04 ranger poor gas mileage

bravefan10 · #1 07-05-2011, 10:14 PM

hey i have on 04 ranger 4wd 4.0L automatic trans...i have done some reasearch and i know that my truck should be getting about 15 miles per gallon but for some reason my truck is getting about 11 or 12...i had to put new tires on it so i put all terrians but they were the same size tires so it shouldnt affect my gas mileage that much...the truck runs fine and everything i just dont know why my truck is getting such terrible gas mileage..i have had people tell me it is the fuel filter and things like that but i dont know...the truck has factory blocks in the rear for towing and heavy loads in the bed...please help me out here!

Clinton · #2 07-05-2011, 10:31 PM

I would have to say based on what the factory says it should get, the age of the engine you are pretty darn close! It all depends on how you drive it and how you maintain it. For optimum performance I say tune up and clean the IAC along with the throttle body.

Rg1Baja · #3 07-05-2011, 10:32 PM

Can be many things. Have you changed the fuel filter? When was the last time plugs and wires were done? Air filter? Start with the basics that dont cost much money but always good for the truck. I get 15-17 on the highway in my 4.0. Its a 96 with 170k miles on it.

bravefan10 · #4 07-06-2011, 12:42 AM

yeah i have a fuel filter for it but have not gotten around to changing it...i take it to have regular oil and filter changes and no lights are indicating something is wrong with the motor...it only has 73000 miles...i might just be time for a good tune up...i bought the truck used and i dont thing there has been any tune ups since the truck was bought new

Gunner · #5 07-06-2011, 01:55 AM

Driving habits are a huge factor, I've found that since switching to synthetic oil (at first change) my 2011 went from 14 mpg to around 22.5 mpg.

http://www.fuelly.com/driver/dieselguy625/ranger

Just make sure your tires are properly inflated, and you have a fesh tune up. Highway miles will get you better milage than city driving will. Also if you have train tracks where you live, shut down your engine when at crossings, idling more than 30 seconds is wasted fuel at 0 mpg.

lvbluesboy · #6 07-06-2011, 05:20 AM

I agree with Gunner. Driving habits have a lot to do with it, but a good tune up is essential.

In theory your truck should be fine on the plugs and wires (they are supposed to be good for 100,000), but we all know that usually isn't the case.

My 2005 4.0l gets an average of 18mpg and I don't light foot it all the time. I have used Mobil One synthetic oil since the first change when it was new. Changed the plugs to Bosch platinum at 80,000 and gained about 2mpg.

Changing the fuel filter is not a big deal. Make sure you get the tool needed to unhook the connectors. It is actually very easy and needs to be done. Make sure your air filter is clean and you can clean off the IAC with some electrical contact cleaner. Just be careful with it.

I have gotten into the 20mpg range off and on, but usually it's about 18.

SpitfireEMT · #7 07-06-2011, 06:40 AM

Low rolling resistance tires will help. So will keeping the revs down in town. Dont run needless accessories, and if you can avoid it, dont use the a/c. I cant really say much. When I drive my ranger, I average 14.0~15.5mpg. When the wife drives it, she averages around 17~18.5. Its probably 85% driving style and habit. Keep your tires properly inflated, use quality fuel (not premium, mind you, but nothing from mom and pop low volume stations) and keep a light foot on the skinny pedal. Also, coast when you can. Anything over I think 2k rpm with the throttle body closed, the ecm cuts off fuel injection.

FireRanger · #8 07-06-2011, 06:50 AM

Something is wrong if you are getting 11-12 MPG on that. ~16 in town and 18 highway is normal. What have you done for maintenance in the last few years? 90% of the MPG complaints on here are resolved by picking up on a lack of normal maintenance items and recognizing driving habits.

[Posted with my Android mobile device using Tapatalk Pro]

north44 · #9 07-06-2011, 05:54 PM

Good advice here about doing the basics in maintenance.

A good tune-up will do wonders at the best of times.

One thing that bears mentioning is that with all the computer controls (e.g., anti-knock, spark control, etc.) minor issues are often compensated for by the ECU.

What that essentially means is that things deteriorate over time and you won't even notice - there may not be any drivability issues, no engine knocking or other stuff that gives you a clue that not everything is 100%.

In the meantime things are wearing out - you just won't be aware of it.

So a lot of times, the first clue is when your mileage drops off. It also means that small problems will build into big ones if routine maintenance is not kept up, and that can lead to a catastrophic failure.

Your spark plugs could be fouling up, and you won't even notice a difference in drivability because the computer will compensate for it (up to a point).

Often a drop in gas mileage will be your first clue that routine stuff has to be addressed - and that's a good place to start any time.

FordDude1991 · #10 07-06-2011, 06:51 PM

my 2011 gets 12.2 mpgs...

HazardousRanger · #11 07-06-2011, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordDude1991

my 2011 gets 12.2 mpgs...

thats horrible lol drive better!

my 04 at 100XXX miles gets 17 mpg on a bad week and 20 on a good week.....

Gunner · #12 07-07-2011, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordDude1991

my 2011 gets 12.2 mpgs...

ylp8790 · #13 07-11-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner

Driving habits are a huge factor, I've found that since switching to synthetic oil (at first change) my 2011 went from 14 mpg to around 22.5 mpg.

http://www.fuelly.com/driver/dieselguy625/ranger

Just make sure your tires are properly inflated, and you have a fesh tune up. Highway miles will get you better milage than city driving will. Also if you have train tracks where you live, shut down your engine when at crossings, idling more than 30 seconds is wasted fuel at 0 mpg.

Agreed. I changed to full synthetic after the first 4,000 miles. (i drove from kansas city to dallas and then to fort stewart ga.) i have been getting around 21 mpg. one problem i had with getting good mpg's was finding a good gas dealer. i would go get gas from one store and it would hardly last me the week, then i would drive right down the road and get the same 89 grade and wouldnt have to get gas for and extra couple of days. with no change in driving habits. there are a ton of reasons you could have poor gas milage but finding a good place to buy gas is one way to help.