2006 milage getting worse - 45 to 35 - why?

[rogersboyz]

My 2006 with 44K miles used to get 45 mpg. About six months ago, it dropped to 33~38, no matter how lightly I tread on the gas pedal. All service done by the dealer, and nothing tricky done to any of the powertrain systems. Any ideas? Is this a normal occurance due to battery age? Is there any test to see if I have a typical problem? HELP - gas is expensive! Thanks for any help. Jeff

[bac]

Originally Posted by rogersboyz

Is this a normal occurance due to battery age?

This is not normal. Go to the dealer for a diagnosis, and please let the group know what you find.

... Brad

[bedrock8x]

At 44K, did you replace the tires six months ago?

Originally Posted by rogersboyz

My 2006 with 44K miles used to get 45 mpg. About six months ago, it dropped to 33~38, no matter how lightly I tread on the gas pedal. All service done by the dealer, and nothing tricky done to any of the powertrain systems. Any ideas? Is this a normal occurance due to battery age? Is there any test to see if I have a typical problem? HELP - gas is expensive! Thanks for any help. Jeff

[removeum]

Did you have the vehicle serviced recently? If so check the oil level and make sure it was not overfilled.

[hobba]

Please see my experience with the same problem under the title, "After service Issues". I have unexpectedly lost 10 MPG and have been unable to recover.

[Bob64]

Check oil levels, make sure it is NOT above the full line.
Check tire pressure.
Check tire alignment - perhaps you hit something that caused your tires to be mis-aligned - check for uneven wear patterns.

Drive normally. (You may be shooting yourself in the foot by driving "lightly" on the gas pedal - driving too lightly will set the gears so it sends more energy to the batteries - thus wasting energy)