On RX400h 2008. 150100
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From: Fl
On RX400h 2008. 150100
so I changed the spark plugs (no easy job when you have to remove the intake manifold) and the coil packs and the engine air filter. It’s still not doing good on mpg, Im getting an average of 21 mpg with 92 oct. could it be that the engine computer needs to be adjusted or fine tuned ?? Anyone been through this ?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,817
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From: wa
Presuming 150100 is mileage or kilometrage?
It's a hybrid.
Failing mpg is one of the first signs of failing hybrid battery.
Second. You need to do compression test to determine how sound engine is mechanically.
Third. DRIVING STYLE. It's a number one culprit for bad gas mileage. NUMBER ONE.
From my friend Haroldo at TN
How do I improve my mileage?
It's a hybrid.
Failing mpg is one of the first signs of failing hybrid battery.
Second. You need to do compression test to determine how sound engine is mechanically.
Third. DRIVING STYLE. It's a number one culprit for bad gas mileage. NUMBER ONE.
From my friend Haroldo at TN
How do I improve my mileage?
- Factors not related to the way the driver operates the vehicle.
Your mileage will increase...- ...after your first oil change.
- ...when the weather is warm. In cold weather the ICE needs to run to warm up.
- ...if you drive on flat roads
- ...when the air conditioner or heater is set to off
- ...if you increase tire pressure. The trade off is a noisier and possible more uncomfortable drive. Always stay within the posted recommended pressure range set by the manufacturer. See this survey to see how other drivers set their pressure.
- ...if you use top tier gas
- ...if you switch to Low Rolling Resistance tires
- Factors related to the way the driver operates the vehicle.
- After the engine warms up, come to a complete stop for a few seconds and see if the engine turns off after 4-5 seconds (not after one second). When it does this you are now in EV mode. The car will drive 'in the blue', on battery power, up to 40 MPH. Please see how-come-i-cant-go-into-ev-mode-sometimes (the third post) for an explanation.
- Combine trips and make your lengthiest trip the first leg of your trip. This will give the car a chance to warm up.
- Don't store heavy items in the trunk or travel with passengers. Three extra adults in the car could add between 400 and 600 pounds.
- Don't warm up the car before driving. Power it on and when you see READY, put it in gear and go. This is not practical if you live in a cold climate.
- Try and drive at a constant speed. Frequent stops and starts hurt mileage.
- Pulse and Glide Accelerate to a nice speed, say 65 MPH and then let the car glide down to 55 MPH (traffic permitting) and then start the process up again
- Anticipate traffic light changes and glide up to the light, rather than using the gas and braking
- Use cruise control when on flat roads.
- Avoid jack rabbit starts
- Avoid bumper to bumper traffic, if possible
- Monitor the battery's charge level and avoid letting the it run low when in traffic (the ICE will turn on at slow speeds to help regenerate the battery). Try and leave a gap between you and the car in front of you and then pulse and glide to try and regenerate the battery.
- There are many other driving techniques that people use to increase their mileage. There are quite a few posts and threads that discuss this topic. Some of the techniques you will see could potentially put the driver, passengers and others at risk. Please use common sense and observe local traffic laws as well as proper driving etiquette when considering whether some of these tactics are appropriate for you. The EMT in the ambulance will not ask you what your mileage was before the accident. Always drive safely!
-
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From: Fl
Thank you, I see two factors in your reply that might help. 1: since my wife drives this car to and from work 12 miles each way, and knowing how she drives, deep acceleration on take off at every stop, I believe driving habits has a lot to do with mpg. 2: since the car is this old and with that many miles on the engine, chances are the hybrid battery might be wearing, I will have to drive it more often to be sure.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: wa
to and from work 12 miles each way,
Stop right here. That's your culprit. There is no way in the world you will have good mpg at short trips on hybrid. They are simply not doing it. This is likely to be followed by argument otherwise but I had it discussed down to skin rubbed on the keyboard keys yet, literally everyone who does short trips, especially in city, has mpg that sucks badly. Hybrids simply are not for those commutes. And yes, I know what they say about city mpg being better, except that reality is the other way around.
Add to this stop n go driving habit ( my esposa is same way. And she gets angry right away if I even start on the topic.) and voila.
I'd not be worried about battery then. It's those two factors above.
Buy her electric. THAT WILL do good for such trips+driver. Chevy Bolt.
Stop right here. That's your culprit. There is no way in the world you will have good mpg at short trips on hybrid. They are simply not doing it. This is likely to be followed by argument otherwise but I had it discussed down to skin rubbed on the keyboard keys yet, literally everyone who does short trips, especially in city, has mpg that sucks badly. Hybrids simply are not for those commutes. And yes, I know what they say about city mpg being better, except that reality is the other way around.
Add to this stop n go driving habit ( my esposa is same way. And she gets angry right away if I even start on the topic.) and voila.
I'd not be worried about battery then. It's those two factors above.
Buy her electric. THAT WILL do good for such trips+driver. Chevy Bolt.
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From: Fl
Joe, thanks. She had a Volvo XC90 AWD averaging 15mpg, we really loved that car but I sold it because of the terrible mpg thinking the Lexus hybrid will do better so I’ll be grateful for the Lexus at 21mpg��
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From: Fl
to and from work 12 miles each way,
Stop right here. That's your culprit. There is no way in the world you will have good mpg at short trips on hybrid. They are simply not doing it. This is likely to be followed by argument otherwise but I had it discussed down to skin rubbed on the keyboard keys yet, literally everyone who does short trips, especially in city, has mpg that sucks badly. Hybrids simply are not for those commutes. And yes, I know what they say about city mpg being better, except that reality is the other way around.
Add to this stop n go driving habit ( my esposa is same way. And she gets angry right away if I even start on the topic.) and voila.
I'd not be worried about battery then. It's those two factors above.
Buy her electric. THAT WILL do good for such trips+driver. Chevy Bolt.
Stop right here. That's your culprit. There is no way in the world you will have good mpg at short trips on hybrid. They are simply not doing it. This is likely to be followed by argument otherwise but I had it discussed down to skin rubbed on the keyboard keys yet, literally everyone who does short trips, especially in city, has mpg that sucks badly. Hybrids simply are not for those commutes. And yes, I know what they say about city mpg being better, except that reality is the other way around.
Add to this stop n go driving habit ( my esposa is same way. And she gets angry right away if I even start on the topic.) and voila.
I'd not be worried about battery then. It's those two factors above.
Buy her electric. THAT WILL do good for such trips+driver. Chevy Bolt.
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From: Fl
haha... That's always been the case with mine as well... except now, with the hybrid, she is excited about the power flow gauge on the navi screen. I told her to press the gas pedal less hard to get better fuel economy. Who would have guessed that such a simple statement would allow her to press the gas pedal softer.. now she gets 24 mpg
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