So I've looked at past threads about gas mileage. I have a 2.4L engine with 98,000 miles on it and I've kept up the maintence with regular oil changes and changing the plugs and wires. Now my car hasn't thrown a CEL but I'm getting bad gas mileage. I used to get anywhere from 25-28 combined mileage now I'm lucky to get 18-20. Just thinking out loud but reading some other posts should I just change o2 sensors to see what happens? Should I start maybe with the fuel filter? Or maybe try changing the plugs and wires again? Any ideas or suggestions would help.

 

Fuel filter at least if you've never had it changed in the past.

Try running a can of SeaFoam or Lucas gas treatment on your next tank of gas prior to changing the fuel filter. That way, when you change your fuel filter, the trash will go with the old one, leaving the new one to be attached after you've done what is probably some much needed cleaning.

Its possible all that you're dealing with here is running tank after tank without ever using a real gas treatment. Don't get anything other than Lucas or SeaFoam. Personally, I use Lucas for running a low grade of gas, but SeaFoam when I'm wanting to do a clean in between oil changes. Just pour the entire can into your gas tank before your next fill up.

 

Well I called the dealership and asked about the fuel filter for and was told that there was no filter on the car and that it was a sock on the fuel pump and that it was a non-seviceable part. Basically the only time it would get changed is if the fuel pump went out. Now I should've mentioned this but I have a 2002 stratus and am now wondering if this is the correct information about the fuel filter.

 

When did the drop in mileage occur and were any changes made just before it dropped? Some engines just do not run as well with certain plugs installed. If the drop started after the plugs were changed did you use a different brand or type when you put in the new plugs? Are the brakes dragging? Tires aired up properly? How about the air filter? Running a bottle of good fuel injector cleaner through it can't hurt. It's probably something as simple as this. My son has a 03 sxt coupe 2.4 with a stick and it gets the 25-28 you were getting and his has 126,000 on it. I've yet to look at the plugs to see what they are though.

 

Everything is up to date as far as scheduled maintence. The time I did notice it was after a scheduled tune-up. The only place I've gotten the tune ups is at the dealer. I was thinking that this time I would take it to another place to have the tune up done as I am approaching the 100,000 mark. Air filter, tires, and brakes are good.