Fuel mileage drop

Tiny
HANKDJR
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,000 MILES
I own a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L and my fuel mileage in the last week went from 19 mpg (HWY) to 11.3 MPG all around. What should I look for to fix this problem? Shops here near my base are rip offs and my fathers been a mechanic for 33 years but he's 5000 miles away at home. I just need to get this fixed because it's sucking a 1/4 of a tank to run errands and its ridiculous
Monday, January 17th, 2011 AT 5:42 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Is the Check Engine light on? If so, there will be at least one diagnostic fault code that will lead to the problem.

That big of a drop is usually caused by a leak in the fuel line. Look along the right side between the two wheels for spots where you park.

Listen and feel for a misfire too. A defective spark plug or wire will cause that cylinder's unburned air and fuel to enter the exhaust system where the air will be detected by the oxygen sensor. That will tell the Engine Computer to add more fuel in a misguided attempt to fix the lean condition it thinks is present.

Caradiodoc
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Monday, January 17th, 2011 AT 6:23 PM

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