Poor fuel mileage

2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
133,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROB CARNINO
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I filled my car up today. When i started it the fuel gauge read full and the computer said 345 miles to empty. I drove about 15 miles and the gauge dropped a quarter and the computer said 290 to empty. I have no full leaks. Any idea what this could be?

Thanks
Rob
Apr 1, 2021 at 7:38 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The idea that it changed that much is interesting. Were the 15 miles in town driving? I ask because if the overall average drops, so does the distance to empty. Also, what does the vehicle indicate for average MPG?

Let me know.

Joe
Apr 1, 2021 at 7:58 PM
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ROB CARNINO
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Yes, I was in town driving. I believe it’s 26 MPG.

Rob
Apr 1, 2021 at 8:13 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That is higher than I expected. Can you recall if that is what it was getting before?

Joe
Apr 1, 2021 at 11:13 PM
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ROB CARNINO
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It says 22.
Apr 2, 2021 at 1:53 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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When fuel economy drops, check the basics. First, a plugged or dirty air filter can cause it. Also, if it hasn't been tuned up for a long time, that would be something to consider.

I would check the air filter first. Here is a link that explains in general how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-air-filter

If a tune-up hasn't been done for some time, it may help. Here is a link that shows in general how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

Let me know if that helps. Also, let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
Apr 2, 2021 at 6:43 PM
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ROB CARNINO
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It a new engine all that gas been replaced.
Apr 2, 2021 at 6:51 PM
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ROB CARNINO
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No brand new only 70,000 miles.
Apr 2, 2021 at 6:51 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Did this just start since the engine was replaced?

Joe
Apr 2, 2021 at 7:05 PM
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ROB CARNINO
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Yes.
Apr 2, 2021 at 7:12 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If it is running properly and the check engine light isn't on, chances are it is simply the result of a different engine. Keep in mind, chances are they reused the fuel injectors, intake, and other components which came with the new engine.

Since it is new to you, drive it a bit. Put a few hundred miles on it to see if it changes. If possible, let me know if there is a change.

Joe
Apr 2, 2021 at 8:37 PM