horrible loss in gas mileage
 

hello, i used to get about 145 miles on half a tank of gas, and close to 260-270 miles when the needle got to the 1/4 tank mark. just a few days ago i noticed the needle was at the 1/2 tank mark and i had only gone < 80 miles!

i've searched this forum for topics about gas mileage; they focus on driving habits, correctly inflated tires, filters/sensors, and fuel cleaner.

my driving habits to my knowledge are the same, however its extremely cold now that winter has hit hard. starting the car in this weather, the ignition feels hesitant, almost like it doesnt want to. i try not to let the car sit for long when warming it up--it usu. gets warm quicker when i'm driving it rather than sitting in it.

i had just checked to make sure all my tires were 32 psi give or take about 2.5 weeks ago before my last 2 fill ups.

its cold outside: ^_^ i dont have a problem checking/replacing the air filter, but is the fuel filter something an oil change jockey can easily check? how about the oxygen sensors? i can barely see the 1 near the engine, where do i find the 2nd one?

what is this fuel cleaner and is it effective? my friend actually told me you pour it in your tank like gasoline? is this something i pour into a full tank or empty tank?

i suppose i could bring it in to local repair shop and have them take a look. if i told them i was losing gas mileage, is that something they have a solution for, or are they gonna try the same things as above? thank-you.
-meGrimlock

hey i checked my air filter. when i went to open the airbox i realized i needed to unscrew some things, so as i looked around the MAF sensor i saw the flex intake tube from the airbox to to the engine was cracked in several places. can i assume that this is what is causing the sudden drop in gas mileage, and is the car still drivable? i cant get to a mechanic right away, but i have to work today through the weekend! thanks.
-meGrimlock

The car is definatelly still drivable. All it is a small loss of pressure in the air pipes. Because the crack is lacted after your MAF, is it perhaps the reason why your mileage went down. You can ducktape it all you want, and you will be safe as a pound. Just find the same piece at a junk yard or something. Just make sure its from 95-96 model. 97-98 have only one breather hose connected to the pipe that goes from the box to the engine. I hope this helps.

If its cracked after the MAF it can cause your engine to run lean which isn't good. Fix that shit soon.
Its possible that could be the cause, if excess air is getting in through there and your engine runs lean, your o2 sensor would probably telll your computer to add more fuel.
The fuel filter isn't really something that can be checked, its more one of those, if its been on for excessive mileage, just replace it. I don't know about the 1.5 but on my 1.8l '97 its a bit of a pain in the ass. If I was an oil jockey, I'd tell you to go fuck yourself if you wanted me to change it.

thanks for the advice, they intake tube was replaced and gas mileage seemed to crawl back up, still a bit low; i got about 120miles to the half tank, and its on its way to 200miles to the full tank.

i've replaced the really dirty air filter with a K&N replacement. i also tried some STP fuel system cleaner to see if that would help. it claims to restore power and unwanted deposits. so far the only things i've noticed is my idle isnt as rough anymore and acceleration is smoother. before the little protege would shake like a 10 year old on caffeine. any other suggestions? thanks.
-meGrimlock

Check your Spark plugs , wires , cap , rotor ,

Start with these things and you should be ok .