Which is the more likely culprit for sudden bad gas mileage?
I have a 95 Dodge Neon, and before anyone tells me it's having problems because it's a neon, I'm well aware the faults of thiese cars, but it's our only, so...save it. Sorry, I had my plugs, plug wires, coil, valve cover...replaced a few weeks ago, the mechanic said it would help my bad gas mileage, but it hasn't. I've heard that it could possibly be my fuel filter, or my O2 sensor, which is more likely? Or any other ideas?
2008-01-28T08:27:46Z
I had the plugs, wires, coil, and valve cover changed because I had two bad seals and the plug wires were all burnt up and full of oil. The pressure in my tires is good. Thanks for all your help guys.
dodge man2008-01-27T21:34:21Z
Favorite Answer
an o-2 sensor going bad is the most common cause for it ,but you still need to get the computer scanned on it to be sure,there's no way i can tell you for sure,but that is one of the most common causes for one getting bad gas mileage all the sudden,sooner or later the check engine light should come on also if its a bad sensor on it,good luck with it.
Yes, your fuel filter and 1 or both ( if you have 2) o2 sensors going bad will destroy your fuel mileage. You are on the right track though by changing the stuff you did already. Buy a bottle of Lucas fuel system cleaner and pour it into your tank and give it about a week and see if there is any improvement before purchasing the O2 sensor(s). Hope this has helped you.
RE: Which is the more likely culprit for sudden bad gas mileage? I have a 95 Dodge Neon, and before anyone tells me it's having problems because it's a neon, I'm well aware the faults of thiese cars, but it's our only, so...save it. Sorry, I had my plugs, plug wires, coil, valve cover...replaced a few weeks ago, the mechanic said it would help my...
I suspect a stuck choke. If so, it could be a quick and easy fix.
Try a good shot of carburetor cleaner in the choke.
If your car has a carburetor(not fuel injected), it might have a steel heat riser tube leading from the exhaust manifold to the carburetor. As the manifold heats up heat rises up the tube to the carburetor to knock off the choke. As the car ages the tube rusts out, heat does not go to the carburetor and gas mileage goes down the toilet. This happened to me(but I don't remember which car.
If this is the problem auto supply stores sell inexpensive repair kits which are quick and easy to install and work like gangbusters.