My 03 lancer es has been getting really bad mileage. I have never done a total count on my mpg but I drive about 2/3 the distance I used to drive on a full tank. I changed the spark plugs, the air filter looks good, and I am unsure what else to do. I have been told fuel injector cleaner is bad and will damage the seals? Any suggestions and has anyone solved their own mpg problem?????

 

Fuel injector cleaner is fine. Never hurt my Lancer...

PS - damage what seals? The injector o-rings? The piston ring lands? The camshaft seals? Clubbing baby seals? I can't think of a single seal it would hurt.

 

do you know how many miles you usually go on a tank? I usually get around 350 just before the light comes on.

 

Lighten your load, roll windows up. Also Did you just put on after market wheels and or tires?
You might be getting the same amount of miles but it might think you're going less due to a differant tire size.

 

its called a heavy foot. haha j/k

did u check your tire pressure?
any loose holes? ex. the piping that connects to your air filter?
bad o2 senser? (dont really know if this would matter)
bad fuel gauge?

all i can think of.

 

wow 350 is great.

 

indeed, thats pretty good...i get like 250 max on my auto...which kinda sux.

 

pcv valve too changed mine and improved gas milage

 

I tried to get my PCV valve changed but the damn thing wont unscrew it looks like if i try any harder ill rip the little medal thing right off the damn head =/

 

I have aftermarket rims/tires but the gas mileage was fine with them on. My driving habit haven't changed but my mileage suxs now. I will try some injector cleaner also. Anyone use that prestone complete fuel system cleaner???? I will also check out that pcv valve. Thanks.

 

Do you have a check engine light? the fuel system cleaner will help, but i cant see it having that much of an effect on gas mileage unless you have a stuck injector or something like that.
have you tried resetting your ecu? It may just need to go through a relearn period to adjust.

 

wow we have a pcv vaule in our cars? where is it?

 

Jesus do you people go WOT all the time? I thought I had bad mileage when I went from 600 to 450 on a tank.

 

Must be nice to have that extra .6, huh?

Damn you people who are smart enough to use the Metric system! One day us dumb Americans will catch up!

 

im in the same boat as him. im getting only 180 a tank i used to see at least 230.. (auto) but my rear tire situation is all jacked up. im on a donut from a recent tire blow out... But it feels like my fuel is lasting a long time just like when i bought the car.. i think im getting a false reading due to my rear tire issue... im getting a set of fresh rubber next week, so i'll let you know how my situation turns out next week.