220 to a tank???
01-24-2003, 10:27 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 532
220 to a tank???
I'm getting really bad gas milage, 220 to a tank, and I'm a 5 spd. I'm thinking a couple of things because I got a 3,4 and a 4,7 (knock sensor, and crankshaft position sensor)
I'm thinking that the crankshaft position sensor is causing the knock sensor. Should I replace this first? And does anyone know how much these cost at dealers?
Thanks guys
-Chris
I'm thinking that the crankshaft position sensor is causing the knock sensor. Should I replace this first? And does anyone know how much these cost at dealers?
Thanks guys
-Chris
01-24-2003, 10:33 AM
#3
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 549
I'm getting about the same (220 - 250) and I'm an automagic. I've even tried running it granny style (easy on the gas) and still get nearly the same. I have about 46,000 miles on my 98, I bought it about 1 1/2 years ago and have no idea if the fuel filter has ever been changed. How long should a filter last?
Originally posted by SprintMax
woah.. and i thought my 370ish was bad.
you need to clean your fuel filter ASAP
woah.. and i thought my 370ish was bad.
you need to clean your fuel filter ASAP
01-24-2003, 10:37 AM
#4
Originally posted by MdMaxDrvr
I'm getting about the same (220 - 250) and I'm an automagic. I've even tried running it granny style (easy on the gas) and still get nearly the same. I have about 46,000 miles on my 98, I bought it about 1 1/2 years ago and have no idea if the fuel filter has ever been changed. How long should a filter last?
I'm getting about the same (220 - 250) and I'm an automagic. I've even tried running it granny style (easy on the gas) and still get nearly the same. I have about 46,000 miles on my 98, I bought it about 1 1/2 years ago and have no idea if the fuel filter has ever been changed. How long should a filter last?
01-24-2003, 10:46 AM
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Lexington, KY
Posts: 513
I get about 300 miles/tank on my 5-speed. My right foot is very heavy and I haven't changed my fuel-filter for about 20k miles. If i drive like a granny, i can get about 350 miles/tank. By the way, all of my miles are in the city with a bunch of short trips.
01-24-2003, 10:50 AM
#6
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 549
Hmmmm Well I guess I know what I'm doing next 
Is there any real benefit to getting the 300Z filter? Any performance type gains or just longevity?
Just curious, how hard would it be to tear the old filter apart to see how dirty it was/wasn't?
Is there any real benefit to getting the 300Z filter? Any performance type gains or just longevity?Just curious, how hard would it be to tear the old filter apart to see how dirty it was/wasn't?
Originally posted by SprintMax
10k - 15k miles
10k - 15k miles
01-24-2003, 11:26 AM
#7
Originally posted by MdMaxDrvr
Hmmmm Well I guess I know what I'm doing next Is there any real benefit to getting the 300Z filter? Any performance type gains or just longevity?
Just curious, how hard would it be to tear the old filter apart to see how dirty it was/wasn't?
Hmmmm Well I guess I know what I'm doing next
Is there any real benefit to getting the 300Z filter? Any performance type gains or just longevity?Just curious, how hard would it be to tear the old filter apart to see how dirty it was/wasn't?
oil filter.. i guess you would need a hack saw... change the air filter too ...
01-24-2003, 01:42 PM
#10
a clogged fuel filter would more than likely cause you to get better gas milage and run lean, since gas would be slowed through the dirty filter 
I would make sure your air filter was clean. I average about 320 miles a tank which usually equates to about 22 mpg. I'm fine with that because I keep my car in the 4 - 5k rpm range when I'm driving around town. Btw, I'm a 5spd.
As for the codes, I'm gonna get flamed here but the knock sensor doesn't trip the CEL so it usually isn't apparent until another device, that does trip the CEL, goes bad or out of spec. I would recommend you check your crankshaft posistion sensor per the Haynes manual and replace it if it's bad. Reset your ECU and check again for codes about 300 miles later. If the ks code is still there, replace it. Plan on some cut knuckles.
