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Gas Mileage Problem

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

Reply to
Frank
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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?

Reply to
Dave Gower

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.

Anyone else having mileage problems or have any suggestions.

Thanks

Reply to
Henri

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.

Reply to
Dave Gower

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.

Reply to
Ed

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

Reply to
Jack

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