Poor fuel economy...?
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1
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From: Davison Mi
Poor fuel economy...?
I noticed on my 2001 f150 (4.6 4-door short box A/T) last fall that the gas milage dropped big time. I was getting around 400 on a tank or so give or take, now all of a sudden I'm getting like 200-250!!!
I noticed that when i started using the 4 wheel drive in a few months ago that it wasn't behaving. The 4-wheel works fine now but i'm wondering if i'm half way stuck in it some how. Maybe the transfer case disengages and the fron axle doesn't not sure.
It doesn't burn any oil or run rough at all thats why I'm posting to see if anyone has any ideas.
All the fluids were changed last spring from front to back. with a new belt as well. There are no Check engine or "Service 4 wheel" lights on the dash.
Hope someone can thanks
I noticed that when i started using the 4 wheel drive in a few months ago that it wasn't behaving. The 4-wheel works fine now but i'm wondering if i'm half way stuck in it some how. Maybe the transfer case disengages and the fron axle doesn't not sure.
It doesn't burn any oil or run rough at all thats why I'm posting to see if anyone has any ideas.
All the fluids were changed last spring from front to back. with a new belt as well. There are no Check engine or "Service 4 wheel" lights on the dash.
Hope someone can thanks
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Westport, KY
400 miles per tank! How big a gas tank are you running! I get about 240 miles per tank!
Anyhow, I've heard from several people on here that fuel economy suffers when the temputure drops....probably a result of air density.....but i sure love the way it runs in cool weather!
I don't know about your 4x4 problem though...never had it happen.
Mudcat
Anyhow, I've heard from several people on here that fuel economy suffers when the temputure drops....probably a result of air density.....but i sure love the way it runs in cool weather!
I don't know about your 4x4 problem though...never had it happen.
Mudcat
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Zelienople, PA
Mileage typically drops noticeably in the cold. I know that my mileage goes from around 16.5 mpg to 14-15 mpg. Have you checked your tires air pressure lately, this can effect your mileage along with the fact that all lubricants are thicker and take longer to get to operating temp. Running the defroster will also kill your mileage along with allowing your truck to warm up prior to getting in.
About the 4wd what types of problems were you experiencing? FYI the front axle is always engaged on the F150, only the transfer case disengages. To free up the front end you need to get a F250 or higher with good old fashioned hubs. I wish that they still had hubs on the F150's, I would like to be able to get some more mpg by not turning the front axle.
About the 4wd what types of problems were you experiencing? FYI the front axle is always engaged on the F150, only the transfer case disengages. To free up the front end you need to get a F250 or higher with good old fashioned hubs. I wish that they still had hubs on the F150's, I would like to be able to get some more mpg by not turning the front axle.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
From: WY
In the summer, my 4.6L gives me 18 MPG in 50/50 mix driving using mid-grade gas. I can get over 400 miles per tank driving conservatively keeping the RPMs below 2K when accellerating.
In the winter, whole different story. I only get 14 MPG. If I have my oil changed at a Jiffy Lube type of joint, it will drop even lower. These places tend to give you 10W30 even when you ask for the correct weight oil, 5W30. The correct oil does make a difference on gas mileage.
It also takes longer for your engine to reach optimum operating temperature in the winter. If you have the towing package with transmission cooler, the transmission won't start shifting smoothly until it is well warmed up costing you even more mileage.
In the winter, whole different story. I only get 14 MPG. If I have my oil changed at a Jiffy Lube type of joint, it will drop even lower. These places tend to give you 10W30 even when you ask for the correct weight oil, 5W30. The correct oil does make a difference on gas mileage.
It also takes longer for your engine to reach optimum operating temperature in the winter. If you have the towing package with transmission cooler, the transmission won't start shifting smoothly until it is well warmed up costing you even more mileage.
