Ask the Car People.SM


Toyota Corolla Maintenance and Repair

3844 messages,  Last post on Sep 23, 2012 at 10:12 AM

You are in the Toyota Corolla Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Corolla, Sedan

Messages Page 127 of 386

#1252 of 3844 hey orlysf by majorlag

Jan 02, 2003 (10:01 pm)

I also got a 2003 Corolla S and driving in around SF, Daly City. I too am getting only 250 miles/tank driving in city. Have you fixed the problem yet? I tried calling City Toyota and they said it costs more than $100 just to inspect it if it comes out there are no problem. SF Toyota says it is common since there are a lot of hills. I am not sure if they are telling the truth because my 1999 Honda Accord can get atleast 400miles/tank. What should I do.. I have heard people getting better than 30MPG. I hate poor mileage. One last question. Does toyota warranty covers inspection, which you "think" you have a problem, but maybe it turn out there wasn't?

#1253 of 3844 Toyota warranty by nippononly

Jan 04, 2003 (12:33 am)

covers if it turns out there is some defect that is causing poor mileage, but if they check everything out and there is no problem, you will have to pay for the diagnostic, because fuel mileage is not guaranteed by the warranty.
 
I would think a lot of really hilly driving like in DC and the City would cause much lower fuel economy, especially if you were doing mostly short drives...don't forget your Accord's gas tank is a lot bigger than the one in the corolla.

#1254 of 3844 Toyota Warranty by boilerman

Jan 04, 2003 (8:22 am)

I have had my 2003 Corolla LE back to the dealer several times due to the declining gas mileage in my car. They have done several OBD-II scans on my car and although no codes have been set off and I still have the problem with gas mileage, they did not charge anything at all for the tests. Before I went to a dealer, I did call Toyota Customer Service and had a person in the region get involved with the problem. I then proceeded to go to the dealer and have the tests done. No fix, but no charge at least. You may want to try this.. BAD gas mileage does suck!! Be prepared for the BS you will get about the sulfur smell if you have it. They tend to give EVERYONE a canned speech that must be coming from their corporate headquarters.. Good Luck!

#1255 of 3844 gas milage by toyotaken

Jan 04, 2003 (8:55 am)

A couple of things to keep in mind for those who are experiencing reduced gas milage. Remember that the engine does not run at its most efficient until warm. So, obviously, until it warms up, it will get poorer gas milage. For anyone that lives where temperatures drop during the winter months, this can greatly effect the performace of your vehicle as it takes MUCH longer for the car to warm up.
 
Secondly, the type of driving you do has a great effect as well. Short trips turning the engine on and off, not letting the engine warm up exacerbate the occurance. Most likely most of you who are experiencing reduced fuel efficiency currently compared to what you had in the summer will see your high efficiency come back when the temperatures rise again.
 
Hope this helps.
 
Ken

#1257 of 3844 The rule of thumb... by jrct9454

Jan 04, 2003 (12:17 pm)

...for modern engines is to dispense entirely with this habit of "warming up" an engine.
 
Start the engine - put on your seat belt - lock the doors - put it in gear - leave the driveway - drive relatively gently [nothing higher than 2500 rpm would be a good guideline] for the first mile or so. Carry on from there.
 
I can't tell you how many cars I see idling in driveways all around our little town when I do my morning jogging. It's just an incredible waste of time, fuel, money, and most importantly, emissions that contribute to air pollution. The oil, coolant, fluids, and bearings all get warmer faster if you just take the darned car out and start driving it. All you need is a few seconds for oil pressure to build up, and then be on your way - just avoid heavy throttle use for the first couple of minutes.

#1258 of 3844 Longer cranking in hot weather by lovetosavegas

Jan 05, 2003 (9:49 pm)

Happens in a lot of cars. This is due to couple factors:
1. Engine control unit makes more rich gas mixture when the engine is cold.
2. (not 100% sure) cold air has more oxygen in it.
What does the mechanic say about long cranking? I would be interested in a few opinions.

#1259 of 3844 cold air by nippononly

Jan 05, 2003 (10:33 pm)

does have more oxygen in it - engines run much more efficiently in cold air once they are warmed up than in hot air.
 
But I am talking about cranking that goes on longer than it should in any modern car...longer than 15 year old cars I have owned...longer than CARBURETED cars I have owned.

#1260 of 3844 re: Longer cranking in hot weather by rxsorent

Jan 07, 2003 (9:44 am)

I agree with you, nippononly, that it shouldn't take that long to start. Like I stated in a previous message, I have been told by the dealer that it is the type of gas being used, normal for the car to do it, etc. My 2003 corolla does the same as yours in that it will quick cranking if it doesn't turn over within a certain time. I feel that sooner or later toyota will have to produce a TSB to show what is causing this problem and how to fix it.

#1261 of 3844 poor gas mileage too by heggelke

Jan 07, 2003 (7:01 pm)

According to the Edmunds site, the EPA range for the Corolla S automatic is around 400 miles for city driving. Why is it that I struggle to get 300 miles in combination (city/hwy) driving? Tire pressure is at recommendations, engine is warm (eventually), I don't let the car "warmup" but I go easy until I see from the gauge that the engine is warm. What gives?

Messages Page 127 of 386

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement