Poor fuel economy?

Tiny
SAID84
  • MEMBER
  • 2019 LEXUS ES 300H
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 40,000 MILES
Hi, I have the vehicle listed above (Japan made) I bought it second hand. I bought it for what the manufacturer claims that it can make 44 MPG. Unfortunately, my car is doing less than 33 MPG in the city and around 37 MPG in highway. No error faults reported, and everything seems to be working fine. Any idea what may be wrong?
Saturday, June 17th, 2023 AT 10:27 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,375 POSTS
Hi,

That's a tough question to answer because there are so many variables that can change MPG. For example, if you drive in an area with a lot of hills, that can lower it. If you are running the AC, that can lower it, there are other things as well.

The one thing that can cause lower MPG is a dirty air filter. Have you checked to make sure it is clean?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, June 18th, 2023 AT 8:47 PM
Tiny
SAID84
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi Joe

Thanks for your reply. The air filter was recently replaced, and I am driving in the city and highway (no hills).
For the A/C, it is always on with outside temperature above 110 F!
By the way, I noticed recently that the engine keeps running at idle even if it is not charging the battery!
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Sunday, June 18th, 2023 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,375 POSTS
Hi,

Do you mean the battery isn't being charged when you are at idle? If that is the case, here is a link that explains how to test the alternator. It is very easy. All you need is a voltmeter or a multimeter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know what you find. Interestingly, I love hot weather, but that is a little over the top for me. Ugh!!! 110F? You must feel like you are in an oven.

Let's see if the alternator is working properly. If it isn't, that can cause all kinds of different things to be off.

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, June 19th, 2023 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
SAID84
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Indeed, we are feeling like we are in an oven! Haha

Does the Hybrid car have an alternator? I thought that the electric motor turns into generator when the engine is running so the Hybrid battery is charged if it is below range. The engine starts if the Hybrid battery is low. The engine should not stay on once the battery charge is good. Which is not the case in my car. Short video attached for illustration.
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Monday, June 19th, 2023 AT 10:14 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,375 POSTS
Hi,

You are correct. There isn't a traditional alternator. I'm still getting used to these vehicles. LOL

As far as the light is concerned, you are correct. It shouldn't stay on. Because of the hazards of working on a high voltage circuit, I would suggest having it checked by a certified shop. I can help with directions, but not being there, I don't want to misdirect you. I hope you understand.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
SAID84
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for your reply. I totally understand and I don't think I am equipped with the knowledge to work on high voltage.
Thanks,
Said
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Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,375 POSTS
You are very welcome. Said, electric vehicles produce enough voltage to seriously hurt or kill a person. Please be careful.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 AT 9:38 PM
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,408 POSTS
Hello SAID84, I just wanted to join in the conversation. The MPG will vary depending on your driving habits as stated earlier on. I also noticed you're driving in sport mode. You will get less MPG when driving in sport since the lower gears are held much longer, The EV mode on your vehicle is only active on low speeds. Any sudden accelerations or highway speeds will make the gas engine run.

Depending on the driving conditions one or both sources are used to power the vehicle.
The following demonstrates how the ES300h operates in various driving
modes.
During light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor.
The gasoline engine is shut off.
During normal driving, the vehicle is powered mainly by the gasoline engine.
The gasoline engine also powers the generator to recharge the battery pack and to
drive the motor.
During full acceleration, such as climbing a hill, both the gasoline engine and the
electric motor power the vehicle.
During deceleration, such as when braking, the vehicle regenerates kinetic energy
from the front wheels to produce electricity that recharges the battery pack. While the vehicle is stopped, the gasoline engine and electric motor are off, however
the vehicle remains on and operational.

In conclusion your MPG's appear normal and if there was an issue your check engine light and hybrid malfunction lights would come on. Just make sure your tires are properly inflated with good tread. Alignment is straight. And keep up with your maintenance.
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Monday, June 26th, 2023 AT 7:23 PM

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