Moe in Wichita Kansas
On Nov 15 bought a 01 dak, V6. I had to put cap rotor wires on it. dont know condition of plugs. It has a auto trans, 3.55 gear. It moves out lots better than the 99 i had. it got 13 - 14 mpg. the 01 only gets 9-10 mpg. how ever i do have a heavy foot. is this mpg norm?

 

I have a 2000 model V6 that I bought new in late 99. I check my milage at every fill-up and have always gotten 18-20 mpg for normal in-town driving.

 

well with the same drive train i get 16 with a lead foot and even with 2 tons i got 14 mpg so try taking it easy and see what happens and check the plugs.

 

try putting a set of NGK v-power plugs in, bad plugs seem to make a big difference in mileage in the 3.9's. the next thing i would recommend is taking off the air intake, removing the throttle body and completely cleaning it, that also makes a big difference. also, a lead foot REALLY reduces mileage on 3.9's. my truck can get 10 mpg if im really on it all the time or 20 if i take it easy all the time.

 

I can get in the low 20's on the highway, dry pavement. 2wd. 10 sounds awful low.

 

if you go light on the gas pedal and you still get crappy gas milage and nothing else seems wrong with it you might want to check the fan clutch. My friend had a first gen dak v-6 that was only getting like 11 mpg and we found out that the fan was not shutting off and the fan clutch was bad. when it goes bad it stays engaged and drags on the belts causing low mpg. Your 9-10 seems very low, seeing as my 4.7 v-8 gets 19-20 highway

 

you might even check the air in your tires as well.

 

To tell the truth...

I've tried my plugs, pvc, air filter, cleaning the throttle body and even shifting @ or before 2000rpm but none of this has made a difference to my mileage.. I'm sitting somewhere around where you are @ 10mpg.. maybe 11 if i'm lucky...

 

i am having a mileage issue with my prism,and ia am hearing that it may be an oxygen sensor.you might check on that issue.i really am not sure.

 

Basic MPG Checklist:

Basic tune-up ( cap, rotor, plugs, wires )
Air filter
Tire pressure
O2 sensors
Clean intake manifold
Use proper gas for your vehicle