Miata guzzling gas - Car Troubleshooting


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Miata guzzling gas

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fainlee
New User

Mar 4, 2008, 8:41 PM

Post #1 of 4 (1698 views)

Miata guzzling gas	Sign In

My 2000Mazda MX-5 is guzzling gas. THe mechanic said it was a bad oxygen sensor and replaced it. It's still guzzling. On a quarter tank I've logged 34 miles. Got any ideas?

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Mar 5, 2008, 2:31 PM

Post #2 of 4 (1691 views)

Re: Miata guzzling gas	Sign In

You need to do acurate calculating for MPGs. Not just how far on the gauge - they can't be trusted. Fill the tank and record the miles or reset a trip odo. Use up half the tank, fill same way and pump you used before and see how far you went on how many gallons. Keep the record going and see what the next shows. If you have a regular route of driving you should expect similarities. Traffic jams, warms up when cold and snowed in, or just getting a bit more or less when you fill up throws the #s off greatly. Be as exact as you can,

T

Guest
Anonymous Poster

Mar 5, 2008, 2:51 PM

Post #3 of 4 (1689 views)

Re: Miata guzzling gas	Sign In

I generally get about 27 to 30 miles per gallon. I do travel the same 5 miles to work every day and usually get the gas at the same place each time. I re-set the trip odo every time I fill up....mostly because I had this problem before. Also, because I am an emergency responder for our city I never let the tank get below half....never. So, 34 miles on a quarter tank is WAY off normal.

Does this make any difference? Or should I be looking more closely?

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Mar 5, 2008, 3:26 PM

Post #4 of 4 (1687 views)

Re: Miata guzzling gas	Sign In

You actually have to take the miles and do the math. I have a truck with what seems like a 40 gal tank and don't drive it much so the first 1/4 will go a month. Just once I watched 1/2 to 1/4 drop in no time - it's just not that accurate by the gauge on that one or most that I've owned.

With the short trips you are doing if you have seen 27-30 that's incredible! If weather is a factor you must consider that. The nasty Winter of New England this year most folks have used a gallon (sitting still) just to clear off the dang car to drive an inch!

T

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