Bad mpg, cannot find the cause

2013 KIA RIO
60,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
WALLY AB
  • MEMBER
  • 97 POSTS
I bought this car used a few months ago. Warranty is almost up. I took good care of the car, and previous owner car maintenance records. I checked the spark plugs as well, the gap was the same 0.040". I am still getting poor fuel economy. Usually around 17-25 mpg, and 35-30 mpg at best on the highway.
Aug 3, 2018 at 7:29 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
At 60,000 the park plugs need to be replaced regardless of wear also the throttle actuator needs to be cleaned. Use OEM parts.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

and disconnected the battery first.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run down these guides and report back.

Cheers, Ken


Aug 5, 2018 at 6:39 PM
Avatar
WALLY AB
  • MEMBER
  • 97 POSTS
I cleaned the throttle body today but no real improvement in mpg.
Aug 9, 2018 at 2:17 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Did you do the spark plugs please use OEM plugs? Also, lets run the codes to see if anything comes up. It could be a amp sensor that is a little off.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken
Aug 10, 2018 at 10:51 AM
Avatar
WALLY AB
  • MEMBER
  • 97 POSTS
So I checked everything. I ordered the OEM NGK laser iridium plugs from Korea, and just installed them today. I did not want to risk getting counterfeits from China. The dealers sells them locally at $20.00, parts store around $16.00 each, and I got all four for like $30.00.
Aug 23, 2018 at 12:41 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Nice work can you service the throttle body as well? Here is a guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken
Aug 23, 2018 at 8:09 PM