Beyond Terrible Gas Mileage

Right now I have the holes taped up.

 

Well I meant that I don't usually floor it. I tend to stick to the speed limit. May go 5 over. And I never take it on the interstate just because going at high speeds depletes my fuel very quickly

 

I don't usually drive fast. Truck doesn't have ABS or traction control so I have to be careful, esp with the retarded drivers down here. I even did a test. I had a quarter of a tank. I drove until it hit E. I averaged 18 mph over 30 miles. So it isn't my fault.

 

You have a few things going against you
Maintenance seems lacking so I'd look into doing it all once funds allow
New spark plugs
Oil change
Maybe a transmission flush
Maybe new filter
And get that code cleared

Using an aftermarket maf sensor is probably the biggest thing affecting mpg
If you still have the original you can probably clean it for five bucks with a can of maf sensor cleaner

 

Replaced spark plugs a couple thousand miles ago along with a new air filter and I am about to get the oil changed. The dumb mechanic that put the aftermarket maf sensor, did not give me the original back. So I have to buy an OEM one for around $200. Is it easy to do a trans flush? Would hate to pay tons of money when I can do it myself. Got a trust worthy mechanic to scan my ECU and confirmed that the light should go off when I replace that sensor. Also, recently it has started idling rough and while I was braking for a stop sign, it felt as though someone was hitting the gas while I was braking. When I pulled off the gas at 25 mph, the truck stayed at 25 mph with no throttle input from me at all until I had to stop again. Stopped doing that when I restarted the truck. What could that be from?

 

What you need is a crap ton of work done to your truck and new tires and suspension!!!

 

Lol believe me I know the extent of work that needs to be done. Went to Toyota for a free 30 min diagnosis. They gave me a huge list on things that needed work on. Quoted me for $3400+ and that was just under the hood. I need new suspension, new calipers, new tires, etc. I'll end up paying more than half of what my truck is worth just to fix it.

 

But I cant complain, it hasn't left me stranded anywhere despite these issues.

 

You may also need a throttle body clean, may have caused the weird throttle issue
all you need is basic tools some throttle body cleaner and a couple of tooth brushes from a dollar store
Are you willing to work on your own truck and do you know how? If you don't, do you have anybody willing to help or teach you? If so a lot of the problems you have can probably be cured really quickly and cheaply

 

I have no issues with working on my own truck. I probably could do it, just would need a few hints I suppose. Its my first vehicle so I'm learning how to do some stuff. And yea, I have some people willing to help me/ teach me.

 

Thats your answer right there... since ur CEL is on thats why ur drinking fuel.... you're a/f ratio is always in open loop (I.e.) the a/f ratio when you're engine is still cold (more gas is being dumped because the computer is trying to compensate for the engine not being at oporating temp) before the oxygen sensors begin sampling the gases in the exhaust stream to get exact a/f ratios at all engine rpms and road speeds.... even if ur temp guage says operating temp it still is dumping the same amount of fuel it would on startup... fix ur CEL issue, and u'll get ur mpg back lol

 

That's a $200 fix lol. College students don't have that money to throw around. Imma try to get it replaced soon.

 

I am in college too... id scrounge the cash to fix it.... especially since not doing so would be ruining the converters which is about 2 to 3 times as much as your $200 fix.....

 

That's the difficult part. I'd have to find a way to gather the money without driving too much. I had a job doing upkeep work for this consultant for his properties. Hasn't had work for me due to this crappy weather down here. Used to make good money, but most of it always ended up going to my fuel tank

 

Maybe someone on here has a used spare they can part with. Try putting up a Want-to-Buy add in the classifieds. I sold one awhile ago for $75.

Good luck.

RJM

 

Hmm... damn, well whats the part you need?? Maybe I could keep my eye out?

 

Completely Useless post...
inflammatory and dead wrong.

I am also having mileage issues related to the P0171 code. Gonna start to throw some parts at it to figure it out.

 

OEM Mass Airflow Sensor for 01 Tacoma 2WD PreRunner with 3.4L V6

 

Alright, cool.. I shall be on the lookout.. if I am to find anything ill PM you

 

Thanks Kyle. Much appreciated!