(Volvo S60, 2002) The Message Centre numbers (mileage, fuel consumption average, av. mph readings etc) seem to flicker and rotate. Sometimes, there is a backlight and no readings at all. Then, after switching off again, it will come back and read OK for a while, then go haywire again. What is it, please?

Ford Falcon Sedan 3.1-Litre 3-speed (XT), manufactured or sold in 1969, version for Australia (up to June)

4-door sedan body type

RWD (rear-wheel drive), manual 3-speed gearbox

petrol (gasoline) engine with displacement: 3074 cm3 / 187.6 cui, advertised power: 85 kW / 114 hp / 116 PS ( SAE gross ), Torque net: 244 Nm / 180 lb-ft

characteristic dimensions: outside length: 4689 mm / 184.6 in, wheelbase: 2819 mm / 111 in

reference weights: base curb weight: 1324 kg / 2919 lbs

how fast is this car ? top speed: 149 km/h (93 mph) (theoretical);

accelerations: 0- 60 mph 14.2 s; 0- 100 km/h 15.3 s (a-c simulation); 1/4 mile drag time (402 m) 19.6 s (a-c simulation)

fuel consumption and mileage: average estimated by a-c: 14.4 l/100km / 19.6 mpg (imp.) / 16.3 mpg (U.S.) / 6.9 km/l

Oil consumption for any vehicle can depend on a number of factors including engine construction, mileage, type of driving so it's a bit difficult to place an exact figure on it.
In the case of the 3SGTE in the Caldina GTT consumption seems to be average/normal, which equates to a drop of about 1/4~1/3 the distance between full and empty on the dipstick every 5,000km (3,000mi). And that's been my average for all 3SGTE's I've had.
If you have a high mileage (>200,000Km/120,000mi) unit, or drive enthusiastically your consumption may increase, but at that age brittle seals are more likely to be responsible for increased oil loss.

The gizmo's that claim to increase your mileage do not work , you might as well hire a witch to cast a spell on your car. The best way to increase mileage is to make sure tire pressures are correct , remove any excess weight (junk) from the trunk , and practice economy driving habits. No quick starts etc.

You are doing better than average on your mileage. The estimated mileage for the 4 cylinder engine is 19mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Your mileage is actually quite good for a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

You're going to have to figure out what's causing the misfire. The car is almost 10 years old, so change the plugs to start with. If you still have a misfire, go to auto zone and have them pull the codes to find out which cylinder is the issue. Then figure out fuel or spark? Coil or injector? Was there a lean code? Check for a vacuum leak. Change the fuel filter and air filter for maintanence. The cruise control may be another issue.

Do you remember by chance speed vs RPM before & after work done? for example : before was 2000 RPM @ 60 MPH. Now 2200 RPM @ 60MPH ? May be coincidence, and transmission not shifting to overdrive or high gear.

This is a potential solution but if you are traveling down the highway and take your foot off the gas (or if you are on cruise no gas is required to maintain your speed) then the instant mpg calculation is similar to this 60 MPH / 0.0 GPH so effectively you end up with infinite gas mileage. But because the motor has to idle it's always using a little gas so it puts a very small number for the denominator which ends up giving you a high MPG. I've seen this happen in many makes of cars and I don't think it's anything to worry about.

make sure when you are traveling on the highway to have it in the highest gear there is it will be the first forward gear on the gearshift the one after neural. also check the plugs and wires and air filter. you might have to go to a dealer for the manual but you may be able to get it from a parts store

My Answer:

Poor gas mileage can be a result of many many things.

First of all you need to find out what is the factory normal gas mileage for your model year Jeep SUV. It should have said on your window sticker if you bought it brand new. If you are a 2nd or 3rd owner then a Jeep dealer would have info. Google search will tell you as well, and only takes a couple minutes to find.

I did a quick Google search and for a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a (4.7L V8 engine) the average mileage is roughly 14 mpg.

Not sure what engine you have as to options, etc?

How you drive will greatly change that number up or down depending on a number of driving and driver variables.

A few being -

Driving habits?

Tire pressures?

Engine tuned up?

Lube & oil/filter changes (every 5,000-7,500 miles? Air filter changes (every 10,000-15,000 miles)? Read your auto manual for exact recommended intervals.

How many people in the SUV on average?

Are you towing anything?

Type gas you are burning - BRAND? (See injectors below)

Area you are driving in (hills and valleys verses flat out,
etc)

Jeeps in general don't have a good track record for great mileage, and rough engine idling is always a clue that your fuel injectors are dirty. Typical on all Jeeps with port fuel injection systems! On Jeeps with dirty fuel injectors your mileage will go way down accordingly. If your not putting at least a 12 oz bottle of say Walmart brand Super Tech Fuel Injector Cleaner (~ $1 each) in your gas tank religiously every logged 1000 miles, or every 2 tank fill ups, then you are just inviting dirty fuel injectors and POOR fuel economy!

My 1993 Ford XPLR with a 4L V-6 engine (and ~ 160,000 flawless driven miles) gets roughly 22 miles per gallon on the highway with cruise control on, and about 17 around town on average. I religiously put a 12 oz bottle of the above injector cleaner in my gas tank every 1000 miles!! Of course I do all my own tune-ups, general repairs, and suspension maintenance (shocks, O2 sensors, trans oil changes, lube & oil/filter changes, code reading and clearing, etc) myself and it shows! I don't trust repair shops except for say Tires and Balancing at SEARS.

Hope that helps ease your mind about gas mileage as it relates to your Jeep there.

Frank

my 2 cents -

1. You didn't specify your exact model, on this site you'll fond your answer - http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/1989_Toyota_Camry.shtml

2. There are a few ways to do this, here's one -
- Fill your gas tank to the very top.
- Write down your odometer or reset you trip meter.
- Drive your car till it's time to fill it up again.
- When it's time to fill you tank, fill it to the very top (preferd in the same station, in the same pump).
- divide the number of miles (or kilometers) you drive, by the amount of gas you filled, This is of course only true for this gas tank, fuel consumption is effected by many things, load, driver, type of miles you do (city or hoghway), etc..

3. Service your car regularly, make sure tire pressure is correct, don't drive like you are racing.

Good luck,
Eitan.