I would make sure your air filter was clean. I average about 320 miles a tank which usually equates to about 22 mpg. I'm fine with that because I keep my car in the 4 - 5k rpm range when I'm driving around town. Btw, I'm a 5spd.As for the codes, I'm gonna get flamed here but the knock sensor doesn't trip the CEL so it usually isn't apparent until another device, that does trip the CEL, goes bad or out of spec. I would recommend you check your crankshaft posistion sensor per the Haynes manual and replace it if it's bad. Reset your ECU and check again for codes about 300 miles later. If the ks code is still there, replace it. Plan on some cut knuckles.
01-24-2003, 01:48 PM
#11
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 549
The KS was the first thing I checked, and it was bad (pulling the codes). I replaced it (along with leaving a healthy chunk of my thumb and decent amount of blood) and still get the crappy mileage but no more codes (although I haven't checked codes recently).
My air filter is new, just replaced a few months ago. Another thing that I'm sure wasn't helping is that my tires were way underinflated, but that hasn't always been the case, my gas mileage has always sucked. Does the crankshaft position sensor show up when you check the codes if its bad?
My air filter is new, just replaced a few months ago. Another thing that I'm sure wasn't helping is that my tires were way underinflated, but that hasn't always been the case, my gas mileage has always sucked. Does the crankshaft position sensor show up when you check the codes if its bad?
Originally posted by Toolrocks
a clogged fuel filter would more than likely cause you to get better gas milage and run lean, since gas would be slowed through the dirty filter I would make sure your air filter was clean. I average about 320 miles a tank which usually equates to about 22 mpg. I'm fine with that because I keep my car in the 4 - 5k rpm range when I'm driving around town. Btw, I'm a 5spd.
As for the codes, I'm gonna get flamed here but the knock sensor doesn't trip the CEL so it usually isn't apparent until another device, that does trip the CEL, goes bad or out of spec. I would recommend you check your crankshaft posistion sensor per the Haynes manual and replace it if it's bad. Reset your ECU and check again for codes about 300 miles later. If the ks code is still there, replace it. Plan on some cut knuckles.
a clogged fuel filter would more than likely cause you to get better gas milage and run lean, since gas would be slowed through the dirty filter
I would make sure your air filter was clean. I average about 320 miles a tank which usually equates to about 22 mpg. I'm fine with that because I keep my car in the 4 - 5k rpm range when I'm driving around town. Btw, I'm a 5spd.As for the codes, I'm gonna get flamed here but the knock sensor doesn't trip the CEL so it usually isn't apparent until another device, that does trip the CEL, goes bad or out of spec. I would recommend you check your crankshaft posistion sensor per the Haynes manual and replace it if it's bad. Reset your ECU and check again for codes about 300 miles later. If the ks code is still there, replace it. Plan on some cut knuckles.
01-24-2003, 02:10 PM
#12
In general, if the crankshaft posistion sensor goes bad it should trip the CEL. Does your car run pretty smooth? What I'm getting at is I wonder if you have injectors that are slow or are sticking open. That would normally cause poor drivability though. One last thing I can think of, the fuel gauge and sender in our cars is pretty crappy. If you've installed indiglos or something it would be possible to bump the fuel gauge needle out of proper alignment. I don't know if the guage relies on the needle to activate the low fuel light though. How many gallons does your car take when you fill it up? According to my 95 FSM, our gas tank capacity is 18 1/2 gallons - I find this hard to believe because I've puttered into too many gas stations and could only cram a little over 16 gallons into the bone dry tank.
01-24-2003, 02:33 PM
#13
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 532
Well I was never getting a CEL, I just pulled codes to see if anything was going on. My engine runs very smooth, pulls hard, and seems perfect besides the bad gas milage. I have a clean pop charger, so thats not the problem. I dunno, maybe changeing the fuel filter will help. Thanks for all the feedback...
01-24-2003, 04:44 PM
#14
I had a bad KS and camshaft pos sensor. The CPS was making my car stall. Not to mention I avg around 250 miles a tank.
