Terrible mileage

122,200 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SUJDAK
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  • 1 POST
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 3.8 is getting about 14.5 mpg in town, check engine light is on. Registered a code saying the fuel/air mixture was too rich, 1 culprit for just one bank registering an error as opposed to both was a defective oxygen sensor. Should that just be replaced or are there other issues that couple come into play like a vacuum leak? Would old plugs and wires exacerbate the problem?
Mar 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Probable causes of an engine running rich are as follows:

Excessive fuel pressure can be cause by restricted fuel return line
2.Defective Oxygen Sensors.
3.Leaking injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
4.Coolant temperature sensor out of calibration.
5.Restricted air intake system.
Mar 25, 2011 at 11:18 PM
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