1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Sudden Drop in MPG

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by calpal, Dec 23, 2008.

  1. calpal

    calpal New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2005
    52
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Went to get an oil change, air filter, PCV valve, adjust rear brakes.
    Immediately my MPG dropped from an average of 47 to 42. How could this happen? Maybe they put in a wrong air filter, or a bad one, or what? Maybe too thick oil?
    Would welcome your opinions.
    I have an appointment w the dealer in two days to check it out.
     
  2. Rxmxsh

    Rxmxsh Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2007
    339
    0
    0
    Location:
    Fort Worth, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    They may have overfilled your oil. Check your levels.
     
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,191
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Check your tire pressure... 9:1 they're lower than you usually run them.

    Also, how did you determine the drop in MPG? It may be a temporary thing.
     
  4. HardCase

    HardCase SilverPineMica, the green one

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2007
    408
    10
    0
    Location:
    Kalispell, Montana
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I'd agree, check the oil level but, most likely, they reduced the pressure in your tires. My dealership does that to me every time, I keep it at 44/42 and invariably after a servicing they are at 35/35.
     
  5. Celtic Blue

    Celtic Blue New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2008
    2,224
    139
    0
    Location:
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Was this dealer service that did the oil change, or somewhere else?

    If the counter has not been reset, then you will have an indicated mileage hit from the engine being operated without being driven (during service.)

    Check oil level--Toyota's official procedure calls for too much oil. They might also have used higher viscosity oil.

    Tire pressure is of course the most likely culprit if it isn't just a result of fuel burned idling while being serviced.

    One other thing, check your A/C settings. The tech might have changed blower or temp settings on you for his/her own comfort. If the defrost is running and/or the blower is blasting then your ICE will run more frequently and that will cost you mileage.
     
  6. Struv1

    Struv1 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2008
    9
    0
    0
    Location:
    Upland, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    I've had the same problem before, they over tightened the rear brakes. They would barely spin on there own, Dealer loosened them a bit and mileage went back up.
     
  7. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2008
    8,245
    1,202
    0
    Location:
    NorCal
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    This has nothing to do with a service, but

    I was getting over 50 mpg avg. until last week. Was 55ish, went closer to 52 with more short trips, then ...

    refilled with gas, we had some overnight freezing temps and a few storms ...

    the car has settled into about 46 mpg now. Some long trips, medium and short.

    Cold temps, winter blend fuel (?), shorter trips, running defogger more, all takes its toll.
     
  8. tedmarshall

    tedmarshall New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2007
    25
    0
    0
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    What state are you in? In California, we just switched to "winter blend" gasoline which reduces pollution but gives worse mileage (typically 10-20%:frusty:).
     
  9. hobba

    hobba New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2006
    85
    3
    0
    Location:
    Estero, FL
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    I've had the same thing happen to me. You might wish to read the thread I started entitled, "After Service Issue" which outlines the cause and solution of the problem for me.
     
  10. Tdoff1

    Tdoff1 New Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2008
    122
    1
    0
    Location:
    VA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    I see a drop when it gets cold.....weather changes