I'm interested in the actual mpg other people are getting in their Grand Caravans. My old 95 Grand Caravan LE 3.8 L at worst got 14 mpg city and best 18 mpg city. After a tuneup it went nonstop on the highway after resetting the mpg computer - 30 mpg! But I wrecked it on the highway and so I bought a used 99 Grand Caravan Sport 3.3L Flex Fuel and this van is loaded with everything that I want (alloy wheels, alarm, CD Tape radio, Overhead computer, A/C, etc). The only thing bad about the van is that it gets terrible mpg! When I test drove it to buy it it got bad mpg, and the check engine light was on - maybe I shouldn't have bought it. But I did buy it and then I got an OBD 2 Auterra computer reader - read a code of P0403 - and then I replaced the bad EGR Solenoid assembly myself. I also changed the front 3 spark plugs to Bosch Platinum 2's and I changed the PCV Valve. I only got a little improvemnt in mpg so far.
Here are my driving results --
BEFORE TUNEUP -
miles mpg
21 15.1 city & highway
2.6 9.7 city
1.2 8.8 city
7.8 12.1 city
AFTER TUNEUP
4.2 13.5 city
4.2 12.1 city
3.2 9.5 city
8.0 11.4 city with A/C
I'm really diappointed with the mpg of the 99 Flex Fuel 3.3L - it's worse than my old 95 3.8L !
Is this common with the newer Grand Caravans ? Do they all get terrible mpg? Maybe Chrysler tuned up their engines for more power at the sacrifice of fuel economy?
For all Grand Caravan owners - please post your vehicle year, model, engine size, if it's flex fuel post that too, and what mpg you are getting! Also tell us if you modded it and what it has.
I'm really wondering if I got a lemon. Everything perfect about my van except the mpg I'm getting. If it's a lemon I'll keep it for 2 years then get a 2002 model. I'm also wondering if my overhead computer is bad and if it's giving me bad mpg and estimated distance readings.
This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members. Register your free account today and become a member on Dodge Forums!
Sponsored Links
Registered users do not see this ad. Click here to register for free!
My 97GC 3.3 averages 17.5-19 mpg city on the trip computer. (Or as we call it, the suburbs)
I picked up the computer the junkyard and learned a few things.
Slow starts are everything. Keep the rpms under 2500. 2000 is better.
What is your tire pressure. Check the glove box sticker.
Mine was low. 36 PSI was the highest correct setting.
Did I read correctly....front 3 spark plugs only?
You need to do all six. Maybe wires also.
Oil change recently?
Air filter also.
Also try to trip a trouble code.
Follow this procedure:
Start the car.
Rev the engine to 2500 rpms. 10 sec's.
Back to idle.
put it into each gear. PRND321 and back to Park. 5 sec's each gear.
Turn on the A/C . 10 sec's.
Turn off the A/C.
Turn of the car.
NOW try the trouble code check.
ON /OFF / ON / OFF / ON / OFF the ignition without starting the car.
Now count the flashing codes on the service engine light.
And check the codes against the top of the Dodge caravan page.
Could be a O2 sensor.
They really kill mileage.
But start with the codes.
I ran it and it showed my O2 sensors are ok. But I'm still learning to use it and I haven't driven my 99 caravan too much yet. I want to give it a Dyno run. I think I should hook it up on my next ride. It says my ignition system is ok because there are no ignition system codes.
I will get an auto shop to change my inside 3 plugs for $40 and an oil change (labor) for $5. When I changed my front 3 plug they weren't bad, but I changed them anyway since I had the time and I'm unemployed now.
Yes, I made sure the tires are at 45 psi - used a bike pump to inflate them. I last filled up with Amoco 87 octane.
I gonna use the Walmart Synthetic Oil and Slick 50 engine treatment on my next oil change, and on my next fill up I'm putting Chevron Techron cleaner. All I hopes of better mpg. I hope the Walmart Synthetic oil is good, because I think it's 5 quarts for $12. Like Mobil 1 is $5.16 a quart.
My codes were cleared when I disconnected the battery to replace my bad EGR Solenoid Valve assembly.
My air filter is still clean.
12L / 100km = 3.17 gal / 62.13712 mi = 19.60 mpg city driving. Is that on a 01 Grand Caravan jhtopilko ?
My 97GC w/3.3l get's around 22mpg. Recntly did a plug and wire change, and have to admit no real change in MPG, but OMG what a response and power difference. You should always change all 6 plugs. If you're getting that bad a gas mileage, I'd check O2 sensor and EGR.
__________________
Caravan Fan....have owned 7 and praise their virtues, but woe their transnission flaws. I use a broken differential pin as a key chain if that's any sign. 2 1988 w/2.5l, 91 GC w/3.3, 94 GC AWD w/3.3, 2 1997's w/3.3 and 99 w/3.8
Try as I wrote to trip a trouble code.
It cant hurt.
Also until you change all plugs, were only guessing. So go for it.
Is your transmission going into Overdrive?
You can tell by the rpms dropping to approx 1500 rpm at 45mph.
If it stays over 2000 rpm, the problem might be there.
As for tire pressure. 45 psi is very high..........You must be exhausted pumping them up.
Check the proper pressure again on the sticker.
I never used synthetic oil in my car.
Cant judge WalMart 's brand.
ORIGINAL: vangonebuy
Also until you change all plugs, were only guessing. So go for it.
Is your transmission going into Overdrive?
You can tell by the rpms dropping to approx 1500 rpm at 45mph.
If it stays over 2000 rpm, the problem might be there.
As for tire pressure. 45 psi is very high..........You must be exhausted pumping them up.
Check the proper pressure again on the sticker.
I never used synthetic oil in my car.
Cant judge WalMart 's brand.
Good luck.
[sm=gears.gif] [sm=gears.gif]
I've only gone on the highway once. Will go next week but I need to know how to do a Dyno Run on my OBD 2 computer first.
It goes into a good gear cruising city at 30 - 40 mph < 2000 rpm
My tires say 45 psi max. I usually use regular oil but that Walmart synthetic is cheap, will risk it since I want the Slick 50 in the engine for 4500 miles.[IMG][/IMG]
The image is a Live Data run using my Laptop Auterra OBD 2 computer scanner.
Mine is a regular length Caravan. I just changed my plugs to NGK Laser platinum this morning. Done in 54 mins. Two were finger tight when I pulled them out. My wife has noticed easier starting. On the next 76 liters I will check mileage. This tank has seen some highway with the city and now new plugs.
__________________
powered by XS
http://jtopilko.qhealthbeauty.com
What mpg are u getting on your Grand Caravan?