I changed out my CPS, and my stalling problem is gone, however I still get pretty bad gas mileage. I have read where others have replaced their KS and have gotton significant gains in mpg. If you don't, it could be that you didn't have a bad KS to begin with.
I would suggest changing out your KS first, and then getting a tune up. I also may be running rich, because I have my idle air control valve set pretty high.
If I start averaging 300 miles per tank i'll be happy.
I changed out my CPS, and my stalling problem is gone, however I still get pretty bad gas mileage. I have read where others have replaced their KS and have gotton significant gains in mpg. If you don't, it could be that you didn't have a bad KS to begin with.
I would suggest changing out your KS first, and then getting a tune up. I also may be running rich, because I have my idle air control valve set pretty high.
If I start averaging 300 miles per tank i'll be happy.
01-24-2003, 05:27 PM
#15
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Posts: 1,082
i was getting pretty bad mileage until i realized my trip meter reset button was not fully extended. if i watched the trip meter, it would move, stop, jump, move, stop... sometimes obvious, once i got less than 100mi on a tank, sometimes not so obvious, 200-300mi/tank, and now i get 350-400. hehe, it is deceiving.
01-24-2003, 05:34 PM
#16
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Originally posted by Miasma
i was getting pretty bad mileage until i realized my trip meter reset button was not fully extended. if i watched the trip meter, it would move, stop, jump, move, stop... sometimes obvious, once i got less than 100mi on a tank, sometimes not so obvious, 200-300mi/tank, and now i get 350-400. hehe, it is deceiving.
i was getting pretty bad mileage until i realized my trip meter reset button was not fully extended. if i watched the trip meter, it would move, stop, jump, move, stop... sometimes obvious, once i got less than 100mi on a tank, sometimes not so obvious, 200-300mi/tank, and now i get 350-400. hehe, it is deceiving.
01-24-2003, 08:40 PM
#20
Originally posted by SprintMax
driving 20 mph like its a show car will do that
driving 20 mph like its a show car will do that
01-25-2003, 09:13 AM
#24
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 199
i get about 200-220 on a full tank (17Gallons)
So far i have tried this to fix it...
1.Nissan dealership 60k tuneup + tranny flush, injector flush.=$478.00
No difference....
2. New tires, new injectors, new ignition coils, new fuel filter...
No diffrence
i have no codes on my ECU i keep getting 0505. and when ever i start my car it grinds and i have to give it gas ... and sometimes if i start the car too fast the CEL comes on. in order to avoid that i have to put the key to ON mode for 3-5 secs and then to ignition.
so there is something wrong with the car that doesnt trip the cel.. i wonder what it is.. ive spent alot of time and money on trying to fix this but nothing seems to help. the dealership said they dont know whats up with it.. they just advised me to get new injectors, and coils which i did. and still i get bad mpg.
So far i have tried this to fix it...
1.Nissan dealership 60k tuneup + tranny flush, injector flush.=$478.00
No difference....
2. New tires, new injectors, new ignition coils, new fuel filter...
No diffrence
i have no codes on my ECU i keep getting 0505. and when ever i start my car it grinds and i have to give it gas ... and sometimes if i start the car too fast the CEL comes on. in order to avoid that i have to put the key to ON mode for 3-5 secs and then to ignition.
so there is something wrong with the car that doesnt trip the cel.. i wonder what it is.. ive spent alot of time and money on trying to fix this but nothing seems to help. the dealership said they dont know whats up with it.. they just advised me to get new injectors, and coils which i did. and still i get bad mpg.
01-25-2003, 09:28 AM
#26
HOLY CRAP!!!!
How do you all get such good gas mileage. I get 360, winter or summer. I don't know how any of you get over 400. Unless all you do is drive on the highway. The best mileage I got was 390. I don't know how swafford98 got 500 miles once.
How do you all get such good gas mileage. I get 360, winter or summer. I don't know how any of you get over 400. Unless all you do is drive on the highway. The best mileage I got was 390. I don't know how swafford98 got 500 miles once.
