Poor Economy - please help

[smo]

I have a 2003 TDi PD 130 which until fairly recently was returning a decent economy of approx 45-50mpg depending on use (when i got it 2 yrs ago it did nearly 60mpg!)

However, its not returning 35mpg if i'm lucky - can anyone give me suggestions as to why this might be and what i should be checking to find out whats going wrong?

 

[Sandip]

Could be your maf meter, give it a clean and see how you get on.

 

[S3 Dave]

MAF MAF MAF MAF MMMAAAFFF

Time for a vag-com check but it was a more common problem on the trusty Pd's than the petrol!

 

[smo]

Tried to check the MAF but cannot physically remove it due to being fitted with security bolts

I dont have VAG-COM and it doesnt appear there is anyone round here that does

 

[Dansmith]

I think your rubbing in 35 mpg! im lucky to get 25! lol

 

[smo]

I think your rubbing in 35 mpg! im lucky to get 25! lol

Yes but you dont drive an economical diesel that should be returning 50+mpg!

 

[Dansmith]

ok ok I will be a little more serious, when was the last time you had a general service? oil change etc, sounds stupid but it really makes a difference, in my old 1.8t I used to go from 40 mpg to 28 if it was needing a service!

 

[smo]

About 3-4K ago including oil, air filters etc..so fairly recently as i tend to clock up miles (although less so since xmas)....just about to hit 190,000 on the clock!

 

[Turbo Lag]

Is your thermostat showing 90 all the time? If not, that means it needs replacing and a side effect of this is that the car runs a bit rich, lowering your MPG as I found out myself. However I do have a 1.8T so it may be slightly different.

 

[smo]

Is your thermostat showing 90 all the time? If not, that means it needs replacing and a side effect of this is that the car runs a bit rich, lowering your MPG as I found out myself. However I do have a 1.8T so it may be slightly different.

Strangely enough it varies from journey to journey however it rarely reads 90 like it should so....

 

[Boro&Beth]

Where abouts are you in Devon? Were in Cornwall and have vagcom, although ive just started using it so im still figuring it all out but happy to meet up sometime if you want to give it a try.

Were off to Plymouth on the 20th of this month to AP Motors if you can wait until then?

 

[smo]

I'm near Torquay, its a very kind offer that i might well take you up on. Going to change the thermostat first and see how it goes...

 

[h100vw]

I'd check car with VAG-COM before replacing anything. It will be time well spent.

Does it feel like it is performing the same or has the 'go' gone with the economy.

There was a VW specialist in Torquay/Paignton when I was last there in 97 Can't remember the name though.

A mate of mine had a Passat PD and he had poor fuel consumption, I told him to go to VW cos they were doing warranty jobs on MAFs at the time. He nearly killed himself leaving the dealers, when he planted it and it shot off up the road.

My money would be on the MAF but VAG-COM would prove it first.

Gavin