Bad mpg, cannot find the cause

Tiny
WALLY AB
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 KIA RIO
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
I bought this car used a few months ago. Warranty is almost up. I took good care of the car, and previous owner car maintenance records. I checked the spark plugs as well, the gap was the same 0.040". I am still getting poor fuel economy. Usually around 17-25 mpg, and 35-30 mpg at best on the highway.
Friday, August 3rd, 2018 AT 7:29 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
At 60,000 the park plugs need to be replaced regardless of wear also the throttle actuator needs to be cleaned. Use OEM parts.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

and disconnected the battery first.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run down these guides and report back.

Cheers, Ken

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Sunday, August 5th, 2018 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
WALLY AB
  • MEMBER
  • 97 POSTS
I cleaned the throttle body today but no real improvement in mpg.
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Thursday, August 9th, 2018 AT 2:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
Did you do the spark plugs please use OEM plugs? Also, lets run the codes to see if anything comes up. It could be a amp sensor that is a little off.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, August 10th, 2018 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
WALLY AB
  • MEMBER
  • 97 POSTS
So I checked everything. I ordered the OEM NGK laser iridium plugs from Korea, and just installed them today. I did not want to risk getting counterfeits from China. The dealers sells them locally at $20.00, parts store around $16.00 each, and I got all four for like $30.00.
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2018 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
Nice work can you service the throttle body as well? Here is a guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2018 AT 8:09 PM

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