You are here:

Chrysler Repair/Gas Mileage decreased, no codes.

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/4/2011


Question
I have a 2004 T&C that runs well, but seems to be getting bad gas mileage. There are not codes showing. Tires are inflated, I have replaced the air filter. The car has 82K and has a 3.8 ltr engine. It is in good shape. It just seems to be getting bad mileage. Thoughts?

Answer
Hi Tom,
Possibilities: fuel leak, inaccurate distance sensor, dragging brake brake pad/disc interface. Check to see if the wheels seem warm/hot after driving but not doing any significant amount of braking. Check the odometer accuracy against a measured mile. Look for a subtle fuel leak along the fuel lines. Those are my first thoughts. How accurate are you records of fuel usage? Any change in driving habits, road conditions, types of trips taken? Even the refinery's blend of fuels can affect mileage depending upon the season of the year for example.
Roland

Chrysler Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roland Finston

Expertise

I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.

There are answers on file to more than sixteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.

Experience

Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

Organizations
Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

Awards and Honors
"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.