The Fit Recall, Lower Gas Mileage (MPG)
#1
The Fit Recall, Lower Gas Mileage (MPG)
A while back I sent my '09 Fit (Auto) to the dealer after receiving a recall notice in the mail. (Possible Spring Assembly Failure recall.) I didn't think much of it until I started driving and saw my MPG take a serious nose drive. (I've been keeping track of my miles-per-tank almost obsessively since I bought this car in late 2009, so I'm pretty familiar with it's "mileage habits".)
Before I went to the dealer I was getting a solid 300 miles per 9-10 gallons.
After the dealer I'm getting about 260 per 9-10 gallons.
I haven't been driving differently or gone to places I don't normally go. Last year, from winter through summer, I got a solid 300 miles, even with mixed city/highway. Now straight highway driving doesn't seem to be improving my mileage. I'm stuck at about 260-270..
Is it possible that by fixing something from the recall they messed something else up? I'm somewhat mystified as to what they could have done to drop my MPG so badly. I suppose I ought to contact my dealership and see if they can fix it, right? What do you guys think?
Before I went to the dealer I was getting a solid 300 miles per 9-10 gallons.
After the dealer I'm getting about 260 per 9-10 gallons.
I haven't been driving differently or gone to places I don't normally go. Last year, from winter through summer, I got a solid 300 miles, even with mixed city/highway. Now straight highway driving doesn't seem to be improving my mileage. I'm stuck at about 260-270..
Is it possible that by fixing something from the recall they messed something else up? I'm somewhat mystified as to what they could have done to drop my MPG so badly. I suppose I ought to contact my dealership and see if they can fix it, right? What do you guys think?
#2
My recall was done at a dealer about 500 miles from home. I was out of town and have family that works with dealer. If anything my MPG MAY have gotten a tiny bit better. It may take a few more tanks to tell.....
#3
i assume if the valve adjustment wasn't done well during the recall (and there are plenty of complaints on the matter) your MPG could decline.
my MPG have gone up since the recall, but i can't prove it's because of the valve adjustment.
my MPG have gone up since the recall, but i can't prove it's because of the valve adjustment.
#4
I just took a trip across the western USA (after the recall was performed) and noticed a bit better mileage then a similar trip last year. Best mileage was over 44 mpg going through Utah with speeds of from 70-80 mph.
#5
Thanks. I think I might call my dealership again about this. I've given this enough time to see if there'd be any improvement. It's been over 2 months now and I'm getting a solid 260 miles per 9 gallons were as before I was getting at least 300 miles.
I'm jealous of everyone's MPG that went UP.
I'm jealous of everyone's MPG that went UP.
#7
Thanks. I think I might call my dealership again about this. I've given this enough time to see if there'd be any improvement. It's been over 2 months now and I'm getting a solid 260 miles per 9 gallons were as before I was getting at least 300 miles.
I'm jealous of everyone's MPG that went UP.
I'm jealous of everyone's MPG that went UP.
#8
SilverBullet, Honestly, I'd be really surprised if that were the problem. I'll check the tire pressure sometime this weekend. But the oil should be fine, unless the Dealership changed it on me without saying so. I get it changed every year, before our big holiday trips (Texas to MS to FL), it's always at the same place and the same oil. Never had an issue with it before.
#9
A while back I sent my '09 Fit (Auto) to the dealer after receiving a recall notice in the mail. (Possible Spring Assembly Failure recall.) I didn't think much of it until I started driving and saw my MPG take a serious nose drive. (I've been keeping track of my miles-per-tank almost obsessively since I bought this car in late 2009, so I'm pretty familiar with it's "mileage habits".)
Before I went to the dealer I was getting a solid 300 miles per 9-10 gallons.
After the dealer I'm getting about 260 per 9-10 gallons.
I haven't been driving differently or gone to places I don't normally go. Last year, from winter through summer, I got a solid 300 miles, even with mixed city/highway. Now straight highway driving doesn't seem to be improving my mileage. I'm stuck at about 260-270..
Is it possible that by fixing something from the recall they messed something else up? I'm somewhat mystified as to what they could have done to drop my MPG so badly. I suppose I ought to contact my dealership and see if they can fix it, right? What do you guys think?
Before I went to the dealer I was getting a solid 300 miles per 9-10 gallons.
