Is 12mpg Normal? - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

[DSG]Mach03 · 08-31-2008, 09:04 PM

I take off in 2nd gear, and go to 4th, then 5th. But I still do not see any change in MPG. My car is completely stock.

Is that normal? Or should I have my engine checked out?

birdman941 · 08-31-2008, 09:11 PM

Definitely not normal.
Spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, etc.
Has it ever had a tune-up?
Any check engine light?

[DSG]Mach03 · 08-31-2008, 09:23 PM

My dad bought me a new Air Filter and he also brought home a can of some fuel filter cleaner and whatnot, both did nothing to my MPG. And no, there is not a check engine light.

I had a new fuel filter put in my car when it went into the shop for a new transmission, so it should have been fine anyways. But since it was a easy step, we tried to see if maybe it would help.

I have been telling my dad that I hear a slight tick, but he hasn't taken it to ford (the car is in his name, but i bought it lol). I have the ESP warranty, so hopefully i can get this fixed.

I really wasnt looking at my MPG when i bought the car, but im wondering if it has always been like this. Since the gas has almost doubled in price, I have been more aware of how much I am burning up.

birdman941 · 08-31-2008, 09:39 PM

Try shifting normally.
When you change the oil, use 5W20 Mobil 1.
You could also try and disconnect the battery for 20 mintes or so,
and reconnect.
This wil reset the PCM.
On mine, when I dothe battery thing,
It takes a tank of fuel for it to relearn, so measure on the scond tank.
Mine gets around 20 city all the time,
but I do not have Cali traffic.

[DSG]Mach03 · 08-31-2008, 09:59 PM

I will try that.

Is there a reason why i should be shifting normally vs 2-4-5?

birdman941 · 08-31-2008, 10:08 PM

Yes, the subject of your thread.

[DSG]Mach03 · 08-31-2008, 10:11 PM

Lol, I will just do what you say, sir.

birdman941 · 08-31-2008, 10:13 PM

Just try it and see how it goes.
The way you have been shifting, you are lugging the engine.

[DSG]Mach03 · 08-31-2008, 10:15 PM

ah, I see.

Lonestar7 · 08-31-2008, 10:19 PM

Change your spark plugs also. Do the basics and reset the PCM like suggested.

LS

Beefy Nugz · 09-01-2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [DSG]Mach03

I will try that.

Is there a reason why i should be shifting normally vs 2-4-5?

Why would you start off in second gear?

[DSG]Mach03 · 09-01-2008, 12:51 AM

I thought since 1st gear is so low to begin with, 2nd gear wouldnt be too bad to start off in.

Oh well, If I was wrong, i was wrong. Ill just go back to normal. I was trying to get better gas mileage, and a lot of people say skipping gears is a way to "Hypermile". Well, if it is not the case, then I will just go back.

Im going to buy new sparkplugs soon.

I disconnected my battery for 20 minutes. My radio stations are still programmed, so does that mean I didnt do it long enough to reset the computer?

305HP · 09-01-2008, 01:18 AM

screw hyper mile... you have a v8 lol

Newskool Mach · 09-01-2008, 05:08 AM

Mine gets 14.

KEVINC66 · 09-01-2008, 08:14 AM

Yea I get 15 mostly city driving,thats with a brand new engine,new fuel filter,new K&N,all my listed mods and a fresh tune in the car.I also tried for a tankfull to drive like a normal person lol lol,got 16.I guess I'll drive like a maniac(I do not condone roadracing of any sort lol)its not worth making myself nuts for a couple more MPG anyway.

DIXIELAND MACH · 09-01-2008, 08:47 AM

driving normal I get 16/18 in the city and 25/26 on the hwy.
Thats short shift ing andlow rpms.

I have never hit 12 mpg. You have something wrong. Bad plugs fuel filter water in the fuel system bad coil pack..

Bill Hamilton · 09-01-2008, 08:48 AM

I always got 17 to 18 in normal commuting /city driving. When gas hit $4.00, I started "hyper-mileing" and have been averaging 22 mpg for the last three months driving the same routes I've always driven. :THUMBSUP:

C-dub · 09-01-2008, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birdman941

Just try it and see how it goes.
The way you have been shifting, you are lugging the engine.

let the gearbox do the work, not the go peddle. short shift it a bit at around 3k and your milage will get better

Mrfomoco · 09-01-2008, 11:07 AM

Well my mileage went way the hell down with this E10 crap thats around here. I saw 24-25 mpg on the highway with a few "spirited" runs on my way to Corpus right before the E10 came into play. Now my car does a best of 20 or so on the highway.

Bill Hamilton · 09-01-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrfomoco

Well my mileage went way the hell down with this E10 crap thats around here. I saw 24-25 mpg on the highway with a few "spirited" runs on my way to Corpus right before the E10 came into play. Now my car does a best of 20 or so on the highway.

I usually notice a 10% drop in mpg when I have to fill up with a tank of ethanol. I avoid it like the plague, but it's getting harder to find normal stations.

Gunny · 09-01-2008, 12:10 PM

normal driving im around 14-15. but im not normal so i get around 12

MCHNROL · 09-01-2008, 02:01 PM

Have the A/F ratio checked. Clean maf with new filters and plugs.
I'm getting 16/18 city 21/22 highway with a 4.10 gear on a dynotune which should optimize performance and economy with a good A/F ratio. I'm happy with it. Just keep up the maintainence.
I like a 1,3,5 shift under 3000 rpm but only do it intermittantly. I can't help but have a little spirited driving everytime I drive it.

gvervoren · 09-01-2008, 03:22 PM

I get about 22 MPG. I never put the E-10 stuff in mine. Of course hardly any of the gas station around here put ethenol in their premium fuels.

shake n bake · 09-01-2008, 04:21 PM

I get around 20-22 with an equal mix of city/highway.

bleedingfordblu · 09-01-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIXIELAND MACH

driving normal I get 16/18 in the city and 25/26 on the hwy.
Thats short shift ing andlow rpms.

