2003 Disco Gas Mileage problems

[disco03]

Gas mileage

Your help and input is needed…

I have a 2003 Disco II HSE. This is the 2nd disco I’ve owned. I had my 30k service done last early October and ever since that date my mileage has been substantially lower than previous to the service. When I asked the service department at the dealer, they said nothing done in the 30k could affect the mileage of the vehicle. Although they did blame the poor mileage on substandard gas – claiming more ethanol is used in the winter months and mileage will suffer. While I could see the ethanol point - I don’t buy a 25% reduction in fuel efficiency, and have a hard time accepting this as reason since I didn’t have this poor mileage effect last winter. Here are my facts/observations:

I was getting 15-16 mpg on highway prior to service. Now getting no better than 12 mpg after service. Sometimes 10-11 mpg.

I always use 92 octane gas (or better).

My driving habits have not changed – with 3 miles to work each way M-F and 300-400 mile RT to northern part of state (all interstate freeway) each weekend. Mileage comparison is considered for weekend trips only. I gas up before and after and compare to previous trips.

Tire pressure is as recommended.

I live in Minnesota with cold, cold days. However, mileage comparison is from “warm” days of fall… as well as didn’t experience any problems like this last winter.

The vehicle runs fine and starts fine. No notice to any power variations.

I know I drive a land rover where fuel efficiency isn’t a quality trait. I just can’t understand why such an immediate drop in performance would occur. Any help, ideas, or expertise you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Martin

 

[joey]

The high ethanol in gas will drop fuel effecienty a little, but shouldn't drop it that much.

Also remember that the Disco will run richer due to the cold for longer periods of time till it warms up. Running more electics (i.e. Heater fan, headlights, seat heater) will also cause the altenator and engine to work harder.

When the defroster is on the A/C is also running.

Colder temps cause the oil to be thicker, the fluids in the diff and transmission to be thicker at least till they reach temp, cause more effort to move the Disco.

 

[discomike]

I would suggest you go abck to the dealer and have him write up a work order for poor mileage and ask him to test drive it with the test book hooked up and see what the engine readings are.
Past that I would agree with the dealer in that there is nothing on the 30 K that would effect the mileage that much. Even if he didn't use synthetic oil on the diffs and t/case like the factory does it wouldn't drop the mileage that much.
Let us know what you find.
Mike J.

 

[disco03]

Thanks to all who have replied. I am on business travel and will look into your recommendations upon return. Please continue to post any advice you may have.

thanks again,

Martin

 

[tommy33]

Generall for discos, is MPG significantly lower when the CDL is locked as opposed to unlocked?

 

[discomike]

Makes since since you should only lock up off the road and your mileage falls off anyway then.
Mike J.

 

[campbell]

Are you smelling fuel? Could you have a leak?

 

[disco03]

Ok, So I've scheduled a repeat visit to the dealer to do the Test Book hook up. While my Disco is still under warrenty they're planing on charging me for this service since the check engine light isn't on. He says, if the light is not on - then the engine is running optimly ("since it's all computer controlled"). Not real happy with their level of "service."

 

[jadisco]

It's funny that you should bring up that problem, because I did the 36K service and have found the same thing, it could be that is is really cold here in Canada, but it has been a drastic difference.

 

[campbell]

Ok, So I've scheduled a repeat visit to the dealer to do the Test Book hook up. While my Disco is still under warrenty they're planing on charging me for this service since the check engine light isn't on. He says, if the light is not on - then the engine is running optimly ("since it's all computer controlled"). Not real happy with their level of "service."

That sucks!
Problem is that you will pay for this "service" and they still won't find anything.