After the dealer I'm getting about 260 per 9-10 gallons.
I haven't been driving differently or gone to places I don't normally go. Last year, from winter through summer, I got a solid 300 miles, even with mixed city/highway. Now straight highway driving doesn't seem to be improving my mileage. I'm stuck at about 260-270..
Is it possible that by fixing something from the recall they messed something else up? I'm somewhat mystified as to what they could have done to drop my MPG so badly. I suppose I ought to contact my dealership and see if they can fix it, right? What do you guys think?
What are you seeing on the OBC for average/instant MPG?
My FIT gave a slow improvement in MPG till around 10K miles. I've found it's primarily in your driving profile and the fuel being delivered to the pump. I've seen a seasonal change, so air temps and winter fuel blends have an effect. Weekly fuel deliveries can vary as well it seems.
Also, I have always gotten better local MPG than highway. Right now I'm seeing an average of 38 local [rural/suburban]. It's been down to 36 highway. Put me in a city environment and it's down to sub 35 if I hang around too long.
Regarding the recall and it's effects on MPG - I seriously doubt it. If you do go to dealer post back what they think.
K_C_
#10
I would check the tire pressure and oil level, then try premium. The low mpg your car is getting sounds like knock retard. http://www.goldeagle.com/UserFiles/f...dated_Logo.pdf
Here's an excerpt from page 4:
A number of myths about octane have grown over the
years. There is a widespread perception that the greater the
octane the better the performance. However, once enough
octane is supplied to prevent engine knock, there is little, if
any, performance improvement. One exception to this would
be in vehicles equipped with knock sensors. In these vehicles,
if octane is insufficient, the computer will retard the timing to
limit engine knock. If the vehicle is operating in the “knock
limiting” mode (retarded timing), using a higher octane fuel will
allow timing to be advanced, resulting in some level of
performance increase. However, even in these vehicles,
tests have shown that there is no perceptible performance
improvement from using a fuel of higher octane than that
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Another myth is that using a higher octane fuel will result
in improved fuel economy (increased miles per gallon). Octane
is nothing more than a measure of anti-knock quality.
Fuel economy is determined by a number of variables including
the energy content of the fuel. Some premium grades of
fuel may contain components which increase energy content.
In those cases, fuel economy may improve slightly as a result
of higher energy content, but not as a result of the higher
octane. Two fuels of identical octane could have different
energy content due to compositional differences
years. There is a widespread perception that the greater the
octane the better the performance. However, once enough
octane is supplied to prevent engine knock, there is little, if
any, performance improvement. One exception to this would
be in vehicles equipped with knock sensors. In these vehicles,
if octane is insufficient, the computer will retard the timing to
limit engine knock. If the vehicle is operating in the “knock
limiting” mode (retarded timing), using a higher octane fuel will
allow timing to be advanced, resulting in some level of
performance increase. However, even in these vehicles,
tests have shown that there is no perceptible performance
improvement from using a fuel of higher octane than that
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Another myth is that using a higher octane fuel will result
in improved fuel economy (increased miles per gallon). Octane
is nothing more than a measure of anti-knock quality.
Fuel economy is determined by a number of variables including
the energy content of the fuel. Some premium grades of
fuel may contain components which increase energy content.
In those cases, fuel economy may improve slightly as a result
of higher energy content, but not as a result of the higher
octane. Two fuels of identical octane could have different
energy content due to compositional differences
#11
Thanks. I think I might call my dealership again about this. I've given this enough time to see if there'd be any improvement. It's been over 2 months now and I'm getting a solid 260 miles per 9 gallons were as before I was getting at least 300 miles.
I'm jealous of everyone's MPG that went UP.
I'm jealous of everyone's MPG that went UP.
You've gone from 30MPG to 26MPG, a drop of 13%. Uh, you didn't by chance have the ECU flashed while you were at the dealer? The factory data tables consistently had displayed MPG 10-15% higher than actual (measured at pump). Of course if you're going by manual calculations this has no impact.
If you've adjusted for seasonal changes due to using the A/C etc, I'd look for some mechanical issue. Alignment is a possibility. Poorly adjusted valves is another, but I'd think you'd notice other performance issues if this were the case.
Any other car you'd never notice a seasonal 10% difference. But probably we're all sensitive to it or we wouldn't have bought the things. That and the in-your-face mpg display makes it easy to obsess. I'd be asking the dealer to look at it too.
