10 mpg drop after move a year ago!

[iambrink]

I bought my hybrid in NH almost 3 years ago and was getting about 24-26 mpg while living there. i moved to newfoundland, Canada last year and now i am getting about 14-18 mpg. any suggestions? i can't blame it on the weather because it was colder and hotter in NH, so AC and heat was used more frequently. There are many hills in the city i live. could that be enough to have such a drop? central NH is pretty hilly as well! anyone have a similar drop after a move? is there anything from an engine perspective i should be considering?

thanks

[rcy]

What year is your 400h? If it is a 2006, have you ever replaced the 12 volt battery?

[iambrink]

it is a 2006. we have not replaced it.

[rcy]

If your 12 volt battery has ever been run below 7 volts or been disconnected (I forgot to ask if you've ever disconnected it) or replaced you may need to do the ISC learning procedure. You may want to do this anyway just for peace of mind. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, the dealer can hook it up to their computer but it will cost you.

As per the Lexus TSB -

"It is important to perform the ISC Learning procedure anytime the 12–volt battery is
disconnected or the voltage falls below 7 volts. This procedure allows the I.C. (internal
combustion) Engine to re–learn its optimal idle speed during the initial engine warm–up
cycle or charging the HV battery. If this procedure is NOT performed, the following
customer complaints may occur:

Engine runs too long or more frequently than normal

Reduced fuel economy

Transmission gear “clatter” noise at idle is more pronounced"

Many who have done this procedure have experienced increased gas mileage (myself included).

Check here -

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...30&hl=learning

[SLegacy99]

Are your tires properly inflated? Is your air filter dirty? Did you move to an elevation that is significantly higher?

[iambrink]

Originally Posted by rcy

If your 12 volt battery has ever been run below 7 volts or been disconnected (I forgot to ask if you've ever disconnected it) or replaced you may need to do the ISC learning procedure. You may want to do this anyway just for peace of mind. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, the dealer can hook it up to their computer but it will cost you.

As per the Lexus TSB -

"It is important to perform the ISC Learning procedure anytime the 12–volt battery is
disconnected or the voltage falls below 7 volts. This procedure allows the I.C. (internal
combustion) Engine to re–learn its optimal idle speed during the initial engine warm–up
cycle or charging the HV battery. If this procedure is NOT performed, the following
customer complaints may occur:

Engine runs too long or more frequently than normal

Reduced fuel economy

Transmission gear “clatter” noise at idle is more pronounced"

Many who have done this procedure have experienced increased gas mileage (myself included).

Check here -

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...30&hl=learning

Thanks. I don't think we have ever disconnected it, but i will have my husband look into this procedure. We don't have a lexus dealer here and have not have positive expereineces at the Toyota dealer!

[iambrink]

Originally Posted by SLegacy99

Are your tires properly inflated? Is your air filter dirty? Did you move to an elevation that is significantly higher?

I will look into each of these just to make sure! Never thought of the elevation. I thnk we are probably higher than in NH. Not sure how this affects the mileage. Thanks for the suggestions.