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Old 11-15-2013, 01:45 PM
rickybrewster rickybrewster is offline
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Default Bad mpg

I have a 1994 2.3L automatic 100% stock which I've read should get around 20 mpg yet here lately its been closer to 12-14 mpg. when it idles everything shakes and when it is in gear it is even worse. it stops after i get going on the highway but it feels like something in the tranny is slipping when it kicks into overdrive. it is running at high rpms yet the wheels aren't turning any faster. it also has a horrible oil leak. I don't have the money to take it to a dealership or anywhere else for that matter.
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Old 11-15-2013, 01:50 PM
chooperXmane chooperXmane is offline
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Default Re: Bad mpg

id start with the basic tune up if you havnt already. plugs,wires,oil change, find your leak fix it, clean your sensors and such. run a fuel treatment through it. if you feel like your trans is effing up id pull the pan off drain as much fluid as possible check for any debris in the bottom of pan change filter and fill er up again and or flush (some guys would say flush some are against it)
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Old 11-15-2013, 01:54 PM
rickybrewster rickybrewster is offline
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Default Re: Bad mpg

I have changed the plugs and wires but thats about it and this engine i just put in it a few months so it has all new oil and tranny fluid and new filters. i figured its some vacuum leak but i cant find it anywhere
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Old 11-15-2013, 01:56 PM
chooperXmane chooperXmane is offline
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Default Re: Bad mpg

JY engine?
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Old 11-16-2013, 02:12 AM
zekew64 zekew64 is offline
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Default Re: Bad mpg

First off, is it an automatic, or a manual trans?

If it's an automatic, I'd say that you probably are having an issue with either the torque converter clutch solenoid or the transmission bands; this is usually located on the side of the transmission. This controls both upshifts as well as down shifts. Also, as the transmission has overdrive, I'd go out on a limb and say that you need to have the transmission bands checked and tightened, and the valves at least looked at, and possibly replaced. If that happens, you should also have the O-rings replaced for the valves.

As for the fluid, depends on how many miles the truck has, and if the transmission has ever been flushed. If it hasn't, I would flush it first, run new fluid in it for 3,000 miles, then change it two more times, doing the same thing. Do this if you pull the old fluid out, and notice that it either looks or smells burned. Also, check your torque converter--it may have fluid missing as well, which could cause the shaking at idle. If the fluid you pull out looks and smells normal (not burned), then DO NOT FLUSH IT. The dirt inside the transmission, if it isn't that much, actually is good for it, as it provides some friction to transmit engine power to the rest of the powertrain.

As for the jerking, have your driveshaft checked for balance, and check the fluid level and condition in the differential. All these things--fluid in the torque convertor, fluid in the transmission, and gear oil in the differential--can cause a vibration if they are not up to the proper level. The driveshaft, if not balanced, can cause a horrendous vibration at 45+ mph; a speed shop can check it for you, and rebalance it, if need be.

Lastly, check to see if your truck has a PCM (Powertrain Control Module). If that is malfunctioning, it could also cause the vibration you're dealing with, as it would not be sending the proper electrical signals to the ECM, which in turn would force the ECM to compensate by forcing the engine out of balance.
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Last edited by zekew64; 11-16-2013 at 02:16 AM.
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