Urgent-Extremely Poor Gas Mileage

[pace_maker]

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. It is giving me a terrible gas mileage (10-13 in city). I've had a check engine light for a while. So i checked the check engine light and it gave me an error "P1506: Manf Control Vehicle Speed. Idle speed control, Auxiliary inputs". So i checked the problem online and it seems like the IAC valve is stuck or needs replacement, and people with the same error code had the same "symptoms". My RPM drops below 1000 rpm on reverse, and above 1000 rpm when idle. I am almost sure the problem is in the intake system. But can somebody help me with it. I need to drive out of state in 2 days and i need to fix it. What could be causing the poor mileage? Any insights?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jlsparky7]

Theres a whole list of things that could be the problem. Start with fixing the check engine light.

 

[mechjames]

also try cleaning your MAF sensor. These things can get dirty but still within limits, but you use more gas.