Bought a 2000 Carvan 2 weeks ago, filled up for the first time. EXTREMELY bad mpg.

[Warhawk626]

2000 Dodge Caravan , 2.4 4cyl/auto, 3 door, no options.

14.57mpg , epa city 18/ hwy 24.

No check engine light, runs well, slight hesitation on takeoff about 1/4 of the time.

Help?

[Whoops]

Their has got to be something not working right. We have an 89 with a 3.8L V5 and a 4 speed auto. We get about 17-18 around town, without being attentive. We get about 21-22 on the highway. I can get it up to 27 on the highway, if I'm attentive.

You've got something hinky, but I'm not sure what. I'd take it to someplace like Autozone, have them hook into the engine diagnostics and see if their is something that is having some issues, but maybe itsn't enough to throw a check engine light.

[Warhawk626]

I've tried that before, they always tell me if the light isn't on they won't get anything.I'm gonna check the gap on the plugs when time permits, check the wires etc.Maybe it needs a new fuel filter..or my wife is driving like Andretti.She doesn't yet share my ecomodding passion, riding with her irritates me now lol.

[MetroMPG]

Another consideration is oxygen sensor. I've read repeatedly that as they go, they can start to affect fuel economy before actually tripping the check engine light.

But seriously: after performing basic tuneup & maintenance items, I'd drive the vehicle yourself before declaring it a dud. Maybe it is just Lady Leadfoot.

[ebacherville]

yeah my wife was driving the big 3.9 liter ford and seeing 20mpg.. i can get better than that out of it .. for some reason the wife thinks the accelerator is designed to hit the floor board when accelerating..

[Warhawk626]

Well she drove the mazda before the van, started driving the van and talked about how much she missed the mazda. Why do you ask, quoting her she could dart in and out of traffic. A few days ago she comes in and says.."Oh, you CAN dart in and out of traffic". Geeez.I used to be worse than her, hence the 17'' racing style wheels and z rated rubber.

[MetroMPG]

ebacherville: that's called the "binary accelerator technique". My dad's an enthusiastic practitioner.

[geezer1]

Two family members have similar vehicles, but both V6, and both do a bit worse than you in the city. Repair folks are right -- no check engine light, no codes in the computer. I'm betting it's the wife -- my experience is that when my wife rides with me, she is very sensitive to my "high" driving speed. On the occasions when I happen to be following her in the other car, I honestly cannot keep up with her, even though I'm the designated "fast" driver. It's just a matter of who's in "control."

[Warhawk626]

I was also just informed that she got gas at CircleK, the same station that gave the 626 a 5 mpg decrease the LAST time I got gas there. Never went back, she went there because she never has to wait to fill up, wonder why.

[JohnnyV]

Change the air and fuel filters, put in new spark plugs and wires, clean the pvc valve then check your mileage.