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Question

How do I fix poor MPG fuel problem on 1997 KA2.4E pickup?

Submitted: 200 days and 7 hours ago.
Category: Nissan
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

1997 Nissan D21 Pickup KA2.4E

Already Tried:
Inherited veh recently... it has 80K miles... it passed SMOG but has high hydrocarbon levels and poor gas mileage [17 mpg]. OBD2 Scanner shows no fault codes. No5 yet skilled at interpreting my scanner's [Actron CP9145] trim readings... "ST FTRM1= -10.9%" & "LT FTRM1= 5.5%" at idle where the SCV is suppors to work.   
1/ Since it has 80K miles I replaced the front Oxygen sensor... no help!
2/ I have educated myself on the Emission Control system components and the maze of vacuum lines in there... tracing down and labeling each component as I reached a positive I.D. I suspect either a vacuum leak in these many lines.

Q1 - How can I best test the Emission System for vacuum leaks?

Q2 - Would I help in my diagnosis if I disabled "Swirl Control Valve" [SCV] system?

Q3 - Do you think the SCV might fail in such a way as to cause rich Air/Fuel ratios that would account for the poor MPG?

Sam

Accepted Answer

Hello XXXXXXXXX

Thank you for choosing Just Answers, I will try to help you make sense of the scanner readings.

Long and short term fuel trim numbers, taken as a snapshot like you have, are actually not real helpful in determing a problem. The computer system uses a rich/lean averaging system to try to keep the fuel ratio within its designed ratios, so it may be that you caught those readings at a rich or lean time. More helpful is an average of the long term and short term fuel trims.

I don't think that the SCV system is causing any problems, but there are specific tests to ensure that it is operating as designed, and I am researching the system to ensure I am not steering you wrong.

The one parameter that is often overlooked is Fuel Pressure. If it is too high, due to a restricted return line or bad regulator, then it can cause your problems. But according to your posts, you have high hydrocarbons, which instead of indicating a mixture problem, indicate lack of combustion, most likely an ignition issue. As a professional technician, even though I know it SHOULDN't make a difference, I only will install NGK spark plugs in Nissan vehicles to avoid having problems down the road. I have fought a slight misfire/rough idle problem in the past on Nissans that was corrected, after hours of searching for a reason, by simply replacing the spark plugs.

If any of this has been helpful, please use the Accept button. Any other questions, feelfre to contact me here

 



Edited by Mr EdC on 5/7/2009 at 4:48 PM

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Expert: Mr. EdC
Pos. Feedback: 92.3 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 5/7/2009

ASE MAstertech

ASE Mastertech, 30+ years working on all makes and models in independant repair shops.

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