30K tune up....

[spta97]

What should I change at 30K? The book calls for mostly "checking" and "inspecting" but no real changes. My gas mileage has been aweful since I bought the truck with 26K on it (usually 10 MPG) so I'm hoping to make some changes that will improve that.

I hear good things about the K&N filter but I'm debating whether or not to change the plugs and wires. That will be expensive if it doesn't give me better mileage.

 

[TheJMan]

I'm not sure if the 2000 has platinum plugs or not, but platinum plugs only have to be changed at 60K miles. At 30,000 miles I would replace the air filter, PCV valve, change your oil and filter, and at least drop the transmission pan and change the filter and put in some new fluid. Also, just as a precaution you should change the thermostat. At 30,000 miles it could very well be worn out and it would be unfortunate to be stranded due to a simple five dollar part.

I have a K&N Air filter and it is ok, but don't expect an instant 2 MPG increase. I got maybe 1/2 mpg from it at most.

Using a synthetic oil will also help MPG.

Whatever you do, don't expect any one item to give you a dramatic gain in MPG. I have replaced many worn out or old items on my 1993 hoping for better mileage and i only gained about 1.5 mpg.

 

[spta97]

Thanks for the reply. Do you think it is worth changing the differential gear oil?

 

[TheJMan]

If I'm not mistaken, on a 2000, they come from the factory with 75W-140 synthetic. I don't believe it ever has to be changed because it is synthetic. Even so, 30,000 miles is too soon to replace even conventional gear oil. It probably wouldn't hurt to remove the drain plug and top it off if necessary, but there's really no need to change all of it. Plus, 75W-140 is really expensive, around $16/quart.

 

[spta97]

Ouch!

So I guess the moral of the story is buy a Honda if I want good gas mileage

Last time I had an SUV (Durango) I don't remember the mileage being this bad. However, I was incorporated at the time and used to expense my gas bills so I didn't pay much attention. When I'm driving sane, I only get about 12 MPG max (calculated by miles / actual gallons used). Mine is the AWD model. I hear others saying they are getting 17 MPG and I think that is impossible but if there is something I can do to get there I would.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Texan]

I brought my 2003 Explorer to the dealer for a 30,000 mile check up. They wanted 550 bucks... I said "no way" and went to my regular place.

They changed the fuel filter and recommended flushing the transmission, but did not have the new style fitting. So i'll get that done at the next oil change. The dealer wanted to flush the cooling system, flush the transmission, change every filter in the vehicle... But it was not even a year old.