01-25-2003, 02:03 PM
#27
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Originally posted by MdMaxDrvr
I'm getting about the same (220 - 250) and I'm an automagic. I've even tried running it granny style (easy on the gas) and still get nearly the same. I have about 46,000 miles on my 98, I bought it about 1 1/2 years ago and have no idea if the fuel filter has ever been changed. How long should a filter last?
I'm getting about the same (220 - 250) and I'm an automagic. I've even tried running it granny style (easy on the gas) and still get nearly the same. I have about 46,000 miles on my 98, I bought it about 1 1/2 years ago and have no idea if the fuel filter has ever been changed. How long should a filter last?
01-25-2003, 02:45 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 808
have any of you with oversized wheel/tire package noticed a drop in mgp? when i switched to a 225-55-16 vs the 225-50-16 i had before my mpg droped about 2-3mpg. it took me a while to realize this, but since i now have a larger diameter tire, i'm turning fewer rotations per mile... resulting in fewer miles registered on the odometer. and unless you have your speedometer recalibrated, this is going to happen. anyone else notice this?
01-25-2003, 02:54 PM
#29
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 549
My car seems to run great. Idle is off once in a while but it only dips a few hundred RPM (100 - 200). I don't have any indiglos, stock intake, exhaust, tire size, etc. I think I usually put in between 14 - 16 gallons on a fill-up ,depending on how low I let it go. I usually fill up at 3/4 of a tank empty. Other that the crappy mileage, I don't have any complaints. Maybe its always been slow and I never knew any better? Maybe I'll give it a tune up this spring and see what happens.
Originally posted by Toolrocks
In general, if the crankshaft posistion sensor goes bad it should trip the CEL. Does your car run pretty smooth? What I'm getting at is I wonder if you have injectors that are slow or are sticking open. That would normally cause poor drivability though. One last thing I can think of, the fuel gauge and sender in our cars is pretty crappy. If you've installed indiglos or something it would be possible to bump the fuel gauge needle out of proper alignment. I don't know if the guage relies on the needle to activate the low fuel light though. How many gallons does your car take when you fill it up? According to my 95 FSM, our gas tank capacity is 18 1/2 gallons - I find this hard to believe because I've puttered into too many gas stations and could only cram a little over 16 gallons into the bone dry tank.
In general, if the crankshaft posistion sensor goes bad it should trip the CEL. Does your car run pretty smooth? What I'm getting at is I wonder if you have injectors that are slow or are sticking open. That would normally cause poor drivability though. One last thing I can think of, the fuel gauge and sender in our cars is pretty crappy. If you've installed indiglos or something it would be possible to bump the fuel gauge needle out of proper alignment. I don't know if the guage relies on the needle to activate the low fuel light though. How many gallons does your car take when you fill it up? According to my 95 FSM, our gas tank capacity is 18 1/2 gallons - I find this hard to believe because I've puttered into too many gas stations and could only cram a little over 16 gallons into the bone dry tank.
01-25-2003, 04:49 PM
#31
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Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
Posts: 3,751
Originally posted by rguida
not true, I drive my car not anything like a show car and I get 390 in the winter and 450 in the summer. yes this is mostly highway miles but its possible. unfortunately i dont know how its possible.... as for gallons that the tank can hold, I am pretty sure i read it to be 17 gallons. 18 1/2 i think is what the new maximas hold?
not true, I drive my car not anything like a show car and I get 390 in the winter and 450 in the summer. yes this is mostly highway miles but its possible. unfortunately i dont know how its possible.... as for gallons that the tank can hold, I am pretty sure i read it to be 17 gallons. 18 1/2 i think is what the new maximas hold?
01-25-2003, 09:36 PM
#34
I've only been getting 200-220 mpg out of my 97 GLE, but that's cause whenever I was listening to my radio I had to leave the car running so the battery wouldn't die.
I've had the electrical problem fixed, but haven't yet filled up and ran out the tank.
You have to remember that idleing eats gas as well as using the heater and air, if you didn't already know.
