Poor Mileage after Accident

[turbofriend]

I was recently hit from behind, and there was about 6k in damage. The body shop I took it to said that there was no issue with anything mechanical. However, 2 tanks of gas since the repair i am struggling to maintain 35mpg. I am slightly concerned that there is some additional damage that is affecting my mileage that was missed. Has anyone ever experienced this, or does anyone know what could be the culprit?

 

I realize that driving habits could also be to blame, but not much if anything has changed. Morning commute is 15miles (6am, so there is not much traffic, and 5pm in the carpool lane, so once again not much traffic) I set the eco cruise between 67-69.

 

Thanks for any tips.

 

2014 FFH

[Automate]

Are you using gas station fill-up gallons or the dashboard display MPG? Are both off?

[acdii]

Check tire wear and see if they are even, has an alignment been done? It's possible the alignment is off, and that can affect MPG.

[ptjones]

Tire pressure could make a little difference. :)

 

Paul

[SteveB_TX]

Maybe the fuel vapor return got messed up?

[turbofriend]

I only use fill-up to measure mileage (the dash has always been 3-5mpg off). tire pressures are right where they should be. Filler cap has never worked right. I always have to hold the filler as the capless filler does not like to work with the pumps here in California (i wish i could have the old screw on cap...) I will check to see if an alignment was done, it drives straight, but i know it could still be messed up.

[acdii]

Run your hands over the treads and see if they are smooth or if you can feel sharp edges in one direction. If you do, thats a sign of misalignment.

[ptjones]

I only use fill-up to measure mileage (the dash has always been 3-5mpg off). tire pressures are right where they should be. Filler cap has never worked right. I always have to hold the filler as the capless filler does not like to work with the pumps here in California (i wish i could have the old screw on cap...) I will check to see if an alignment was done, it drives straight, but i know it could still be messed up.

I like running my presure at 50PSI. :)

 

Paul

[lolder]

What do you mean by you have to "hold the filler"? Do you mean the pump nozzle? The diameter of Cal. nozzles should be no different from any other states, it's a standard. I have seen no complaints on any forum about that sort of capless filler problem.

[turbofriend]

In CA, gas wont pump until the nozzle is inserted, then (sort of) latched. meaning you insert, then push down. The pumps out here have a Vapor Recovery hood on them. If the hood isn't engaged then you cant pump gas. My old car (without the capless filler) had no issues. My wife's car with capless has no issues. I physically have to hold the filler in the capless system the entire time i am filling.

[turbofriend]

Bringing this thread back... I took the car to the dealer to get an oil change, and have them give it a look over to see why my mileage is not great. They said nothing was wrong with the car. First tank after oil change i was only able to get 31mpg (tire pressures are 2lbs over recommended).

 

I drive the same route week after week. A/C is usually always on, and i rarely ever get over 65mph due to southern california traffic.

 

Is there something else on the car that could be causing the problem that i could check? Spark Plugs? Sensors? Does the air filter have much of an affect?

 

I'm thinking about getting rid of this car. I am open to suggestions.

 

Thanks for your help.

[murphy]

A dirty air filter, fouled spark plug(s), fouled fuel injector(s), and a gas leak can all affect mpg. Did they actually check these items or just hook up their computer and not see any error codes?

 

A second opinion from another dealer would appear to be a good idea.

 

Also how the car is driven will affect mpg. Jack rabbit starts and high speed will lower mpg. Drag increases with the square of the speed.

Edited August 17, 2015 by murphy

[lolder]

You didn't say if you had the alignment checked.

[turbofriend]

Align,net was checked after the accident. Starts are mild, I try to get it up to 10-15 (or more) on electric before it switches to ICE. I think they just hooked it up to their computer. I might pull the plugs this week to check them out. Thanks!

[murphy]

In my experience you will get better mpg if you use the ICE to get up to speed and then switch to electric. Granted that was with a 2010 Fusion hybrid that I no longer own. It has been called the "pulse and glide" technique.

[ptjones]

In my experience you will get better mpg if you use the ICE to get up to speed and then switch to electric. Granted that was with a 2010 Fusion hybrid that I no longer own. It has been called the "pulse and glide" technique".

My experience is different, I pretty much always use EV up to 15-20mph, because electric motors have full torque at low rmps and Atkinson Motor doesn't, because of Cam Valve timing. If you watch the EV symbol when the ICE starts, it will stay on a few seconds while ICE gets up to speed. :shift: :)

 

Paul

[lolder]

The point of hybrids is to use the ICE when significant power is required as in acceleration from a stop. It is less efficient to use EV for that.

[ptjones]

The point of hybrids is to use the ICE when significant power is required as in acceleration from a stop. It is less efficient to use EV for that.

I notice you a 2010 FFH which is different than 2013 FFH. I had a 2010 FEH which was definitely different. Ice is inefficient at low RPM's and low temps. Those who have 2013 FFH or newer will notice there is a sweat spot at Two Bars that the ICE wants to run at which gives efficient charging and acceleration. This was not the case with 2010 FEH. Many CMAX owners have noticed this and guessing FFH owners too. :shift:

 

Paul

Edited August 19, 2015 by ptjones

[lolder]

The theory is the same. The 2010 FFH likes to run at 2 bars ( out of 7 ). If you want significant power, you should get it from the ICE first, otherwise there are more losses going through the EV cycle. Since there are less EV losses in the 2013+ and the HVB is more powerful, the crossover point of efficiency is at a higher power or speed. Normal acceleration should still require power above the point where the ICE is more efficient. City street acceleration may not.

[ptjones]

Most if not all of the High MPG CMAX Guys use this technique and how I got 68.3MPG on a tank record. I recommend you try it and see if you don't improve at least a one MPG on the next tank. :shift: :)

 

Paul