto trans,two wheel drive 1000 miles ago and I'm averaging 15 mpg.I've been very conservative with my speed and only run the AC when needed on low.My driving only consists of going to and from work,The round trip is approximately 30 miles with 20 of those miles being highway.I may be off base but I did expect better gas mileage the 15 mpg and feel 1000 odometer miles should be enough mileage to settle the engine and get a reasonable gas reading.

I've noticed under the hood a sticker that said conforms to California emissions.I live in Florida.Could these left coast emissions be killing my mileage?The dealer said to take it in but we all been through hell with those guys.Is there any advice anyone can give me about correcting this problem before I take it in and get the royal run around.

With the gas prices the way they are I'm about ready to park it and resurrect my old moth balled dodge back on the road.That 318 got better mileage.I love the Tacoma but the gas is killing me.Any help would be deeply appreciated and please spare my feeling by telling me of your great mileage with your Tacoma,I already feel crappy enough )-;

Ray,

Reply to
Ray
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How many miles are you getting on a tank of gas?

Reply to
JC

You should be doing better. Air up your tires (I like 35 in the front & 32 in the rears), give it more time, and see what happens. How are you figuring mileage?...Miles traveled since the last fill divided by the gallons pumped in? That's the only way.

If it doesn't improve, take it to the nearby dealership you feel has the best service department. You don't need to return to the same thieves that sold it to you.

Ken

Reply to
Ken Shelton

JC wrote#How many miles are you getting on a tank of gas?

~~~~ Well From the dead center 3/4 full mark to the 1/2 mark on the gauge,approx. 4.625 gallons taking into consideration it's an 18.5 gal. tank (I hope) divided by miles.I know its not rocket science but it's the closes I can get.I've also divided the mileage from the 3/4 mark to the 1/4 mark and still come out with 15.1 to 15.3 mpg depending on how you look at the gauge, either way it's really sucking it down. Thanks for you response...

Ray,

Reply to
Ray

You can also try switching brands of gasoline. You never know what additives might be in there. I would use only 87 Octane, at least initially while you are still figuring out the cause. The vehicle was made for this rating. I second the tire pressure check. It seems every Japanese car I ever owned has had extremely low air pressure recommendations. I always view these as a minimum rating. I also run between 32-35 psi. Also, what speed do you cruise in? does the vehicle get into overdrive? I think if the vehicle gets into overdrive, but does not go much faster than that, then it can "lug", where the RPM is actually so low that the engine sees more load than it would otherwise. Lastly, check your oil level and make sure it is not way overfull.

Reply to
Tones

In response to the tire air pressure.I just checked it saturday and it's at 26/29, what the door jam said,I'll pump those pups up tomorrow.

Any opinion on the "conforms to california emissions sticker" under the hood.If that could be bringing it down how can I get it off.I'm in Florida and have no plans of leaving...

Reply to
Ray

That is a totally inaccurate way to check your mileage. Ignore the gas gauge... it is not accurate.

Fill the tank ALL THE WAY. Drive until you're down to 1/2 or 1/4 tank. Write down how many miles you drove. Fill the tank ALL THE WAY. Write down how many gallons it took.

Divide miles driven by gallons you put in the tank. THAT is your mileage number.

--- Rich

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Reply to
Rich Lockyer

Every mechanic I've ever spoken to about tire pressure has said that those numbers are formulated to make for what some geek considers to be the most comfortable ride. They are in no way connected with what's best in terms of economy, and CERTAINLY not best for traction on wet or snowy roads.

Get down on your knees and see what the maximum psi rating is on your tires. It's probably 33-36 psi. Inflate the tires to that number WHEN THEY'RE COLD - not driven for more than a mile or so at low speed.

By the way, what purpose did you have for the vehicle when you chose to buy a pickup truck?

Reply to
Doug Kanter

Is this a new truck? When I got my 03 4x4 Taco 2.7L last year, my gas mileage was bad, 18MPG. Now I usually get 20-22MPG. 19 if I go off-roading. It took about 2000kms to get decent mileage. But I drive a standard, might be the difference of 1MPG vs an auto.

Reply to
Brad P

It's also just barely breaking in. My 2002 got about the same for the first

2K. It started climbing AFTER I changed the break-in oil. Be sure that you're NOT running it with the DEFROST position on the air system - that automatically runs the A/C - obviously, we're not capable of switching it on for ourselves!

On Mon, 17 May 2004 19:11:21 -0700, "Ken Shelton" found these unused words floating about:

Reply to
J. A. Mc.

"Ray" sez:

Relax, it'll get better. Like others have said, air up your tires and let the engine break-in more. The Toyotas I've had don't seem to get their best mileage until between 5,000 and 10,000 mi. on the odometer. My 4.7l V8 Tundra was only getting 11-12 mpg in town and 13-14 mpg highway when new. Now that it has a tad shy of 7,000 mi., its getting 13-14 mpg in town and

16-18 mpg highway.

When you change out the first break-in oil, switch to synthetic. After

10,000 mi., switch to synthetic in the front and rear differentials. Over time, you should inch up to the 20s as far as your mpg goes.

If you want better gas mileage, get a motorcycle (but beware the Bluehairs on your Florida roads).

Good mileage to ya, VLJ

Reply to
vlj

Doug=A0Kanter wrote#By the way, what purpose did you have for the vehicle when you chose to buy a pickup truck?

~~~~~~ I may of missed your point in the meaning of your question but if you must know my personal reasons for doing what I choose to drive I've driven trucks or vans most of my adult life (I'm 53) because they are my preference over a car.The bed of my 84 Dodge is in perfect shape so hauling isn't an issue plus the Tacoma PreRunner price was right, $14.200.00.The 2003 Camry we own is my wife's preference and when I get the itch or visit my elderly parents I drive it and our 2000 Ford DMC conversion van is for a weekend of getting away.Basically it comes down to,"to each is own".I do appreciate your advice on tire air pressure...

Ray,

Reply to
Ray

vlj wrote#If you want better gas mileage, get a motorcycle (but beware the Bluehairs on your Florida roads).

~~~~~ Don't remind me.Three years ago a geezer driving a way too big Crown Vic creamed me in St Petersberg Fl. (Gods Waiting Room) on my Triumph

750-X75 Hurricane that took me almost 10 years of blood,sweat and tears to put together.The measly broken bones I received didn't compare to the pain in my heart when I saw what was left of my labor of love )-; "never again"

Ray,

Reply to
Ray

~~~~~~ I may of missed your point in the meaning of your question but if you must know my personal reasons for doing what I choose to drive I've driven trucks or vans most of my adult life (I'm 53) because they are my preference over a car.The bed of my 84 Dodge is in perfect shape so hauling isn't an issue plus the Tacoma PreRunner price was right, $14.200.00.The 2003 Camry we own is my wife's preference and when I get the itch or visit my elderly parents I drive it and our 2000 Ford DMC conversion van is for a weekend of getting away.Basically it comes down to,"to each is own".I do appreciate your advice on tire air pressure...

Ray,

Well, in that case, there's no reason to question the mileage. You've chosen the worst possible category of vehicle for mileage, as a personal preference. :-)

Reply to
Doug Kanter

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