Poor fuel mileage

Tiny
ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,000 MILES
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
Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 7:38 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes, I was in town driving. I believe it’s 26 MPG.

Rob
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

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

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 11:13 PM
Tiny
ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It says 22.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It a new engine all that gas been replaced.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No brand new only 70,000 miles.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Did this just start since the engine was replaced?

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 8:37 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links