'96 Pathfinder - 16.9 mpg - Pathetic!

[ripcord]

Stupid is creating a traffic hazard by pi$$ing off all the drivers behind. And an angry driver, is an unsafe driver in many instances. A better approach is to drive the speed limit at all times when there is any chance of encountering other traffic.

Angry drivers should stay home and hang up their keys.

 

[Nessism1]

Angry drivers should stay home and hang up their keys.

They weren't angry when starting their trip. They became that way when encountering someone discourteous.

 

[dfarr67]

1990 4runner here 22re with auto. Now that was unterly pathetic. Had to throw in a 5spd, turbo and new gen ecu. Now we're cooking.

 

[spk2000]

I have a '96 Pathfinder, 2nd owner; bought just about a year ago. Original owner had not driven it in over a year due to dementia; his daughter sold me the vehicle.

Since I bought it, I've:

- Had the timing belt replaced; it should be good for at least 5 years now - reputable Nissan shop (RNS)
- Water pump replaced, same time as the TB (RNS)
- New air filter (Fram, I think)
- Changed the oil and filter twice now (Wix filter)
- Had it tuned up with new spark plugs, SP wires and points etc. ETA: they also changed out the fuel filter. (RNS)
- Did one transmission fluid swap (about 3.5 qts out of 9)

Gas mileage is about 16.9 mpg. Most travel is TN rural 2 lane roads; very little stop and go traffic - usually towns with 2-3 traffic lights.

Next steps:

- Mass air flow sensor - clean and/or replace
- O2 sensor - clean and/or replace

Any other ecoomendations? I can't believe that a 3l gas engine can't make better gas mileage.

Thanks for any comments, suggestions and help.

Driving rural TN roads doesn't help as I am pretty sure you are getting into some hill climbs that really eats into most cars fuel economy.

 

[grasscutter]

Stupid is creating a traffic hazard by pi$$ing off all the drivers behind. And an angry driver, is an unsafe driver in many instances. A better approach is to drive the speed limit at all times when there is any chance of encountering other traffic.

I don't see why I should have to drive faster, burn more fuel and wear my brakes out faster just because other people do.

If they want to buy my fuel and my brakes, I'll drive as fast as they want me to.

I look in my rear view mirror almost constantly. If I sense the person behind me is in a hurry, I get out of their way promptly, I assure you.

I have no interest in putting my car at risk for a collision.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

It's a big old SUV with a V6. Of course it will be thirsty

That's not much worse than my Forester which only has 4 cylinders. Newer cars often have variable valve timing, direct injection, and other advances that allow for better mpg. And of course, the CVT people love to hate.

The only way to get substantially better mpg in an old Pathfinder is the diesel engine they didn't sell in the US.

 

[grasscutter]

My 26 year old GM car gets 20 mpg combined city/hwy. And thats with the A/C running. Engine is the infamous legendary GM 3800 V6.

Yesterday I drove through five green lights in a row by driving exactly 35 mph. Posted speed limit is 40 mph.

 

[Albin]

Swap out the differential(s) fluid for 75W-90; factory spec is 80W-90 so synthetic might help a fraction. If it's 4WD, swap out the transfer case fluid as well.

The driveshaft(s) should have a grease fitting. Make sure that these get greased periodically. Not necessarily an MPG improvement but something that could be easily missed.

Second the recommendation about replacing the fuel filter. Remove the spare tire and it's easy to access.

My 2001 Pathfinder (VQ35DE instead of VG33 engine) got similar gas mileage. I don't think it'll be improved much for a vehicle that has the aerodynamics of a vending machine on wheels.

I was getting ready to change out both the rear gear and transfer case when my lift decided it wanted an unscheduled hydraulic oil change.

Lift is back up with new seal kits in both 19 year old cylinders.

Any recs for syn gear oil?

 

[ripcord]

I was getting ready to change out both the rear gear and transfer case when my lift decided it wanted an unscheduled hydraulic oil change.

Lift is back up with new seal kits in both 19 year old cylinders.

Any recs for syn gear oil?

A lift is nothing to mess around with. I'd use exactly what the manufacturer specifies.

 

[Rand]

A lift is nothing to mess around with. I'd use exactly what the manufacturer specifies.

pretty sure he was asking for the vehicle.

 

[Albin]

Correct. Lift takes hydraulic oil, 32 or 46, depending on temps and weather. SC TN: I opted for 32. I've never had a lift before; now I can't live without it!

and yes, I was asking about the Nissan Pathfinder rear gear synthetic oil.

 

[grasscutter]

What I'm wondering is what people would do if there was a posted minimum speed limit. I wonder how many people would drive the minimum.

 

[SC Maintenance]

What I'm wondering is what people would do if there was a posted minimum speed limit. I wonder how many people would drive the minimum.

There is a posted 45 minimum on the interstates here. If you drive 45 I promise you will get run over.

 

[grasscutter]

There is a posted 45 minimum on the interstates here. If you drive 45 I promise you will get run over.

Yesterday I had my cruise control set at 55 mph on the interstate. The lady beind me had her Mercedes adaptive cruise control set to my speed. Eight cars behind that Mercedes were all doing 55 mph without knowing why.