Is my 96 Z-24 a Gas Guzler (bad MPG)?

[oneroundko]

I swear I can see my fuel gauge move when I step on the gas. I had a 97 standard cavalier (manual 2.2) and it seemed to be real good on the gas.

But my 96 Z24 automatic 2.4 L. is just killing me. It seems like I fill it up two-three times a week, and with the gas prices, you know how that is...

I never beat on my car, and try never to go too far beyond 3,000 RPMs, usually when merging onto the freeway.

I'm sure you'll say fule filter and air filter, but I'm still skeptical about how much that will help me.

So, whats' the problem? Does anybody else here have that problem? The last thing I want to do is get rid of my baby cause of that, but if I'm only getting like 15 MPG, (and trust me, it's right around there) then I have to.

[CavRacer]

Wow that is really bad. I push my 00' z24 into the 5000 rpm range quite often and still get over 30mpg.

A clogged air filter would not harm your gas milage to the degree you are talking about. You would notice a lot less power but not that severe of a drop in your mpg, and I don't think it would be the fuel filter or you would also notice a 'severe' loss in power. The only thing I can think of right now that won't cost you a fortune is to run some injector cleaner and gas treatment through your engine and see if it improves any. If it doesn't you could be in for some serious trouble.

[oneroundko]

Originally Posted by CavRacer

you could be in for some serious trouble.

How do you mean? I never smell gas or anything. So I don't think it's a leak.


I just don't know. Do you know what we're supposed to be getting? I think I read somewhere that we can find it in our manuals and that we are supposed to get around 25 MPG?

[Dreamspawn]

oxygen sensor or air charge temp sesnor but both of those you should have a check engine light. If you do advance does free ecu error code readings last i herd.