My bros 98 GXE gets about 350 mpg
---Lost
I've had the electrical problem fixed, but haven't yet filled up and ran out the tank.
You have to remember that idleing eats gas as well as using the heater and air, if you didn't already know.
My bros 98 GXE gets about 350 mpg
---Lost
01-25-2003, 09:40 PM
#35
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Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
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Originally posted by Toolrocks
You truly are maxima obsessed.hehe
You truly are maxima obsessed.hehe
01-31-2003, 10:27 AM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 170
Originally posted by Lost_N_a_97Max
I've only been getting 200-220 mpg out of my 97 GLE, but that's cause whenever I was listening to my radio I had to leave the car running so the battery wouldn't die.
I've had the electrical problem fixed, but haven't yet filled up and ran out the tank.
You have to remember that idleing eats gas as well as using the heater and air, if you didn't already know.
My bros 98 GXE gets about 350 mpg
---Lost
I've only been getting 200-220 mpg out of my 97 GLE, but that's cause whenever I was listening to my radio I had to leave the car running so the battery wouldn't die.
I've had the electrical problem fixed, but haven't yet filled up and ran out the tank.
You have to remember that idleing eats gas as well as using the heater and air, if you didn't already know.
My bros 98 GXE gets about 350 mpg
---Lost
01-31-2003, 10:56 AM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 553
ToolRocks - It is well known that changing a dirty fuel filter will increase your fuel mileage on the Maxima, even if no one knows exactly why.
Opening up the fuel filter can be dangerous, remember, its filled with fuel and steel on steel makes heat and sparks... BOOM.
18.5 is what Nissan claims for Fuel tank capacity. Although, you will probably run out of fuel at 18 gals and maybe less because of the fuel tank's shape and dis-optimal location of the fuel intake.
I've gotten over 400 miles to the tank in my Max. It was 100% highway and I ended up getting like 31mpg... this was after a fuel filter change.
Opening up the fuel filter can be dangerous, remember, its filled with fuel and steel on steel makes heat and sparks... BOOM.
18.5 is what Nissan claims for Fuel tank capacity. Although, you will probably run out of fuel at 18 gals and maybe less because of the fuel tank's shape and dis-optimal location of the fuel intake.
I've gotten over 400 miles to the tank in my Max. It was 100% highway and I ended up getting like 31mpg... this was after a fuel filter change.
01-31-2003, 09:49 PM
#38
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 340
Re: 220 to a tank???
Originally posted by cscm094
I'm getting really bad gas milage, 220 to a tank, and I'm a 5 spd. I'm thinking a couple of things because I got a 3,4 and a 4,7 (knock sensor, and crankshaft position sensor)
I'm thinking that the crankshaft position sensor is causing the knock sensor. Should I replace this first? And does anyone know how much these cost at dealers?
Thanks guys
-Chris
I'm getting really bad gas milage, 220 to a tank, and I'm a 5 spd. I'm thinking a couple of things because I got a 3,4 and a 4,7 (knock sensor, and crankshaft position sensor)
I'm thinking that the crankshaft position sensor is causing the knock sensor. Should I replace this first? And does anyone know how much these cost at dealers?
Thanks guys
-Chris
02-01-2003, 07:28 AM
#39
Originally posted by myiqis180
I didn't know that using the heater used up extra gas (at least not while you are driving). The AC does because the engine has to drive the compressor. (works a little more) Please correct me if i'm wrong.
I didn't know that using the heater used up extra gas (at least not while you are driving). The AC does because the engine has to drive the compressor. (works a little more) Please correct me if i'm wrong.
02-04-2003, 11:14 PM
#40
i think i have the worst gas mileage, a full tank i get 190 miles that is combin with local and highway. i changed plugs, fuel filter, pvc, air filter, clean tb in the las 6 months. not getting any codes, using 93 oct. gas. would anyone have an idea whats is goin on???
planning to do the engine oil flush and trannie oil change. hope doing this will improve my mileage.
planning to do the engine oil flush and trannie oil change. hope doing this will improve my mileage.