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
  • 108,355 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
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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
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Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,355 POSTS
Hi,

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

Joe
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Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 11:13 PM
Tiny
ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It says 22.
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Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,355 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
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Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It a new engine all that gas been replaced.
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Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No brand new only 70,000 miles.
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Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,355 POSTS
Did this just start since the engine was replaced?

Joe
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Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
ROB CARNINO
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes.
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Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,355 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
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Friday, April 2nd, 2021 AT 8:37 PM

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