Fuel System - Fuel Consumption Evaluation Procedure
NUMBER 12-EM-002MODEL ALL MODELS
DATE JUNE 2012
GROUP ENGINE
SUBJECT FUEL CONSUMPTION EVALUATION PROCEDURE
This bulletin supersedes TSB 05-20-005.
Description:
The following information and procedure is provided to assist in evaluating fuel consumption and documenting the results.
Because fuel economy is influenced by many individualized factors, there is no consistent "real world" test to evaluate fuel economy for all drivers. Published EPA ratings are estimates of the miles per gallon (MPG) possible in city and highway conditions under the EPAs test protocol. Factors affecting fuel economy include:
^ Driving characteristics and conditions:
^ Rapid acceleration and heavy braking
^ Excessive idling
^ Driving at higher speeds
^ Cold weather
^ Frequent stops (stop and go driving)
^ Cargo or cargo racks
^ Altered wheel/tire diameter
^ Towing or excessive weight
^ Electrical accessory operation
^ Hilly terrain
^ Mileage and condition of engine
^ Condition and maintenance of vehicle
^ Fuel type and fuel quality
^ Tire pressure
Vehicle Inspection: The vehicle should be inspected for any conditions listed above that may affect fuel consumption. Document any observed conditions and resolve those items (such as vehicle state of tune, maintenance items, tire pressures, etc.) prior to performing the evaluation procedure.
ECO Settings:
Some vehicles are equipped with ECO features to help assist improving fuel economy under certain conditions. Utilize these features whenever possible during vehicle evaluation.
^ ECO guide/coaching systems such as ECO Shift Indication Lamp, ECO Mode Lamp, and ECO Coach passively assists drivers towards driving more efficiently through visual feedback.
^ Active type ECO systems such as Active ECO, and Blue Mode actively assist drivers by allowing the vehicle to operate more efficiently during normal driving conditions in efforts to improve fuel economy.
Procedure