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I'm getting 12mpg

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Drew5387, Feb 21, 2012.

  1. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:18 PM
    #1
    Drew5387

    Drew5387 [OP] You can't fix stupid

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    Like the title said, I'm only getting 12mpg. I have an 03 4 door tacoma. I have been getting 12mpg with my camper shell on. I have no clue why it is that low. I don't floor it every time i take off or anything. I just took my camper shell off so i guess i will see if it improves. Any input on what may be wrong?

    Edit: its the 3.4 V6 engine
     
  2. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:24 PM
    #2
    4wd Boss

    4wd Boss Shake and Bake

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    whats the history of maintenance and mileage on this truck? could be lots of things: spark plugs, air filter, oversize mud terrain (heavy) tires or rims, maybe brakes sticking or dragging..... also of course any extra weight doesnt help so the camper is def contributing...
     
  3. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:32 PM
    #3
    Drew5387

    Drew5387 [OP] You can't fix stupid

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    between 110,000 and 111,000 miles.
     
  4. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:33 PM
    #4
    Aw9d

    Aw9d That one guy

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    I'd go over all the basics to make sure your truck is in tip top shape. Then check your mpg.

    I know the weight of a camper will effect mpg's, but I wouldn't think that it would effect it that much.
     
  5. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:34 PM
    #5
    Drew5387

    Drew5387 [OP] You can't fix stupid

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    Alright. Thanks guys
     
  6. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:45 PM
    #6
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    My topper had zero effect on my mpg
     
  7. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:48 PM
    #7
    krimson

    krimson Nothin

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    Clean the throttle body and change the spark plugs, is a start.
     
  8. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:48 PM
    #8
    Aw9d

    Aw9d That one guy

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    Thanks. Never had a topper on my taco before so wasn't sure if the addition weight would affect it or not.
     
  9. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:50 PM
    #9
    MJM777

    MJM777 Well-Known Member

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    I just ordered a new topper for my tacoma a week ago, and man....i hope i don't see that kind of decline in MPG. :(
     
  10. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:51 PM
    #10
    Murkules

    Murkules Well-Known Member

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    like Aw9d said, basics. id change fuel filter, air filter, plugs, check tire pressure, and go with synthetic oil like mobile 1
     
  11. Feb 21, 2012 at 2:51 PM
    #11
    krimson

    krimson Nothin

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    You won't get A decrease in MPGs.
     
  12. Feb 21, 2012 at 4:51 PM
    #12
    mac424205

    mac424205 Well-Known Member

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    Those A/T's don't help it either. I know from experience that they are heavy. They also shouldn't effect it that bad. My brother has a 2001 4dr with ARB bumper, BFG A/T's loaded down toolbox, offroad lights and he doesn't get that bad. Common thing to check is like everybody else is saying, air filter, plugs, wires, your right foot!!! lol jk. When putting it in 4wd, it effects gas mileage also, keep that in mind. Actually the shell should have helped your gas mileage a little bit because it is creating less drag from the air flowing over your bed instead of circulating in it. Get some seafoam, it will clean out the deposits in your engine. I would get the vacuum line off of the break booster, and let it suck it into the block there. I have done it several times to his Taco and my honda accord V6
     
  13. Feb 21, 2012 at 6:01 PM
    #13
    JSFoster75

    JSFoster75 Well-Known Member

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    Too many to list.
    Also change your PCV Valve, that could make a pretty sizeable difference if it's clogged... Also, use a GPS to track your mileage on a tank and see if there's a difference there... If your tires are oversized, that will throw your gas mileage off...
     
  14. Feb 21, 2012 at 8:29 PM
    #14
    Cvd2312

    Cvd2312 Well-Known Member

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    Yes, definitely make sure you are adjusting your mileage calculation if you have oversized tires. If your tires are bigger than stock, you are driving further than your odometer shows.

    Mine is off 12%, which makes a pretty big difference
     

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