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Sudden drop in mpg, dripping gasoline on my 2012 Ford Fiesta? (Ford mechanics found nothing)?

I first noticed the sudden drop in fuel economy a month ago. I usually get 30 mpg and lately I'm getting around 24. I realized I needed to change the oil and attributed the problem to that (I was 1000 miles overdue) but the problem continued after the oil change. Then I looked for any drips and saw gas stains below the pressure relief hose on the gas tank.

I took it to the Ford Dealer yesterday and picked it up this evening after they found nothing. No leaks, good O2 sensor, good fuel pump. The car is only about 10 months old.

Any ideas?

Update:

I only have 11,500 miles on it now, the check engine light is not on, and I have been fueling up at the same place.

5 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    If there was a fuel leak your check engine light would more than likely be on. The car is only 10 months old so i assume you don't have many miles on it. If your mileage is 20,000 or up i would recommend a new engine air filter if it wasn't replaced. They do get dirty and clogged every 20-30k. Honestly with it being a newer car you shouldn't have to even consider cleaning the throttle body yet.

    Honestly, the problem is probably you. (no offense) A cars fuel economy changes when it is driven differently. Quick and hard acceleration and high rpm will decrease fuel economy. this is one option.

    The second thing to consider is where do you buy your gas? Gasoline is a refined product and it is done differently by different manufacturers. It is cheaper at some gas stations for a reason.

    The vehicle's check engine light is designed to come on if your tail pipe emissions exceed 1.5 times allowed by law. If your light is not on then there is no problem. The car is doing what it is commanded to do by the driver, and the sensors are confirming correct fuel burn.

  • ocana
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    2012 Ford Fiesta Mpg

  • ?
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    Try this.

    Clean your Throttle Body, Idle Air Control Valve, Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve and Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve.

    You'll need a spray can of carburetor cleaner, some basic hand tools and a couple hours of your time.

    Follow the procedures detailed in the links below to accomplish this task.

    This should have your car running much smoother and probably improve your mileage too.

    Have fun!

  • 9 years ago

    In fact, im working at a car-garage, repairing cars and motorcycles all day long. I got all the manuals i needed from www.carmanualstore.com!

    Check it out - they have the best quality manuals for cheapest price in my opinion. I use it everytime, when im confronted with a problem, where i need some help.

    You can short out this kind of minor issue by taking help of manual if u have otherwise must buy for save your time,In fact, im working at a car-garage, repairing cars and motorcycles all day long. I got all the manuals i needed from www.carmanualstore.com! who has all the manuals in stock and has 50 % off at the moment.

    - they have the best quality manuals for cheapest price in my opinion. I use it everytime, when im confronted with a problem, where i need some help.

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  • Anonymous
    9 years ago

    maybe your getting fat and weighing the car down

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