Bad mileage from the beginning

It could have something to do with the quality of the fuel and the percentage of Ethanol they are putting in as they switch formulas in the fuel for summer and winter. They are also very erratic on the amount of Ethanol they put in.

All I can do is offer possible causes. I can't know where your mileage went over the Internet.

To a certain degree, yes. But not entirely. The corrosion definitely is the problem why you need a jump start. Terminal corrosion to a battery is a cancer to a human body. Scraping helps, but it will come back. Here is what you should do. Treat the problem before it spreads.

If you have the EX model, find out what the anti-theft code to the radio. It is usually on the glove compartment, if you can't find it, call your "friendly" Honda technician for one. Or you can call 800-999-1009 and ask them for it. Have you VIN ready. If you have other models, disregard.

In a container(that you don't need anymore) make a solution of water and baking soda. Remove your battery terminals (one at a time) and soak the terminal into the solution. You will see bubbling, wait until it stops, and clean the terminal with a clean rag. You should have an almost brand new terminal now. Attach terminals back onto the battery. Once done, go to an auto part store and have your battery tested to make sure that the battery is still good. Depending on the condition of the battery, usually factory battery is good for about 3-4 years.

If you still have performance problem after that, then we'll trouble shoot more.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy:

E10 and E15 are blends of ethanol and gasoline†the number after the "E" indicates the percentage of ethanol by volume.

Most of the gasoline sold in the U.S. Contains up to 10% ethanol†the amount varies by region†and all auto manufacturers approve blends up to E10 in their gasoline vehicles.

As of 2011, EPA began allowing the use of E15 in model year 2001 and newer gasoline vehicles.2 Pumps dispensing E15 must be labeled (see example). The vehicle owner's manual may indicate the manufacturer's maximum recommended ethanol content.

Since ethanol contains about two-thirds as much energy as gasoline, vehicles will typically go 3% to 4% fewer miles per gallon on E10 and 4% to 5% fewer on E15 than on 100% gasoline.

I recently went to a fuel system training class and they spent a lot of time talking about lean codes that could not be resolved that the engineers traced back to fuel that tested to have much more ethanol that claimed.

They tested samples from a number of local stations and the results were all over the board.

Hi craunico,

Those items mentioned are the basics of tune ups and would affect the fuel consumption.

Is the Check Engine Light showing?

Minimal valve noise is acceptable but it would be good to heve thnm checked if you are going to perform a tune-up to check the fuel economy issues.

Without the CEL showing, there should be no engine mamangement problem so the tune up should be able to increase the fuel economy.

Hi jyd1234,

Was anything done prior to the increase in consumption?

The fuel filter is located intank with the fuel pump and replacement is required if the fuel pressure falls below the minimum requirements.

If performance is decreased from previous, it would increase the fuel consumption and apart from the maintenance items replaced, the tires and wheel bearings should be checked.

If it is possible to get onto a diagnostic machime, you would be able to check if the O2 sensors are working correctly.

Do you have a check engine light On and when was last tune-up?

This could be anything from wheel alignment, brakes, suspension, transmission etc-engine performance

Probable causes of an engine running rich are as follows:

1. Excessive fuel pressure can be cause by restricted fuel return line
2. Defective Oxygen Sensors.
3. Leaking injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
4. Coolant temperature sensor out of calibration.
5. Restricted air intake system

Replacement of the fuel fi;ter is listed at 1.3 hours and the list price of filter is $32.63.

Yes, inaccurate O2 sensor can cause higher fuel consumption.

Others items that you can check are :

1. Idling system, throttle body, IAC and other clogging of air passage can affect the fuel economy.

2. Valve clearance. Improper clearance is a possible cause.