NO.14 POOR FUEL ECONOMY [L8, LF]


14	POOR FUEL ECONOMY
DESCRIPTION	Fuel economy is unsatisfactory.
POSSIBLE CAUSE	• Contaminated air cleaner element • Variable intake-air control malfunction • Engine cooling system malfunction • Weak spark • Poor fuel quality • Erratic or no signal from CMP sensor • Clutch slippage (MT) • Improper ATF level (AT) • Variable tumble control malfunction • Improper operation of variable valve timing control system • Improper coolant level • Inadequate fuel pressure • Spark plug malfunction • PCV valve malfunction • Brake dragging • Improper valve timing due to jumping out of timing chain • Contaminated MAF sensor • Improper engine compression • Exhaust system clogging Warning The following troubleshooting flow chart contains fuel system diagnosis and repair procedures. Read following warnings before performing fuel system services: • Fuel vapor is hazardous. It can easily ignite, causing serious injury and damage. Always keep sparks and flames away from fuel. • Fuel line spills and leakage are dangerous. Fuel can ignite and cause serious injuries or death and damage. Fuel can also irritate skin and eyes. To prevent this, always complete "BEFORE SERVICE PRECAUTION" and "AFTER SERVICE PRECAUTION" described in this manual. (See BEFORE SERVICE PRECAUTION [L8, LF].) (See AFTER SERVICE PRECAUTION [L8, LF].) Caution • Disconnecting/connecting quick release connector without cleaning it may possibly cause damage to fuel pipe and quick release connector. Always clean quick release connector joint area before disconnecting/connecting, and make sure that it is free of foreign material.


STEP	INSPECTION	RESULTS	ACTION
1	Inspect the following: • Air cleaner element for contamination • ATF level (AT) • Fuel quality • Coolant level • Brake dragging • Clutch slippage (MT) Are all items normal?	Yes	Go to the next step.
1		No	Service if necessary. Repeat Step 1.
2	Connect the M-MDS to the DLC-2. Retrieve any continuous memory, KOEO and KOER DTCs using M-MDS. Are there any DTCs displayed?	Yes	DTC is displayed: Go to the appropriate DTC inspection. (See DTC TABLE [L8, LF].)
2		No	No DTC is displayed: Go to the next step.
3	Access ECT PID. Drive the vehicle while monitoring PID. (See PCM INSPECTION [L8, LF].) Is PID within specification?	Yes	Go to the next step.
3		No	Inspect for coolant leakage, cooling fan and thermostat operation.
4	Perform the spark test. (See Spark Test.) Is strong blue spark visible at each cylinder?	Yes	Go to the next step.
4		No	Repair or replace malfunctioning part according to spark test result.
5	Install fuel pressure gauge between the fuel pipe and the fuel distributor. Start the engine and idle it. Measure fuel line pressure during idle. Is fuel line pressure correct during idle? (See FUEL LINE PRESSURE INSPECTION [L8, LF].)	Yes	Go to the next step.
5		No	Low: Inspect the fuel line for clogging. • If there is no malfunction, replace the fuel pump unit (See FUEL PUMP UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [L8, LF].) High: Replace the fuel pump unit. (See FUEL PUMP UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [L8, LF].)
6	Inspect variable tumble control operation. (See Variable Tumble Control Operation Inspection.) Does the variable tumble control function properly?	Yes	Go to the next step.
6		No	Repair or replace the malfunctioning part.
7	Inspect variable intake-air control operation. (See Variable Intake air Control Operation Inspection.) Does the variable intake-air control function properly?	Yes	Go to the next step.
7		No	Repair or replace the malfunctioning part.
8	Remove and shake the PCV valve. Does the PCV valve rattle?	Yes	Go to the next step.
8	Remove and shake the PCV valve. Does the PCV valve rattle?	No	Replace the PCV valve.
9	Visually inspect the exhaust system part. Is there any deformed exhaust system part?	Yes	Replace the suspected part.
9		No	Go to the next step.
10	Inspect for contaminated MAF sensor. Is there any contamination?	Yes	Go to the next step.
10		No	Inspect for cause.
11	Inspect the MAF sensor for contamination. Is there any contamination?	Yes	Replace the MAF sensor.
11		No	Go to the next step.
12	Inspect the variable valve timing control system operation. (See Variable Valve Timing Control System Operation Inspection.) Does the variable valve timing control system operate properly?	Yes	Go to the next step.
12		No	Repair or replace malfunctioning part according to inspection results.
13	Is engine compression correct?	Yes	Inspect valve timing.
13	Is engine compression correct?	No	Inspect for cause.
14	Verify test results. • If normal, return to diagnostic index to service any additional symptoms. (See ENGINE SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING [L8, LF].) • If malfunction remains, inspect related Service information perform repair or diagnosis. - If vehicle repaired, troubleshooting completed. - If vehicle not repaired or additional diagnostic information not available, replace the PCM. (See PCM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [L8, LF].)