gas milage problem

[glockman]

I am getting no more than 10 miles per gallon with my explorer. I don't know what the problem is. I have changed the air filter, checked the plugs and their fine, cleaned the mas air sensor, and run a ton of fuel injector cleaner through it. None of it has helped. I saw another post like this but it didn't clarify anything for me. Is this a problem with these suvs. I know I am supposed to get about 16-to 20 mpg. can you guys tell me what else I could check?

[mabulok]

Start by changing the plugs and wires. Then check for correct tire pressure, idle speed, binding brakes, thermostat stuck open, fuel leakage...That should keep you busy for a while. Suggest you get a Haynes manual, or other comparable book that details the ones I mentioned, plus a few others that are too in depth to outline here.

[Opera House]

Start by saying what year and engine it has.

[glockman]

I have a 1994 4.0L. What are binding brakes

[glockman]

I idle around 800-1000 rpms

[srercrcr]

A high idle could mean a disconnected or cracked vacuum hose somewhere.

[97FordExplorerXLT]

This may or may not help, anyways, I had the same problem in my '97 Explorer 5.0. I still get 800-1000 RPM idle. BUT, I decided to change the air filter to a K&N to replace the stock part. Believe it or not my gas mileage per tank gained 25 miles. Not a whole lot of signifigance in the city (stop and go traffic), but it sure helped a little. Not to mention more powerful upon immediately getting on the gas. I know that doesn't equate to better mileage when you get on it, but for hills the filter is noticeable and even on regular conditions too. I hope this gave some help. ~PEACE

[mabulok]

Originally Posted by glockman

I have a 1994 4.0L. What are binding brakes

The caliper is free-floating, ie. it centers itself based on the relative position to the disc. There are two bolts that allow this to happen. If/when the lubrication in these bolts dries up or otherwise disintegrates, due to age/moisture/whatever, your brakes may bind causing a drag on the wheels. This is one reason why they might bind. At any rate, the additional drag on your wheels could be noticeable in your gas milage. If you haven't found anything else, this would be a good place to look.

[Rocko67037]

Did you ever get problem resolved? Having same problem with 1991 Exp.

[Klutz]

My '98 Explorer (OHV) dropped from around the normal 21 Mpg to around 12 Mpg when my thermostat went Kaput. I didn't think there could be that big of a differance, but there was.
Start there if you are having trouble with your heat at all.

[Gravesubject]

I had this problem with my '94 and fixed it by replacing the oxygen sensors.

[mfayant]

change your MAF also. that will help

[Rocko67037]

I have the 91 Exp with the 4.0. Went from getting about 14-16 to 6.5mpg. After changing many items, turned out to be the Fuel pressure regulator. I guess the other items must have helped as I was averaging about 16mpg around town yesterday....