Tip of the day on fuel economy | Ford Explorer Forums

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Tip of the day on fuel economy

mcgyver ky

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City, State
ky where all the mud is
Year, Model & Trim Level
91ford exporer eddiebauer
There are a lot of factors that should be noted when trying to minimize fuel consumption and understanding what can affect poor fuel economy.

Driving conditions are among the top reasons for poor fuel economy like snow, rain, ice, hills and stop and go traffic which sometimes cannot be helped, other things can be fixed with a little maintenance, adjusting and knowledge.

Like using the right fuel try to use the fuel that your vehicle was calibrated to a lower octane will increase [ks] or “knock sensor” system activity resulting in a net decrease in spark advance and thus poorer fuel economy, using fuel of a higher octane than the
Vehicle was calibrated for WILL NOT increase fuel economy.

In a new vehicle the engine has not went though the break in period for the rings and seals to properly seat under normal condition this will take five thousand miles fuel economy will increase over this time period.

Electrical loads headlights, fog lights, heated back glass, air condition, etc also play into affecting fuel economy (typically less than 1-mpg difference,
Each 10 Amps takes approximately .4 mpg).

Aliment, tire pressure and tires with larger than recommended tires for the vehicle speciation can also cause poor fuel economy like a 60 series can cause as much as 3 mpg loss. Tire Pressure:
Harder tires (more air pressure, or different tire compositions) result in better fuel economy.
Do not exceed maximum pressure as labeled on the tire, typically 30-35 psi. The disadvantage of this is that the greater the tire pressure, the harsher the vehicle rides.

Transmission:
On four-speed automatics, it is possible to drive the vehicle in third gear rather than "overdrive"
And not perceive it. Typically, this condition occurs when the shift indicator or the shift linkage/
Detent is misadjusted. Misadjusted shift linkages can also result in improper signals to the ECM,
Which can result in less spark advance, and results in a drop in fuel economy.

break drag when you pads are rubbing the roters because of lines that need to be blead or locked up calipers this will be easy to notice when you break the car will pull to the side that is faulty

Torque converter having a none locking converter will gain one to two mpg’s

Vehicle Weight:
Each 125 lbs. of additional weight results in a .3-MPG loss of fuel economy.
Thus, additional passengers and luggage will decrease fuel economy.

Combine errands into one trip.
Turn the engine off rather than letting it idle for more than a minute.
Have your car serviced as described in the maintenance booklet.
Keep tires inflated to recommended pressures.
Anticipate traffic stops.
Here are some things that will lower fuel economy:
Quick acceleration.
Traveling at higher speeds. Traveling at 65 mph instead of 55 mph lowers fuel economy by 15 percent.
Carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.
Revving the engine. This is not necessary for your vehicle.
Operating your vehicle with the suspension out of alignment or with the wheels and tires out of balance.
Use of electrical accessories that require high amperage when they are not needed.
Even things beyond your control, such as weather conditions, affect your fuel economy.
Driving up steep hills, in rain or snow, and into a strong wind will lower fuel economy.
In the lower left corner of the fuel economy window sticker for your vehicle is the range
Of city and highway fuel economy you can expect to get from your car. If you are doing
Everything to raise your fuel economy but are still not within this range, your vehicle may
Need service. Collect as much information about your fuel economy as you can find
(Miles driven, gallons of fuel used, etc.) And provide it to your dealership for their review and assistance.

Well I hope this helps some of you once again sorry for being so long winded and enjoy the ride but don’t forget to look around you might be missing something.
:thumbsup:
 



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great writeup.. thanks again
 






Do you have any modification tips to increase fuel economy?
 












I think aldive removed the roof rack to test this one time if I remember correctly. Someone here did anyway.
 






i read on one of these posts that some one had installed an air dam and lowered the truck (possibly aldive's quest for 30 post). are there pics on this and where do you get such an addition, the air dam, i mean. and how much does the air dam affect the fuel mileage or is it more the lower of the vehicle.

az
 






Originally posted by Black Magic
I would also think removing the roof rack. Would add a .03 or so. Maby more!
I'm thinking about removing mine but more for aesthetic reasons. I only drive 5 miles each way to work so I'm not too worried about the fuel economy part but an extra mpg would be nice.
 






I removed my roof rack ('95, same as the 91-94)and it made no difference in economy, but did quiet the cab somewhat since it's not contributing to the noise anymore. It also looks shorter, and less square like and more rectangular, makes people notice that somethings missing.
 






Originally posted by OL Crony
where do you get such an addition, the air dam, i mean. and how much does the air dam affect the fuel mileage or is it more the lower of the vehicle.

az

My aor dam was from Explorer Express.

Its the combination of the lowering and the air dam that increased the mileage,
 






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