Improve Tacoma 2005 4L sr5 gas mileage?

Need some ideas on improving my gas mileage. My truck has approximately 80k miles and has been treated like a baby. It runs like a top. Just really want better than 17 mpg. K&N air filter hasn't seemed to help.....

 

Run higher octane furl, drive like a granny, stick with stock air filter, and don't lift it if you want to have decent mpg.

 

Clean throttle body, clean the maf sensor, toss the k&n if its making u get on the gas harder to hear it.

Run proper psi.... Lower creates heat and more rolling resistance, higher (within reason) will improve cornering, stability, hydroplaning resistance, helps with mpg, but may make for rougher ride... Use the chalk line test (google it). Do not run the max psi on the sidewall, and dont run the psi in the door jamb with aftermarket tires/sizes, its pretty low and offers a cushy ride which is great for ppl who want a soft riding truck, but kills stability, mpg, etc.

Keep the fluds in all boxes changed and synthetic where applicable.

 

Actually I wonder if the k&n is the cuplprit.... Its oiled.... They have a tendancy to be overoiled even from the factory and are well known for getting that oil on the maf sensor...

I wonder if Thats causing the maf sensor to read colder air since the resistor is being somewhat blanketed by a layer of thin oil.... Therefore thinking more fuel is needed for the denser air it THINKS its getting.... Causing u to use more gas.

Maybe new 02 sensors will help as well?

 

Well I thank u sir.

Just a random thought I had


Course I'm open to other opinions...... I may be completely wrong.

 

Hey man. Makes complete sense. thank you

 

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...-sensor-cleaner/_/N-255s?itemIdentifier=36011

 

P rated tires, no lift, stock intake and exhaust, clean MAF and throttle body, new O2 sensors, change all your fluids to synthetic, Leave TW, and wash and wax for less drag. I used to get 21+ mpg in my 05, but that went downhill when I joined this page. Too many mods!

 

I have 2" front and rear with same size tires in wrangler authorities, and still avg 21

I'm a prerunner tho.... Are u 4wd?

 

Ditch all the wind resistance u can i.e. bug shield, visors, mud flaps etc. Lose all the weight u can i.e. storage compartments behind back seats and the 100 lbs worth of crap that is prolly cramed in them, anything unnecessary in the bed or cab. Accelerate at a reasonable pace (too slow means a longer timr in lower gears so there are extreams bothways) keep it under 2000 rpms. Most impostantly, coast, ur foot doesn't have to be on either pedal at all times.

 

yea, i'm 4wd and have 265's tires and headers and sliders and 3" lift front and rear.

my truck is heavy

 

bummer........
1 reason Im glad I dont play in mud anymore.... less boxes, less weight, less maintenance I guess.

make sure to keep up on your maintenance including maf sensor and throttle body cleaning. I can drive pretty damn hard and get decent mileage, I wonder just how much is because of the lack of transfer and front diff. Lets just say i had a heavy coating of rubber under my fenders, on the exhaust, on the bumper, and up the side when it came time to take it in for trans issues.

what tire psi?

 

I can confirm this. I got my K&N and after a few months noticed on the highway it kept releasing the lockup clutch and even going into 3rd on hills. Didnt notice the change as it was gradual but one day it kind of hit me. My truck was dogging down real bad on the highway. Wasnt checking MPGs but Im sure they sucked.

I pulled the MAF it was comp black and gummed up. Cleaned it Felt like a new truck. A few months happened again. I started cleaning it every oil change until I read that it was the K&N causing it to gum up.

Got rid of the K&N and never looked back.

 

Glad u got it figured out, thanks for sharing your test!