Sloop757

Hi there,

Girlfriend says she has gradually lost mpg's and is down to only 10mpg!

Heads up screen is broken so I can't get any feedback from it.

Checked for codes with odb2 scanner and came up with nothing.

It has had an oil change and air filter replaced recently, tires

proper psi, doesn't idle rough or have serious lack of power.

Changing the spark plugs today but I'm doubtful that will make a huge improvement.

So what should I look for??

Sloop757

***Mileage

And to boot, someone has over-torqued the spark plugs and they're not coming out. Waiting for pb blaster to soak in..hope it does the trick

turbo510

Start with the coolant temp sensor. They are fairly inexpensive, and can go bad in a way that signals the computer to add fuel. But 10 MPG and no fault codes? No check engine light? (be sure you see it come on when you first switch on the ignition, before starting the engine). You may need to have it scanned with VAG-COM to see if the fuel trims are way off.

Sloop757

No fault codes from the scanner at advanced auto but not sure if that scanner is worth a damn.

First switch on the ignition and I can make out that it says service but nothing beyond that, the screen is far gone.

I will try replacing the ECT, didn't think of that so thanks for the heads up.

Finished replacing spark plugs and cleaned the MAF. I'm thinking I will be needing to replace the front o2 sensor and fuel filter as well when it's all said and done

Reggie

Find someone who has a VAG-COM and look for codes. Also try BG44K in the gas.

Sloop757

I wish I knew somebody with a vag com but I don't and I'm not paying a dealership to pull codes, that's ridiculous. It would be very helpful to have a direction to go instead of throwing parts at it.

I may try the fuel system cleaner even though I've always been skeptical of the snake oil stuff

The Stig

The fuel consumption also depends on the mileage of her car and the condition of the engine. I would recommend a compression test to start off before replacing more parts. It is difficult to pinpoint the route of her problems without scanning.

You could try to fuel injector cleaner such as SeaFoam, which is available at most auto parts store and walmart for $9. I've been using it occasionally (every month) with great MPG results over the years in all of my vehicles. I have manual transmission and I usually get 25 mpg in the city.

HJB

Replace CTS, clean MAF, replace O2 sensor... does engine reach proper operating temp?

GTA_Driver

Good luck hunting you problem without getting a scan.

You won't save any money by replacing parts without knowing of they're broken.

M.S.G.

What part of the US are you located? Someone with a VAG might be local. I'd figure MAF and O2 sensors.