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2004 Dodge Dakota gas mileage

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Old 10-19-2010, 08:33 PM
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Exclamation 2004 Dodge Dakota gas mileage

My truck used to get at least 14mpg and not its only getting about 9mpg.
My check engine light is not on and my transmission seems to be shifting fine. I have replaced the spark plugs Autolite 5224 copper plugs, and changed the air filter.
What would cause the poor gas mileage in my truck. I only drive my truck in town to work and back.

any ideas what might be causing this would be greatly appreciated.
thanks in advance.
Troy
I forgot to mention my truck is:
2004 Dodge dakota 4.7 liter quad cab 4x4
 

Last edited by tspeed109; 10-19-2010 at 08:37 PM. Reason: engine size
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Old 10-19-2010, 09:33 PM
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brakes, tire pressure, o2 sensor (but I guess that would make the check engine light turn on). Only things I can think of
 
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Old 10-19-2010, 10:16 PM
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As stated above:
Make sure your brakes aren't dragging
Make sure your tires are up to par
Make sure you have no codes you don't know about
Make sure your cat is clean...lol


When did you notice the MPG drop? Sudden or gradual?
 
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Old 10-19-2010, 11:02 PM
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like madison and stampede said it could quite possibly be a clogged cat or bad O2 sensor thats not setting off the check engine light
 
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Old 10-20-2010, 12:14 PM
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You didn't accidentally throw some 40 weight oil in there did you? lol.

Really its usually one of the basics like said above.
 
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Old 10-20-2010, 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by MadisonDakota
As stated above:
Make sure your brakes aren't dragging
Make sure your tires are up to par
Make sure you have no codes you don't know about
Make sure your cat is clean...lol


When did you notice the MPG drop? Sudden or gradual?
The miles per gallon was a gradual drop from 14mpg to 9mpg
 
  #7  
Old 10-20-2010, 07:04 PM
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Default how can I tell if the cat went bad

How can I tell if my catalitic converter went bad. On the 4.7L there are two of them and my truck has 4 oxygen sensors. two before the cat and two after the cat.

Any help will be greatly appreciated thanks in advance
I do not have any check engine light codes
 
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Old 10-20-2010, 07:06 PM
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exhaust fumes smell of eggs, loosing top end power, glowing red cat after a longer drive.
 
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Old 10-20-2010, 07:07 PM
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Brakes are good? All your bearings roll good? Different gas station? Is the truck getting to operating temp? When was the last time you drove it for an hour at 55+? Alignement good?

I'm just grasping straws, your question is pretty general.
 
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Old 10-20-2010, 09:28 PM
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Default I think I might of fixed it

I went and took out the oxygen sensors and dipped them in gas and cleaned them off with a brush and now when my truck starts the idle seems to be lower rpm. Also when I let my truck warm up some condensation came out of the exhaust pipe. (Never seen that before)
Thanks for the input I think I will try a different gas station. About a few weeks ago I started a new job on the other side of town and have been getting gas at a different station.
When I get gas I always get the 89 octane but I think this gas station is screwed up and when it says its 89 octane its really 92 octane, and higher octane will use more fuel. right?
My spark plugs I just changed and I went with autolite copper core plugs (cheap ones from walmart)
What is a good fuel cleaner to use?
I also changed my air filter.
Have put on new brakes lately too and they are not binding.
thanks for all of your help and I will keep you updated on what I find out.
Troy
 


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