#13
I thought you got better mpg than that. Its not bad but I averaged 36 in my 08 Fit with 3 winters and 2 summers in the Chicago area driving the same route every day.
My point is try premium for a few tanks, the difference is the cost of a cheap fuel injection cleaner.
#14
From the manual you linked (and I excerpted above):
Originally Posted by SilverBullet in his linked document page 4
One exception to this would
be in vehicles equipped with knock sensors. In these vehicles,
if octane is insufficient, the computer will retard the timing to
limit engine knock. If the vehicle is operating in the “knock
limiting” mode (retarded timing), using a higher octane fuel will
allow timing to be advanced, resulting in some level of
performance increase. However, even in these vehicles,
tests have shown that there is no perceptible performance
improvement from using a fuel of higher octane than that
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
be in vehicles equipped with knock sensors. In these vehicles,
if octane is insufficient, the computer will retard the timing to
limit engine knock. If the vehicle is operating in the “knock
limiting” mode (retarded timing), using a higher octane fuel will
allow timing to be advanced, resulting in some level of
performance increase. However, even in these vehicles,
tests have shown that there is no perceptible performance
improvement from using a fuel of higher octane than that
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
#15
The authors of that link. Compression ratios where 9 to 1 or lower when the first manual was written and they have not updated it. 1996 OBDII came out and that required for a smart ecu but they used narrow band o2 with a 16 bit processor. 2000 They started to come out with a semi wide band o2 with a 32 bit processor. The Fits have a CAN controller which is one that the Volvo's first used. I am now waiting on the 64 bit processor.
I know there is a lot of miss printed info but its easy to pick out. Regular Gasoline can also be considered pump gas (reg,midgrade,premium). They also sell E85 and Racing fuel and diesel which is different.
I have shown enough info that shows its about MBT and how knock retard brings down mpg by adding more fuel to cool the burn.
I know there is a lot of miss printed info but its easy to pick out. Regular Gasoline can also be considered pump gas (reg,midgrade,premium). They also sell E85 and Racing fuel and diesel which is different.
I have shown enough info that shows its about MBT and how knock retard brings down mpg by adding more fuel to cool the burn.
#16
I'm at my highest MPG on the vehicle ever. My last 5 tanks have been:
44.3mpg
41.7mpg
43.4mpg
42.6mpg
41.8mpg
For an average of 42.6mpg. This is all on Shell 87 octane. My average speed to/from work (including construction & stop signs/25mph towns) is 47mph based upon the GPS and one round trip however the tanks above also include trips into the "city" of rutland VT ususally hitting about 15-20 stoplights coming and going. My alst car told me I had an average of 40mph at most every fill up so I'm guessing that hasn't changed.
Had my recall done a few weeks prior to receiving my recall letter.
~SB
44.3mpg
41.7mpg
43.4mpg
42.6mpg
41.8mpg
For an average of 42.6mpg. This is all on Shell 87 octane. My average speed to/from work (including construction & stop signs/25mph towns) is 47mph based upon the GPS and one round trip however the tanks above also include trips into the "city" of rutland VT ususally hitting about 15-20 stoplights coming and going. My alst car told me I had an average of 40mph at most every fill up so I'm guessing that hasn't changed.
Had my recall done a few weeks prior to receiving my recall letter.
~SB
#17
The authors of that link. Compression ratios where 9 to 1 or lower when the first manual was written and they have not updated it. 1996 OBDII came out and that required for a smart ecu but they used narrow band o2 with a 16 bit processor. 2000 They started to come out with a semi wide band o2 with a 32 bit processor. The Fits have a CAN controller which is one that the Volvo's first used. I am now waiting on the 64 bit processor.
I know there is a lot of miss printed info but its easy to pick out. Regular Gasoline can also be considered pump gas (reg,midgrade,premium). They also sell E85 and Racing fuel and diesel which is different.
I know there is a lot of miss printed info but its easy to pick out. Regular Gasoline can also be considered pump gas (reg,midgrade,premium). They also sell E85 and Racing fuel and diesel which is different.
Uh no, you haven't shown how it brings down MPG in real life. Still waiting for that.
#18
oh yeah... car was reading 43mpg on the 'puter. have about 300 miles on the trip odo.
