Hi everyone. I just bought a 2004 Caravan(46000km).Its fuel consumption is 22.5MPG(10.5L/100km) on Highway at speed of 110km(69m)/h;14.3MPG(16.6L/100km) in city(Normal condition, no traffic jam). It's much higher then the factory number. I am very appreciate for the information and suggestion you can give me.

 

I was told this week (as I have the same issue. My caravan gets worse gas mileage then a 92 town car I had) by a chevrolet tech I work with that it could be something as simple as a dirty air cleaner. Take it for what its worth as I have not checked mine yet due to other issues I am having. I was searching through this forum earlier and found several fuel consumption topics with several answers I dont recall, one being the efr valve I think. Check it out on search, you will probably find them easy. GL with it.

 

Part of the problem is that it's a pretty heavy vehicle. If you live in an area that has hills, you're mileage is going to suffer. There are a few tricks that you can do to improve the mileage. Cahnge the intake set-up and/or increas the diameter of your exhaust system a little. Both allow the engine to breathe better and not work as hard. Keep checking your tire pressure, also. The other hting to consider is the size of your engine. I run the 3.3L and get a little better gas mileage than you, but I continue to work on improving it. The best thing is to drive less.

 

Thank you guys.The engine is 3.3L. Today I'v reset the ECU. I am gonna replace the air cleaner filter tomorrow. I will try to find a better muffler[sm=confused06.gif].If someone has any good choice for these kind of things ,please tell me. Thanks a lot.

 

I wrote on this a while back and I'll post it on the bottom to help fill you in.
Plus I have a few updates.

Our T&C 05 averaged 14.5 mpg daily. Lots of stop and go. All short trips.
It has the aerodynamics of a loaf of bread on wheels.
But, It fits the kids very well.

I got my mileage higher with a few techniques.

Keep the RPM's down.
Your van can shift through all 4 gears at around 2000rpms.
Just dont **** off the poor guy behind you.

Around town I can get better mileage by getting the van up to 4th gear(OD) and keeping it there.
It shifts at around 38 mph then slow down to keep closer to the 30 mph local limits.
32 mph it upshifts to 3rd.

Try shutting off the engine at long traffic lights. Canada did studies and proved that any shut down over 10 sec's will cover the startup gas consumption.

Rolling is important. You only get zero mpg's when the care is off or stopped at a light.

But the best simple fix I recently tried was to overinflate the tires.
My doorjamb states 36 psi for my tires.
The tires stamp state 44 psi max.
I split the difference and tried 40psi.

Just under 2 mpg improvement.
Doesn't ride too hard and rolls much better.
And yes, its safe.
There is another forum website that has a large group of hypermilers who swear that max on the tires should be the norm. I'm not ready for that yet. But no one is complaining about bad tire wear either. Which is good to hear.


I just returned from N/E Penn to Long Island NY today. 200 miles.
Averaged 26.7 mpg on the trip computer. Around 70 mph and really lousy rainy weather.

Cruise control does a pretty good job of helping. But I like to try and do better.
I have gotten 32+ mpg on long hauls. (confirmed at the pump.) 500miles+ r/trip.


It comes down to adjustment of conveniences. I try to work the gallon harder.

I have tried other idea's with good results. But it's getting long winded already.


Good Luck.





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<<< I have a 05 Chysler 3.3 T&C. But its mileage is not as good as my old 97 3.3 GC. [18.5]
Most of the time we got 14.5-15.5 mpg around town. Lots of stop/go.
On the highway 24.5 mpg.

A well maintained engine is important.
Run the on board diagnostic test.
Click the ignition on, off 3 times leaving it on after the 3rd.
This give a very good rundown of trouble codes.
Anything broken may still be covered by warranty.

A bad O2 sensor,
Improper inflated tires. --check the door jamb for proper pressure.
Lots of stop & go. --Try to keep it rolling.
Excessive junk in the trunk, --Keep it light.
These can kill your mileage.

I have found the trip computer to be a great teacher. If you have one.
So far the trip computer has taught me to keep the RPM's low. Period!
Approx 2K RPM will allow all 4 gears to shift.

Also, Overdrive is your friend.
If you can get the car into 4th gear, your mileage jumps up.
It kicks in at 38+ mph, But you can slow it down to 32mph before it kicks out.
This works pretty good around town.
It can kicked you up to 17-18 mpg.

Also drive with a light foot. It increases mileage.

I'm all ears for any other idea's.

VanGoneBuy>>>

 

awesome,I am gonna overinflate my tires from 34psi to 38psi(I am a little nervous about 40).

 

I understand your nervousness. I was too. So go slowly.

I'm surprised that your pressure was only 34psi.
I've never seen a door jamb sticker listed that low. It might be underinflated.
36 psi is usually the norm. But there are a lot of different tires.
Remember that the max pressure stamped on the tire is there for safety reasons.

I was also a sceptic 4000 miles ago.
But nothing to report but better mileage.
A 10 - 15% mileage improvement is a good motivator to try.
And nothing to buy.

The other idea's can help much more.
Report back of your progress.

Good Luck.

 

I live in Canada. Some one told me the tire pressure should be lower to keep it safer in winter. sounds like reasonable but I am not quite sure.Is the cold weather also a big factor for high fuel consumption? Before I didn't pay toomuch attention on this.

 

High tire pressure will reduce light snow grip. So try to find your tire pressure sweet spot. Depending on your own weather conditions.
But, I havent changed my pressure this winter. Seems the same grip.

I am looking for new tires soon and higher max pressure is a selling point to me now.

Really cold air can reduce mileage.
Stiffens up everything also. Your worst mileage and emissions are before your van warms up.

I read that hypermilers are using engine heaters in moderate temps.
So I guess it helps also.

There is a OBD II plug in reader (Scan Guage II) that gives you excellent instant info while you drive.
I haven't bought it, But it's a great tool to teach technique.

 

Great, what I did these two days: change engine oil, clean air filter,replace EGR valve, increase the tires pressure to 38psi. Let's wait a few days to see what is the difference .