2006 Solara SE problem

[yueqingren]

My 2006 Solara (SE, V4, automatic) used to get 32 MPG on mixed city and highway driving, but about 1 month ago, I noticed it was only able to do 27-28 mpg. At the same time, the engine noise becomes noticeably loud at highway speed and I feel it's losing the normal power because it is hard to even push 80 mph. What could be the problem? I live in Michigan if that matters at all. Thanks.

[Jakecallun20]

Welcome first of all, 2nd of all its an I4 not a V4, I for inline 4 cylinder. As far as the milage goes, How many miles do you have on the car? And has it been in for any kind of plug change recently? Since its an 06 I wouldn't think it'd be that bad but I could be wrong. I would check into all of that and if nothing comes up then I would suggest changing your spark plugs, wire set and your car's fuel filter. As well as run a bottle of fuel system cleaner through your tank. If that doesn't help (which it should) then I'd clean out the throttle body and the MAF sensor.

[Black Bob]

Did you notice this only during the arctic freeze or back when it was above 30 degrees? My 2¢--I think the culprit may be the fact you're in Michigan. It's colder than the Cleveland Browns offense up our way and with the thermostat on I notice the same thing every winter. If your commutes are real short (under a mile or two) I would imagine in present single digit temperatures your transmission isn't letting you out of 3rd gear. Once the engine and transmission is warmed up everything you notice should dissipate (especially with long drives).

[Jakecallun20]

Did you notice this only during the arctic freeze or back when it was above 30 degrees? My 2¢--I think the culprit may be the fact you're in Michigan. It's colder than the Cleveland Browns offense up our way and with the thermostat on I notice the same thing every winter. If your commutes are real short (under a mile or two) I would imagine in present single digit temperatures your transmission isn't letting you out of 3rd gear. Once the engine and transmission is warmed up everything you notice should dissipate (especially with long drives).

Thats a good point, when the car's engine and transmission are cold, they rev to a higher point to "warm up the car faster" The cars ECM controls this, so if your commutes are that short then depending on the speed your traveling your car might not be shifting out of 3rd/4th etc. Thus resulting in much higer revs, using more fuel and lowering your fuel economy.

[Aotoyota]

remote start? get the engine and the inside all nice and toasty!

[CorCamrySE]

yeah but dont leave your car unattended and running to warm it up or youll get a fat ticket like some asshole cop gave me

on another note, the cold could be a factor in your issues with your solara...when its really cold here in MD, my city fuel economy goes from 31mpg down to almost 26mpg, and my car feels very sluggish and slow until it has fully warmed up

[PXLpainter]

Same gas? How's all other fluids condition/levels?

[Aotoyota]

yeah but dont leave your car unattended and running to warm it up or youll get a fat ticket like some asshole cop gave me

on another note, the cold could be a factor in your issues with your solara...when its really cold here in MD, my city fuel economy goes from 31mpg down to almost 26mpg, and my car feels very sluggish and slow until it has fully warmed up

they gave you a ticket? for what?

[Black Bob]

^^^^Yeah, do tell!