2009 HHR 2.2 - Poor Fuel Economy
12-05-2011 | 03:45 AM
#21
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 11-27-2011
Posts: 10
From: Canada
So many variables that need to be addressed here. What you need to do is establish a true baseline before hitting the panic button. Here's some suggestions.
1. Check the pressure in your tires when they are cold and set them to the factory inflation spec.
2. Check and replace the engine air filter if necessary.
3. Remove all unnecessary weight from the vehicle, you'd be amazed how much incidental stuff collects over time.
4. Run the current tank of fuel through the vehicle, and then refill the tank.
5. Drive normally, don't try to hyper-mile because that'll introduce a statistical variable skewing the mileage reading.
6. Don't trust the DIC mileage readout, it can be off by 2-3 mpg.
7. Run a tank of fuel through and compute your mileage the old fashioned way with a pencil and a piece of paper.
If your mileage still is consistently low, then its time to dig deeper. As far as the algorithm used by the ECM when running E-85, its based on the information provided to it by a sensor in the fuel tank that measures the specific gravity of the fuel in the tank...that may be failing, but its too early to condemn it.
1. Check the pressure in your tires when they are cold and set them to the factory inflation spec.
2. Check and replace the engine air filter if necessary.
3. Remove all unnecessary weight from the vehicle, you'd be amazed how much incidental stuff collects over time.
4. Run the current tank of fuel through the vehicle, and then refill the tank.
5. Drive normally, don't try to hyper-mile because that'll introduce a statistical variable skewing the mileage reading.
6. Don't trust the DIC mileage readout, it can be off by 2-3 mpg.
7. Run a tank of fuel through and compute your mileage the old fashioned way with a pencil and a piece of paper.
If your mileage still is consistently low, then its time to dig deeper. As far as the algorithm used by the ECM when running E-85, its based on the information provided to it by a sensor in the fuel tank that measures the specific gravity of the fuel in the tank...that may be failing, but its too early to condemn it.
12-08-2011 | 01:01 PM
#24
Senior Member
Joined: 01-04-2008
Posts: 2,366
From: Long Beach, Ca
My 2008 2.4 get about 17/18 if its all in town. Short trips and driving below 35 mph KILLS my mileage. Now with the work commute, it's 90/10 HWY/city. My average speed is 23 mph and im getting 22 mpg as an average. SUCKO gas milege.
10-21-2014 | 12:48 PM
#25
New Member
Joined: 01-14-2014
Posts: 16
From: arlington, tx
Poor gas mileage
This old fogey has enjoyed lurking. But I'm not sure of proper location for my complaint. I'm in the DFW area.my mileage has been in the 21-23 range in mixed driving. Where should I start looking to solve the problem? Thanks
10-21-2014 | 01:33 PM
#26
Banned
Joined: 10-02-2010
Posts: 5,933
From: Port Huron, MI
It may be a good idea to start your own thread, instead adding to the end of one. :) Perhaps it will draw more interest with a more recent Start date.
Also. What percentage of Mix are we talking? How much % city, how much % highway (and from what I hear, time idling due to accidents.)
Also. What percentage of Mix are we talking? How much % city, how much % highway (and from what I hear, time idling due to accidents.)
10-21-2014 | 01:36 PM
#27
Member
Joined: 02-20-2014
Posts: 36
From: na
Ali, lots of good info in here so far. One other thing to check is if there is an exhaust leak anywhere from the engine to the cat as it could cause lower fuel mileage. Normally you would get a code too. Also, you should be able to hear an exhaust leak but I'm just thinking out loud. :)
10-21-2014 | 02:21 PM
#28
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 25,339
From: Fredericksburg,VA
So, start at your accelerator pedal. Proceed to wheel hubs, then spark plugs, etc.
10-21-2014 | 02:32 PM
#29
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,432
From: Alabama
Ali, lots of good info in here so far. One other thing to check is if there is an exhaust leak anywhere from the engine to the cat as it could cause lower fuel mileage. Normally you would get a code too. Also, you should be able to hear an exhaust leak but I'm just thinking out loud. :)
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