Excessive fuel consumption

I drive a 95 Escort LX 1.9l and it seems to do really really great on gas on the expressway but when it comes to driving down main roads, it seems to burn gas very quickly. It burns a quarter tank within 10-20 miles. Any sugesstions?

First is it an Auto or Manual Trans.

You could try a new airfilter, or maybe even
have it brought in and have a mech check it on a computer.
Or it may just be your style of driving?



I'm a dumb ass your right oil filter has nothing to do with gas mpg

well air filter could be replaced, ill give you that. oil filter has nothing to do with fuel, but it should be changed every time you change your oil. have you done a tune up lately, (new plugs and wires and rotor.) and a new fuel filter. possibly even adding that injector cleaner to your gas tank next time you fill up, and the fuel line cleaner one too. whatever the hell there called. but I would do a fuel filter for sure.

A dirty fuel filter will actully help save gas....think about it, it's slowing the flow of gas, not forcing more in.

91 and newer escort's dont use a distribitor.

I would start at the O2 sensor, there's a cross over point where the CEL is'nt on, but the signal is lazy making the computer think it's running lean when it's really not, so the computer tries to compinsate by adding more fuel.

I beg to differ on the distributor. I have a 93 and got a new distribitor rotor when I did my last tune up.

I beg to differ on the distributor. I have a 93 and got a new distribitor rotor when I did my last tune up.
Yes, the 91-96 1.8 DOHC use a distribitor, but the person asking the question has a lx, they use a coil pack and the computer controls the timing.

Here's what might cause the Excessive fuel usage
1: Dirty or clogged air filter
2:Incorrectly set ignition timing
3:Choke sticking or improperly adjusted
4:Emission system not functioning properly
5:Fault is fuel or electrical system
6:Fuel injection system internal parts excessively worn or damaged.
Well I hope this helps a little
:-)