~SB
#19
Intake
A while back I sent my '09 Fit (Auto) to the dealer after receiving a recall notice in the mail. (Possible Spring Assembly Failure recall.) I didn't think much of it until I started driving and saw my MPG take a serious nose drive. (I've been keeping track of my miles-per-tank almost obsessively since I bought this car in late 2009, so I'm pretty familiar with it's "mileage habits".)
Before I went to the dealer I was getting a solid 300 miles per 9-10 gallons.
After the dealer I'm getting about 260 per 9-10 gallons.
I haven't been driving differently or gone to places I don't normally go. Last year, from winter through summer, I got a solid 300 miles, even with mixed city/highway. Now straight highway driving doesn't seem to be improving my mileage. I'm stuck at about 260-270..
Is it possible that by fixing something from the recall they messed something else up? I'm somewhat mystified as to what they could have done to drop my MPG so badly. I suppose I ought to contact my dealership and see if they can fix it, right? What do you guys think?
Before I went to the dealer I was getting a solid 300 miles per 9-10 gallons.
After the dealer I'm getting about 260 per 9-10 gallons.
I haven't been driving differently or gone to places I don't normally go. Last year, from winter through summer, I got a solid 300 miles, even with mixed city/highway. Now straight highway driving doesn't seem to be improving my mileage. I'm stuck at about 260-270..
Is it possible that by fixing something from the recall they messed something else up? I'm somewhat mystified as to what they could have done to drop my MPG so badly. I suppose I ought to contact my dealership and see if they can fix it, right? What do you guys think?
#20
phasfit, Please don't laugh... but where IS the intake for the air filter? If you can link to a picture or something that would really be best. ^^;;
I'm also well past the 20K mark. I go from North Texas to the middle of Florida at least once a year. Which is why I have a very very good idea what my standard highway and mixed mileage should be.
I guess it could be the heat. Admittedly I got the car checked out at the beginning of spring. Shortly there after we went into severe drought conditions for our area. We've been constantly breaking records with our high temps (105-109), we get heat warnings at least once a week. I've had our AC set to 2 at minimum, because the Fit's AC is not really that strong. (I love my Fit but it does take a while to cool down!)
I assumed it was the dealership because it was immediately after that, that our MPG dropped. My husband was the first to notice, since we took a Dallas trip shortly after. We had to fill up twice instead of the usual one time and he said it didn't seem as "peppy" on the highway (a very long windy, slightly hilly, stretch of road).
I didn't notice anything different though. And I'm usually the one who DOES notice. (as I drive the car more than he does.) Which is why I didn't mention it to begin with.
They didn't reset the MPG "automatic" calculator thing. It's still off by 2. Even then, it's still showing a drop in MPG. Haven't gotten over 30 (which is actually 28) since I got the car back.
I like calculating it manually, just for fun. So I know I never got lower than 300 miles per fill up, unless I was stuck doing stop-and-go traffic through the whole tank. Even then it would only drop to about 290. :-/
I'm also well past the 20K mark. I go from North Texas to the middle of Florida at least once a year. Which is why I have a very very good idea what my standard highway and mixed mileage should be.
I guess it could be the heat. Admittedly I got the car checked out at the beginning of spring. Shortly there after we went into severe drought conditions for our area. We've been constantly breaking records with our high temps (105-109), we get heat warnings at least once a week. I've had our AC set to 2 at minimum, because the Fit's AC is not really that strong. (I love my Fit but it does take a while to cool down!)
I assumed it was the dealership because it was immediately after that, that our MPG dropped. My husband was the first to notice, since we took a Dallas trip shortly after. We had to fill up twice instead of the usual one time and he said it didn't seem as "peppy" on the highway (a very long windy, slightly hilly, stretch of road).
I didn't notice anything different though. And I'm usually the one who DOES notice. (as I drive the car more than he does.) Which is why I didn't mention it to begin with.
They didn't reset the MPG "automatic" calculator thing. It's still off by 2. Even then, it's still showing a drop in MPG. Haven't gotten over 30 (which is actually 28) since I got the car back.
I like calculating it manually, just for fun. So I know I never got lower than 300 miles per fill up, unless I was stuck doing stop-and-go traffic through the whole tank. Even then it would only drop to about 290. :-/