2000-2005 Discuss your 2000-2005 Bonneville SE, SLE, and SSEi Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

Using a lot of gas

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-21-2008, 12:54 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
gtman220's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
gtman220 is on a distinguished road
Default Using a lot of gas

I've got a 2000 bonneville SE that is using a lot of gas. I use to be able to fill the tank and go 57 miles before the needle came off of "F," now I'm only going about 38 miles before the needle is moving. I replaced both O2 sensors and that didn't help. Anyone have a thought?
Old 01-21-2008, 01:16 PM
  #2  
Junior Member
 
vital49's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Purgatory
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
vital49 is on a distinguished road
Default

When was your last full tune up done (plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter)? And, how about your oxygen sensor? Has it ever been replaced?

How many miles per gallon are you getting? The method you described isn't the most scientific.
Old 01-21-2008, 01:18 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
PontiacDad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Purgatory
Posts: 6,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
PontiacDad is on a distinguished road
Default

It could be the Maf sensor or fouled plugs.
You can change the plugs and check the wires. You need a scanner to check the maf.
Also whats your engine temp like once warmed up?
Old 01-21-2008, 02:46 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
 
hawkjet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
hawkjet is on a distinguished road
Default

The FIRST thing I do when my fuel economy drops is replace the spark plugs.
Old 01-21-2008, 04:38 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
gtman220's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
gtman220 is on a distinguished road
Default

Replaced the spark plugs and wires today. The old ones had a lot of buildup on them and two of the wires broke off almost as soon as I touched them. I live in Erie, PA and was told the gas stations recieve a different gas mixture in the winter that create lower MPG. Anyone heard of this?
Old 01-21-2008, 05:22 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
 
hawkjet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
hawkjet is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by gtman220
I live in Erie, PA and was told the gas stations recieve a different gas mixture in the winter that create lower MPG. Anyone heard of this?
This should only be in the neighborhood of around a 1 MPG difference.
Old 01-22-2008, 03:53 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
Certified GM nut
 
SSEBONNE4EVA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CT
Posts: 2,099
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
SSEBONNE4EVA is on a distinguished road
Default mpg

You should see better mileage with the new plugs and wires.
The cold winter weather and the winter gas formula will also kill your mileage in stop and go driving.
Old 02-12-2008, 10:53 PM
  #8  
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
 
Toddorado's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Colo Spgs, CO
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Toddorado is on a distinguished road
Default

I'm about to replace my plugs, wires and air filter. I searched the tech forum and could not find the specs for gapping the plugs. Is there a more extensive article/thread on simple replacement of these parts? I'd also like to replace my O2 sensor and fuel filter, but am checking dealership paperwork to see if that was taken care of as my warranty expired a year ago. Currently 50,000 miles, almost exactly. If there are specific threads for replacement of O2 sensor and fuel filter, please advise? Thanks!
Old 02-13-2008, 11:18 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
Posts like a Northstar
 
imidazol's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dayton, OH
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
imidazol is on a distinguished road
Default Re: Using a lot of gas

Originally Posted by gtman220
I've got a 2000 bonneville SE that is using a lot of gas. I use to be able to fill the tank and go 57 miles before the needle came off of "F," now I'm only going about 38 miles before the needle is moving. I replaced both O2 sensors and that didn't help. Anyone have a thought?
When did these two measurements occur? IF one was in warmer weather where the motor oil and transmission oil were warmer and had less resistance that could explain higher fuel use when starting the car cold and driving. It takes many minutes of driving for the transmission fluid to warm up enough to increase the mileage. Also alcohol in fuel lowers the mileage, in my opinion and experience.
Old 02-13-2008, 11:25 AM
  #10  
Junior Member
 
2000SilverBullet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2000SilverBullet is on a distinguished road
Default

Just a few extra minutes of warming up the car at idle will kill your mileage.

My Bonne has only driven about 5 miles this winter and I have used 1/4 tank of fuel.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MOS95B
Lounge
16
06-21-2007 07:16 PM
ozzman_g7
1992-1999
20
10-17-2005 08:13 PM
PontiacDad
Lounge
5
01-28-2004 01:43 AM
JrFaust
1992-1999
8
08-24-2003 01:49 AM
bonnie94ssei
Your Ride: GM Pictures & Videos
22
05-19-2003 04:54 PM



Quick Reply: Using a lot of gas



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:49 PM.