For 1990-2009 cars

Inspections | Action
--- | ---
DEFINITION: Fuel economy, as measured by an actual road test, is noticeably lower than expected. Also, fuel economy is noticeably lower than the economy was on this vehicle at one time, as previously shown by an actual road test.
Preliminary |

• | Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Beginning in Symptoms - Engine Controls .

• | Search for bulletins.

• | Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views and Engine Controls Schematics .

• | Discuss the following with the owner that may effect fuel economy:

- | Is the A/C ON or the Defroster mode ON full time?

- | Are the tires at the correct pressure?

- | Are the wheels and tires the correct size?

- | Are there excessively heavy loads being carried?

- | Is the acceleration rate too much, too often?

Remove the air filter element and inspect for dirt or for restrictions. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement . Replace as necessary.

Fuel System |

• | Discuss with the owner the type, quality, and alcohol content of the fuel. Oxygenated fuels have lower energy and may deliver reduced fuel economy. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

• | Inspect the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Diagnosis .

• | Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .

• | Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .

• | Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

• | Inspect that each fuel injector harness is connected to the correct fuel injector and cylinder. Relocate the fuel injector harnesses as necessary.

Sensor/System |

• | Inspect for the following that may cause the engine to run rich:

Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section.

- | Water intrusion in the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) connector

- | Purging of a saturated evaporative emission (EVAP) canister

- | Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .

- | A leaking fuel pressure regulator--Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .

- | Leaking fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .

- | Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected

- | An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted

- | An air filter that is dirty or restricted--Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .

• | Inspect the air intake system and crankcase for air leaks.

• | Inspect for an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value . Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .

• | Inspect the crankcase ventilation system for proper operation.

• | Inspect for an inaccurate speedometer. Refer to Symptoms - Displays and Gages .

• | Monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity with a scan tool. Refer to Scan Tool Data List .

Ignition System |

• | In order to properly inspect the spark plugs or to correct a condition, refer to the following procedures:

- | Ignition System Specifications

- | Spark Plug Replacement

- | Spark Plug Inspection

• | Inspect for proper secondary ignition voltage output with the J 26792 HEI Spark Tester.

• | An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability condition. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gage gap tool.

• | If the spark plugs are found to be fouled, determine the cause before replacing the spark plugs.

• | Inspect for damaged or misaligned spark plug boots.

• | Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the symptom occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300 .

Engine Cooling System |

• | Inspect the engine coolant level for being low. Refer to Loss of Coolant .

• | Inspect the engine thermostat for proper operation and for the correct heat range. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical |

• | Inspect engine mechanical for the following:

- | Compression

- | Sticking or leaking valves

- | Worn camshaft lobes

- | Valve timing

- | Worn rocker arms

- | Broken valve springs

- | Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals.

- | For more information, refer to one or more of the following procedure:

• | Engine Compression Test

• | Symptoms - Engine Mechanical

• | Oil Consumption Diagnosis

• | For incorrect, worn, or damaged basic engine parts, inspect the following:

- | The camshaft--Refer to Camshafts Cleaning and Inspection .

- | The cylinder heads--Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection

- | The pistons, etc.--Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .

Additional Inspections |

• | Visually and physically inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections and routing as shown on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label.

• | Inspect the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. The scan tool should indicate an RPM drop when the system commands the TCC ON.

• | Inspect the exhaust system for a possible restriction. Inspect for the following:

- | The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes

- | The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure

- | Possible plugged catalytic converter--Refer to Restricted Exhaust .

• | Inspect the brake system for dragging or improper operation. Refer to Brakes Drag . Verify that the vehicle operator does not drive with a foot on the brake pedal.