Car getting horrible gas mileage
Asked by miheer Feb 15, 2019 at 05:23 AM about the 2005 Toyota Camry XLE FWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have a 2005 Toyota Camry XLE (2.4 l4) with 160,300 miles on it and it has been getting horrible gas mileage since I got it at 158,900 miles (about 4 months of ownership). I have been averaging about 16-17 MPG and I have no idea what is causing such high fuel consumption. I changed my spark plugs, got my oil and transmission fluid changed, put in a new air filter and used seafam + chevron techron but there is little difference. Please advice!
4 Answers
The engine computer controls the air/fuel ratio. Have you scanned the computer for codes? If the O2 sensor is not working properly, it may be running rich. Your driving habits can also affect the fuel economy. Do you do a lot of short trips or a lot of city driving?
I scanned the computer for codes and nothing came up- totally clean ! I drive about 90% in the city - mainly 3-4 mile trips back and forth from uni, getting food and as such - I average about 250 miles of driving a month which isn't much for local errands and school.
If your driving is stop and go city driving that is probably about normal.
One thing that has helped me tremendously in terms of gas mileage is to get 89 octane as opposed to 87. Not only does it increases my acceleration, but I have 50-55more mileage per tank. Of course, not all brand are the same, and even gas from the same station can vary (good batch vs. bad).
