98 Camry - Low Gas Mileage

[abrittis]

My 98 camry is getting noticably lower gas mileage. I am currently getting about 22 MPG, when previously I was getting 26/27 MPG. Granted most of the driving is "local" driving - but my driving habits haven't changed. I recently performed several standard tune-up tasks - new plugs, air filter, and even a new timing belt.

The car rides fine, and there are no DTCs present. I replaced the O2 sensor about 12 months ago. (Check engine light came on - indicating it needed replacement - can't remember the exact code.)

The poor milage does not correlate directly with any tune-up items or other fixes. I am just mentioning them for informational / diagnosis reasons.

I just checked the iginition timing - and it is correct.

The car has 90k miles on it.

Does anyone have any other ideas or suggestions?

Thanks,
Anthony

[don24mac]

Has your area started using a 10% Gasohol blend (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline)? In many areas of the country this is becoming a normal blend. It may show on the pump. This blend takes 10 to 15 percent off your mpg over straight gasoline. Ethanol is what is being used as an oxygenator to replace MTBE, and does not have the BTU density of MTBE or gasoline.

If you can, try and find straight gasoline. In many places in the country, 10% ethanol gas is all you can get. I've also found that by adding fuel injector cleaner, or other commercial gasoline additives, you can somewhat get back much of the mileage lost. However, the cost of the additive then becomes a factor. Some people say adding two or three ounces of acetone to ten gallons of gas works, too. But this, I haven't tried, and therefore wouldn't recommend.

[popeye08]

Tire pressure can also be one factor for poor milleage, did you check the tires? Try to inflate 1~3 psi more than the rated pressure, it will help.

[Brian R.]

I would say 22-24 mpg in town mileage is normal for your car.

It was rated 23 / 30 (local / highway) when it was new.

[Mike Gerber]

I agree with Brian. What Brain stated is about the mileage we get on our 98 Camry in the warmer months. In the cold Winter months it drops around 10%. This is the Chicago area, so they do use the oxygenated fuel year round. It also get's pretty cold here in the Winter.

Mike

[AccordCodger]

Mike - he's in California. BIG difference from Chicago.

Brian - he said there was a CHANGE in gas mileage with no change in driving pattern. If that's really the case, then that's key.

Anthony, there are a lot of possible causes - fuel, binding brakes, engine wear etc. You've just got to work through them all (including suggestions above). But if you're sure you used to get that much (and it does seem a tad high), then don't give up!

[Brian R.]

I think he better refigure. There is something wrong with the previous figure. 22 is to be expected.

[Crazyfuryan]

Hi Anthony,

I dont know much, but i also have a camry, 97 v6 though, and I also live in california. ( so cal )

My camry has been gettin low mpgs, it might be because it has around 100,000 miles on it.

Do you think its maybe because we run the ac alot during hot days?

Or is it because of the rising gas prices, we never paid much attention to our mpg, until gas prices started to go up.

[typesix]

Crazyfuryan, I found my former 89 4 cyl Camry to lose 4 mpg with AC on during highway runs, likely to be worse in local driving with the accel/decel patterns.

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by Crazyfuryan

Or is it because of the rising gas prices, we never paid much attention to our mpg, until gas prices started to go up.

Hello Crazyfuryan,

good point about the rising gas prices. I have noticed I pay more attention to my gas milage from my 1989 camry now that gas prices are as high. here in MA. 87 octane gasoline sells for $2.89 a gallon.

Regards,

JOET/CAMRY

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by JOET/CAMRY

Hello Crazyfuryan,

good point about the rising gas prices. I have noticed I pay more attention to my gas milage from my 1989 camry now that gas prices are as high. here in MA. 87 octane gasoline sells for $2.89 a gallon.

Regards,

JOET/CAMRY

JOET/CANRY,

My gas mileage in my 89' Camry is just as good as the day I bought it.

Regarding gas? What your paying is a bargain! In Los Angeles the price for regular is $3.23 per gallon. This weekend it'll be an easy $3.26 for the same grade so enjoy the $2.89 cuz it won't be that for long.

It's OK, cat food isn't too bad now. I can still have Burger King on Fridays for dinner.

rimfire22