I have a 2001 Escape 3.0 that recently started getting crappy fuel mileage. The CEL is not on, but it is only getting around 15 mpg in town. Now here is the kicker...we went on a trip a month ago and it got the best mileage on the hwy it has ever got (27mpg). The norm was 23mpg hwy. But one trip with great mileage doesnt make up for crap in town. I did change the EGR sensor in the fall of 2006 and then the plugs and a bad coil less than a year ago. Other than that no issues. Can someone help me out with what might be wrong? I figure if anyone knows it will you guys. You have been right on the money for any past issues. Thanks a million.


RJ

 

I had a similar problem during a long trip. While on that trip I had to use gas that had ethenol in it (where I live in Texas we don't have that). Prior to using that blend, my vehicle was getting almost 24mpg on the highway. After a few tanks of that stuff, my mileage dropped to 20/21mpg. That might be what you are experienceing. While on the trip and after using a few tankfulls that 'blend', I also got an O2 code. When I returned home, I checked the O2 sensor, and installed new unit. Faulty O2 sensor can mess-up mileage. My mileage is back to where it was prior to using the blend-fuel. Maybe this will help.......

 

I had a mechanic check it today with a scanner. No fault codes were stored. He also checked the numbers on the 02 sensors, maf, and what ever else that thing checks and all checked normal. Nothing to justify the 15-16mpg its getting. I am at a loss. Seems more logical to ride the Expedition (it gets almost the same mpg). Need some help guys. Thanks

RJ

 

I agree with parr4 on this. Either you have a bad O2 sensor or you got a funky tank of gas that threw off your computer. A bad sensor should toss a code but it may not. A confused computer won't throw a code but it will relearn the fuel mixture settings after a tank or two. You could reset it by disconnecting the battery for 15-20 minutes. It will still take a while to relearn but might speed it up.

 

Welcome to a world filled with 10% ethanol.
About 15 - 25% less MPG's with that blend.

 

The problem started before my trip. But it does seem to go up and down. I may be getting some bad gas. I will try getting fuel from a different station next tank and see what happens.

 

As soon as ethanol was added to gas my mileage dropped 10%.
Don

 

That seems like quite an exageration to me. I have tracked every tank of gas in all my vehicles and noticed almost no measurable drop in mileage in either of my Escapes when the switch over to 10% mandatory ethanol was made.

If it really were upward of 25% hit over straight gas, I could be getting close to 50 mpg in my 2005 instead of the crappy 39 mpg I have been getting this summer.

 

Have you tried disconnecting your battery to reset your computer. Then if that don't make a difference, I would address the o2 sensor

 

My Explorer Sport Trac gets only 300 +/- miles per tankful of alcohol blend and 400 +/- on real gasoline. Both are 87 octane. Thats close to 25% less. My Trib wasn't as bad, but still dropped alot.

 

Try a tank of Shell or Texaco and see if that improves it. Wal-mart gas is cheap gas and burns fast.

 

Try an injector cleaner and if the fuel filter hasn't been changed maybe its time.. (I'll change the filter this weekend actually)

 

I get 16mpg around town and I'm not a lead foot.

 

Because it is cut with alcohol!!!!!!