2003 explorer advice

[bishoptol]

Hey guys,

I have a 2003 explorer xlt v8. This is probably a simple question so...

Every 2 days I have to put 20 bucks in the tank! EVERY TWO DAYS! I am thinking I just need a tune up (haven't gotten one in probably over 1 year) and had the fuel and air filter changed. And oil changed.

Do you thin I just need a tune up? what else could be the issue? The reason I asked is because the tech is urging I sip the tune up and get a diagnostic check for an outrageous price and I thinks he's just out for the money seeing as that is what the reviews say about the dealership.


Thank You!

 

[jrford]

what does that work out in mpg,????
at $20 and $2.5/gal = 8gals
how many miles is that in two days?
i'm avg about 13-15mpg . . .with a V8/AWD.

 

[pet575]

Ya, if you're driving 350-400 miles in 2 days I don't see there being a problem. But, if you're driving 100-150 miles a day there might be something wrong. Need your mileage.

I drive a 2004 LTD V-8 AWD and average 17MPG when I haven't been doing mostly highway driving. All city driving is more like 14 or 15MPG.

 

[bishoptol]

I go about 40 miles a day
v8 2 wheel

240,000

 

[pet575]

I'd get the diagnostic first. How much are they wanting to charge you to do it?

 

[bishoptol]

88.50

 

[thepotroast]

How much is gas per gallon in your area. Gas varies over a dollar a gallon throughout the U.S. It sounds like either way, you're getting about 10 miles per gallon...on a V8 SUV, and depending on how you drive, average speed, city or highway, if you run the A/C or not, and how much weight you're carrying around....10 miles a gallon on a high mileage V8 SUV is not uncommon.

 

[bishoptol]

2.55/1 gal.
Truck has normally nothing in it.
Says it's supposed to have 13-15 city and 19-21 hi. I always take highway

 

[thepotroast]

2.55/1 gal.
Truck has normally nothing in it.
Says it's supposed to have 13-15 city and 19-21 hi. I always take highway

It's actually 13 city / 18 highway for a 2wd V8:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2003_Ford_Explorer.shtml

Does your truck need a tune up, yes. It has very high miles, if it hasn't had a full tune up in a long time (or ever), then to answer your question, yes a tune up would be good.

If you're concerned about a diagnostic, get a free OBD scan done first, head to AutoZone or Advance Auto and have them do one for you. You may not be throwing any codes.