2004 Toyota Corolla Bad gas mileage

2004 TOYOTA COROLLA
146,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LUKEODEGAARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Just filled the gas tank full and drove 150 miles on 3/4 tank which is equal to 10-12 gallons. It's equalling out to roughly 15 miles a gallon. I have brand new tires on and they are aired up to 34 psi. Runs relatively smooths but it idles high when you start it up. Part due to it being winter. Any advice would be great
Dec 10, 2014 at 8:36 AM
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JOHNNYT73
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 924 POSTS
Okay, The high idle will happen as you said because it is cold and the car wants to get to closed loop mode as fast as possible. For you poor mileage I can only say to try the following if you havent already. Change spark plugs, air filter, run a few tanks with some fuel system cleaner (seafoam, lucas, techron), Make sure that you done have a caliper that may be sticking a bit and dragging the car down, wheel alignment, possibly have the intake decarbed, and of course be sure to monitor your driving habits. Im shocked to hear that your mpg is so low, as I have owned a 2008 scion XD with this engine. Fantastic motor and I never got under 32mpg.
Dec 10, 2014 at 9:36 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
That's not too good. Have you checked to make sure the air filter isn't really dirty? When was the last tune up? Has the check engine light ever come on?
Dec 10, 2014 at 10:04 PM
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