2000 Ford Taurus Poor MPG

Avatar
DANGELES95
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 2000 Taurus FFV that seems to be going thru the gas? I know its not the fuel gauge because I wait until its on E and when I fill it up, I can always put in around 15 gallons (its a 16 gallon tank).
I usually put in regular gas (87 octane) and Im not an aggressive driver. What could be my problem?
I am getting an average of 16 mpg?! OUCH!
Aug 15, 2006 at 11:01 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
[quote:979c5287fa="dangeles95"]I have a 2000 Taurus FFV that seems to be going thru the gas? I know its not the fuel gauge because I wait until its on E and when I fill it up, I can always put in around 15 gallons (its a 16 gallon tank).
I usually put in regular gas (87 octane) and Im not an aggressive driver. What could be my problem?
I am getting an average of 16 mpg?! OUCH![/quote:979c5287fa]

There are several things that you can do to improve gas milage. First off, do you ever see any black smoke out of the exhaust? This is an indication that the car is running rich, and can decrease gas milage.
Tire pressure needs to be kept at the proper inflation. The car rolls easier and therefor has les resistance and gets better milage.
Clean air filter. This can help keep the fuel/air mixture correct and help milage.
Tune up! New plugs and wires can make the fuel/air mixture burn more completley causing an increase in milage.

Now, with all of that said, if you have been seeing black smoke, it is a good idea to have the fuel pressure system checked. A bad fuel pressure regulator can cause a rich condition, along with faulty fuel injectors.
Hopefully this helps some.
Aug 15, 2006 at 1:28 PM

Suggested Repair

Check for black exhaust smoke indicating a rich mixture. Maintain proper tire pressure, replace a dirty air filter, and perform a tune-up with new spark plugs and wires. If black smoke is present, have the fuel pressure system checked, including the fuel pressure regulator and fuel injectors.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2000 Ford Taurus FFV reports about 16 mpg despite gentle driving and regular 87-octane fuel, and confirms the tank takes about 15 gallons when the gauge reads empty. The expert suggests checking for a rich condition, proper tire pressure, a clean air filter, and a tune-up, and recommends testing the fuel pressure regulator and injectors if black exhaust smoke is present.

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle