Poor fuel mileage

2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
133,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROB CARNINO
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I filled my car up today. When i started it the fuel gauge read full and the computer said 345 miles to empty. I drove about 15 miles and the gauge dropped a quarter and the computer said 290 to empty. I have no full leaks. Any idea what this could be?

Thanks
Rob
Apr 1, 2021 at 12:38 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The idea that it changed that much is interesting. Were the 15 miles in town driving? I ask because if the overall average drops, so does the distance to empty. Also, what does the vehicle indicate for average MPG?

Let me know.

Joe
Apr 1, 2021 at 12:58 PM
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ROB CARNINO
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Yes, I was in town driving. I believe it’s 26 MPG.

Rob
Apr 1, 2021 at 1:13 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Hi,

That is higher than I expected. Can you recall if that is what it was getting before?

Joe
Apr 1, 2021 at 4:13 PM
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ROB CARNINO
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It says 22.
Apr 2, 2021 at 6:53 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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When fuel economy drops, check the basics. First, a plugged or dirty air filter can cause it. Also, if it hasn't been tuned up for a long time, that would be something to consider.

I would check the air filter first. Here is a link that explains in general how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-air-filter

If a tune-up hasn't been done for some time, it may help. Here is a link that shows in general how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

Let me know if that helps. Also, let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
Apr 2, 2021 at 11:43 AM
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ROB CARNINO
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It a new engine all that gas been replaced.
Apr 2, 2021 at 11:51 AM
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ROB CARNINO
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No brand new only 70,000 miles.
Apr 2, 2021 at 11:51 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Did this just start since the engine was replaced?

Joe
Apr 2, 2021 at 12:05 PM
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ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes.
Apr 2, 2021 at 12:12 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,236 POSTS
Hi,

If it is running properly and the check engine light isn't on, chances are it is simply the result of a different engine. Keep in mind, chances are they reused the fuel injectors, intake, and other components which came with the new engine.

Since it is new to you, drive it a bit. Put a few hundred miles on it to see if it changes. If possible, let me know if there is a change.

Joe
Apr 2, 2021 at 1:37 PM
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