Corolla Newbie - Fuel mileage question

[hawkman71]

Hi all,

I've been poking around for some time, and finally getting into some questions. It appears there is a great group of people on this forum, and the feedback and DIY threads are awesome!

I have had a 1996 DX (1.8 L) Corolla for about two years now. Bought it used for about $2k with only 90,00 miles on it! Automatic, AC etc.

My fuel mileage has gotten shaky lately. Dropping from upper 35 to around 30-32, with 28 being the lowest. I DID put a bike rack on, which dropped it by about 1-1.5mpg, but the rest of this drop is unexplained. I just recently had a check-engine light come on which coded as P0401 (EGR flow insufficient), which I've read on some forum (maybe this one) that it could very well be the VSV. I haven't checked this yet...

1. What is the best fuel mileage one could expect with a stock Corolla w/1.8L engine?
2. Is there a list of things that I can check into/work on in order to improve this?

I have some other questions, and am thinking I'll put them into separate threads over time, so as to keep the thread focused.

Thanks so much.

[tgerhard]

Hello hawkman,

I've got a '95 1.8L that consistently averages 35 mpg.

[zythr]

You'll also have slightly lower mileage if winter blended fuel is used where you live.

[trife96]

the VSV is a good place to look. Especially since you got that code. The valve could very well be sticking open, or closed. When is the last time you had a tune up, oh and check tire pressure btw lol

[hawkman71]

I DO have a slow leak in one tire. Need to get that fixed. It might explain the variability in mileage. Although I drive in the country (~60) and on the highway (75+), sometimes with a 275lb passenger..

Never a tuneup. Do my own stuff, but probably ought to get a tune-up. I'm just scared of giving a car to a guy who will do more or charge more than necessary. Perhaps this is an unjust fear.

I figured I could start with plugs (i've never checked them yet), wires, cap, rotor.

I thought I out to change tranny fluid, and maybe front transaxle (unless these are one-n-the-same).

[trife96]

Fix the leak, but u definitely prolly need a tune-up, and I agree, don't take it to a mechanic. Plugs, rotor, cap, all can be done pretty easily for less than a $100. Then see where you stand.

If you change your tranny fluid, the tranny and differential fluid is gonna be all in one, not seperate. But on some with the 1.6 3 speed with no overdrive, they have seperate chambers for the fluid. Not the case for you since I'm assuming you have the 1.8 with the overdrive