Terrible MPG on 2002 Tacoma v6

Lately my Tacoma has been having terrible fuel economy. It's a 2002 TRD SR5 3.2 v6. Any ideas as to what could be causing it?

 

What kind of mpg? I'd change plugs, clean maf, and drive it very easy.

 

so....... are you 4x4? pre runner?

5 speed or automatic?

Stock tires and suspension or lift and larger tires

How are you calculating mileage?

What was it before and what is it now?

 

I'm getting around 15. It's an automatic with stock everything besides the exhaust system. And yes it's a 4x4.

 

How is that bad?

if you drive mostly city then that is totally normal.

When was the last tune up? spark plugs fluids ect?

 

I live in the country so it's all highway besides two miles of gravel roads. Oil was changed I think 2k miles ago. I think other fluids and spark plugs need changed though. Could that be causing it?

 

Yes 100%

I have a 2002 4x4 5 speed with 3 inch lift, heavy armor and larger tires and I get 15-19 mpg with an average of more closer to 15.

Our trucks were rated with estimated MPG in the 15-19 range anyways.

Spark plugs only last 20-30k fluids are around the same and you should keep an eye on the air filter and other sensors.

I also have 202k miles and still running strong.

 

Okay thanks for the reply! I'll get all that stuff changed!

 

Get the air filer and spark plugs from the dealer, plugs run like $4 each and filter is like $22. Denso non iridium plugs are pre gapped so just swap out with no other mods needed. please use the anti seize grease.

 

Also avoid fluids like royal purple in our trucks.. its complete shit.

Just make sure you buy

$26 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 synthetic gear oil and standard ATF were needed, Also DO NOT REMOVE DRAIN PLUG UNLESS YOU CAN UNDO THE FILL PLUG!!!!!

 

Are spark plugs easy enough to do myself? And okay thanks for the info!

 

I did mine myself in my drive way, I have coil packs though. Not sure what you have, theirs a thread on it in 4cylinder area or 1st gen area.

 

if you havent done them or you dont have the proper tools, do not attempt it.

There are some tight fits near the firewall on driver side and if you remove or replace incorrectly you will mess up the threads.

 

Yes. Driver rear is most difficult. Need to remove induction on pass side. But it's all easy. Tape your deep socket to your extension so you don't lose it in the hole. Torque to spec.

Gap check like this:

 

I'll try to find a guide and see if it's doable by myself. Also would I be able to change the timing belt/water pump and pulleys myself?

 

If you need to check a guide for the plugs, go for it. But don't think about the T belt if you have to check on plugs.

 

since you asked I would say no.

Not trying to discredit your mechanic skills but that is a lot more involved and does require a specific way to put everything back with proper tools.

Pay to have that done but buy the kit online to save some money.

Also you should replace the thermostat while you're doing that job.

 

Haha alright. And I have one more question. When I start my engine from completely cold, I hear a really high pitch squeak come from one of the pulleys/belts. Are any of them prone to that type of noise?

 

Since you are replacing the timing belt and water pump, replace those belts too, look for extreme cracking. the squealing is them no longer being tight so they slip and make noise till warmed up and more sticky like tire rubber.

 

Okay I'll check that. Thanks for the advice!