2001 Chevy Cavalier low fuel milage

Tiny
GIDGET19893161
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 96,440 MILES
I am getting really low fuel mileage. I understand that it can have many causes but I am thinking mechanical. The reason why is because it was getting better mileage when I got it. Also when starting off from a stop it is sluggish like it is getting to much fuel and flooding it self. It has not though any codes (or at least any that can be read by a OBD 2 scanner). It is still running and drive but doesn't like to move. When going down the freeway (70mph) I can see the fuel gauge move. Form were I live to portland and back it takes about half a tank. It should only take about 1/4 tank. Any help would be nice. My old car did the same thing and it was the mass air flow sensor that went out but it though a code that I can read. According to my local parts store there is no mass air flow sensor in this car. Again any help would help.
Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 AT 12:45 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi Gidget19893161, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Could be just a tune-up needed

also when starting off from a stop it is sluggish like it is getting to much fuel and flooding it self. Could be running too rich due to the following

1. Excessive fuel pressure can be cause by restricted fuel return line or defective fuel pressure regulator.
2. Defective Oxygen Sensors.
3. Leaking injectors and fuel pressure regulator.
4. Coolant temperature sensor out of calibration.
5. Restricted air intake system.
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Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,824 POSTS
If your scan tool will show the engine data list, you need to monitor the long term fuel trim values. Perfect reading is 0. Lean condition is positive numbers. Rich condition is negative numbers.
If you are seeing negative numbers on the long and short term fuel trims, I would suspect a faulty catalytic converter. (All fuel trim reading must be monitored in closed loop operation)
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Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 AT 1:06 PM

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