Terrible Gas Mileage

[Doorknob42]

Hi, I'm new obviously. I have a 96 Camry LE with the 2.2L. I have been averaging close to 18-19 mpg in mixed driving (mostly highway). I would expect better because I drive with fuel economy in mind and rarely get going quick (Unlikely to happen in a 4 cylinder Camry anyway. ) I check the tires, it has a new air filter and recently got a tuneup and the mileage still sucks. The car has 133K on it so is there something else that I should have looked at? Thanks if you have any ideas on what I could do. I'd really like to get the mileage improved cause I will probably get rid of the car if this is as good as it gets.

[Mike Gerber]

A bad thermostat stuck in the open position, a defective coolant temperature sensor, or the slightest bit of brake drag can really cut your mileage. The engine coolant temperature sensor and the brake drag are things that can be checked. The thermostat will just have to be replaced to check it's condition and effect on mileage.

Read my posts in this thread for further details:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...66#post1232166

Mike

[ag6286]

More than likely the culprit will be your 02 sensor, i replaced both mine on my 3vz two years or so ago aand my gas mileage went from only 230 miles/tank! all the way to 450miles/tank!!

[CCCP]

^^^ yeah that's so true, replacing one on 1mz and my milliage increased from 220 to 280mi
sthings like, air filter, spark plugs, timing have to be replaced all together to see any significant change

[Durrby]

I also believe it's partially the O2 sensor. I replaced mine a few months back and just about doubled the mileage I get out of a tank of gas.

[marc780]

I would begin with a compression test if you have easy access to a tester. Warm up engine, remove all spark plugs, screw in tester. Crank engine for 5 or 10 seconds and record your readings. Acceptable compression (Haynes manual): 142 psi to 178 psi (4 cyl) 145 psi to 218 psi (V6).
Hopefully your compression is ok, if your compression is low you may need a valve job someday soon. Or rings but probably not, its a Toyota.