by ozone » Wed Sep 02, 2009 2:19 pm
Don't forget everyone that this is an artificially low mileage reading. He started with half a tank and reported when empty. Every car I've ever driven including my wife's solara gets way fewer miles out of the last half of the meter reading than the first.
You drive like 340 miles on the first half and then wind up getting like 400 total. Happens all the time. It really messes with you when you are on a long trip and you think, man, I can make it all the way there at this rate. The next thing you know the light is on. LOL.
BMW has a great solution for that. They spread the bottom half of the meter across most of the guage with just a tiny sliver for the 3/4 to full point, providing better resolution where you need it most. Man I love that. All gas gauges should do that.
Either way, it IS very low mileage. As mentioned. You need to get the code read. Parts stores like PepBoys or Advance Discount Auto Parts will do it for free, so that they can then sell you the parts you need, if they carry them. A common problem is the charcoal cannister, but you just never know until it is diagnosed.
On a related note, I always drive in a "spirited" manner and we still get 24 mpg when the car is in good tune.
Good luck Kingpin. Let us know what happens.
