mileage complaint again!
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Wildomar, Ca.
mileage complaint again!
I checked the calculator again to see if it was true. My gosh my explorer is only getting 13-14 MPG freeway and city. 99 XLT 4.0. Thought they got 18-20 plus. Not looking good for a commuter.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
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The 4.0 SOHC engine, not the 4.0 OHV engine gets very good mileage if maintained and driven gently. I've driven 98000 miles on my SOHC and still get 20 mpg with about 2/3 highway mix. Mine runs exactly the same as when new. If yours doesn't then something is out of kilter.
If the CEL is on, that's a dead ringer the computer is compensating for something that's faulty....that will eat up gas. How about 32 psi in tires, remove stuff youre just lugging around. Do you drive gently. Change air filer annually. Does it not run very smoothly? If it doesn't, that's wasted gas.
If the CEL is on, that's a dead ringer the computer is compensating for something that's faulty....that will eat up gas. How about 32 psi in tires, remove stuff youre just lugging around. Do you drive gently. Change air filer annually. Does it not run very smoothly? If it doesn't, that's wasted gas.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Wildomar, Ca.
Today I am doing some more maint on it to rule out some of the obvious things. I live in the San Diego ara nad the freeways are 90 mph in the slow lane and hills everywhere. I am sure that is the main factor. Also it is a SOHC 4.0. Thanks for the tips.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
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Yea, speed is one easy way to reduce mileage. As the speed goes up in a straight-line, the fuel mileage falls geometrically (curved).
I've read the most fuel efficient speed for flat ground is like 45-50.....I guess the lowest rpm in high gear (overdrive) basically.
Good luck.
I've read the most fuel efficient speed for flat ground is like 45-50.....I guess the lowest rpm in high gear (overdrive) basically.
Good luck.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Wildomar, Ca.
I replaced the IAC the other day due to a weird idle at start up. I topped the tank off yesterday before I put on a new pcv valve and looks like 18.5 mpg so far. I guess i spoke up a little soon on the mpg. And that most of those miles were from a trip to San Diego on the 15 roller coaster at 80 mph +. I am hoping for about 20. Guess we'll see on the next tank.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
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From: Blue Hill Township
The speed is definately going to put your mileage in the garbage. I get 2mpg less doing 76 than I do when I am going 68mph, but if you are getting good milage doing 80+, thats awesome.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: New York
What axle ratio do you have? this also affects milage. The lower the number the higher the milage. So if you had a 3.55 axle ratio (like my 97 had), you should be able to do 22-24 mpg highway at 55-60 mph. If you have 4.10, you would be under 16 mpg no matter what you did. I had my 97 Explorer 4.0 SOHC for 7 years, and averaged 20-24 mpg doing 3/4 highway, 1/4 city. Even doing 65-75 mph, I never dropped below 20 mpg. As SRERCRCR stated, tire pressure also affects milage too. I also ran 32-33 psi, which gave best milage within safety limits of tire inflation (remember you can not inflate over 35 psi, and tire heats up 2-3 psi as you drive). Last, check your air filter, as this is usually always forgotten about and depending on your driving conditions should be changed at a minimum once a year. Good luck.
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