I have never hit 12 mpg. You have something wrong. Bad plugs fuel filter water in the fuel system bad coil pack..

same here

08-31-2008, 09:04 PM	#1
[DSG]Mach03 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fresno, California Posts: 445	Is 12mpg Normal? I take off in 2nd gear, and go to 4th, then 5th. But I still do not see any change in MPG. My car is completely stock. Is that normal? Or should I have my engine checked out? __________________ 2003 Mustang Mach 1 - Dark Shadow Gray Bought: 5-15-06

08-31-2008, 09:11 PM	#2
birdman941 Torque wins! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 13,167	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? Definitely not normal. Spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, etc. Has it ever had a tune-up? Any check engine light? __________________ The ORIGINAL Project R build thread is back ! 5.4 32V NA Streetable 404/387 26.56 MPG "I don't like repeat offenders, I like DEAD offenders" Ted Nugent "A big engine hardly working is more efficient than a little engine screaming its head off" Jay Leno

08-31-2008, 09:23 PM	#3
[DSG]Mach03 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fresno, California Posts: 445	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? My dad bought me a new Air Filter and he also brought home a can of some fuel filter cleaner and whatnot, both did nothing to my MPG. And no, there is not a check engine light. I had a new fuel filter put in my car when it went into the shop for a new transmission, so it should have been fine anyways. But since it was a easy step, we tried to see if maybe it would help. I have been telling my dad that I hear a slight tick, but he hasn't taken it to ford (the car is in his name, but i bought it lol). I have the ESP warranty, so hopefully i can get this fixed. I really wasnt looking at my MPG when i bought the car, but im wondering if it has always been like this. Since the gas has almost doubled in price, I have been more aware of how much I am burning up. __________________ 2003 Mustang Mach 1 - Dark Shadow Gray Bought: 5-15-06

08-31-2008, 09:39 PM	#4
birdman941 Torque wins! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 13,167	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? Try shifting normally. When you change the oil, use 5W20 Mobil 1. You could also try and disconnect the battery for 20 mintes or so, and reconnect. This wil reset the PCM. On mine, when I dothe battery thing, It takes a tank of fuel for it to relearn, so measure on the scond tank. Mine gets around 20 city all the time, but I do not have Cali traffic. __________________ The ORIGINAL Project R build thread is back ! 5.4 32V NA Streetable 404/387 26.56 MPG "I don't like repeat offenders, I like DEAD offenders" Ted Nugent "A big engine hardly working is more efficient than a little engine screaming its head off" Jay Leno

08-31-2008, 09:59 PM	#5
[DSG]Mach03 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fresno, California Posts: 445	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? I will try that. Is there a reason why i should be shifting normally vs 2-4-5? __________________ 2003 Mustang Mach 1 - Dark Shadow Gray Bought: 5-15-06

08-31-2008, 10:08 PM	#6
birdman941 Torque wins! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 13,167	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? Yes, the subject of your thread. __________________ The ORIGINAL Project R build thread is back ! 5.4 32V NA Streetable 404/387 26.56 MPG "I don't like repeat offenders, I like DEAD offenders" Ted Nugent "A big engine hardly working is more efficient than a little engine screaming its head off" Jay Leno

08-31-2008, 10:11 PM	#7
[DSG]Mach03 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fresno, California Posts: 445	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? Lol, I will just do what you say, sir. __________________ 2003 Mustang Mach 1 - Dark Shadow Gray Bought: 5-15-06

08-31-2008, 10:13 PM	#8
birdman941 Torque wins! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 13,167	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? Just try it and see how it goes. The way you have been shifting, you are lugging the engine. __________________ The ORIGINAL Project R build thread is back ! 5.4 32V NA Streetable 404/387 26.56 MPG "I don't like repeat offenders, I like DEAD offenders" Ted Nugent "A big engine hardly working is more efficient than a little engine screaming its head off" Jay Leno

08-31-2008, 10:15 PM	#9
[DSG]Mach03 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fresno, California Posts: 445	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? ah, I see. __________________ 2003 Mustang Mach 1 - Dark Shadow Gray Bought: 5-15-06

08-31-2008, 10:19 PM	#10
Lonestar7 Guest Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 3,152	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? Change your spark plugs also. Do the basics and reset the PCM like suggested. LS

09-01-2008, 12:51 AM	#12
[DSG]Mach03 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fresno, California Posts: 445	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? I thought since 1st gear is so low to begin with, 2nd gear wouldnt be too bad to start off in. Oh well, If I was wrong, i was wrong. Ill just go back to normal. I was trying to get better gas mileage, and a lot of people say skipping gears is a way to "Hypermile". Well, if it is not the case, then I will just go back. Im going to buy new sparkplugs soon. I disconnected my battery for 20 minutes. My radio stations are still programmed, so does that mean I didnt do it long enough to reset the computer? __________________ 2003 Mustang Mach 1 - Dark Shadow Gray Bought: 5-15-06

09-01-2008, 01:18 AM	#13
305HP Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Penn. Posts: 390	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? screw hyper mile... you have a v8 lol __________________ Mach1 - manual 90MM LMAF, PHP intake spacer, BBK catted X, Borla Stinger cat-back, March crank pulley, CobraR PS/alt/WP pulleys, FRPP 4.10, JLT RAI, SCT

09-01-2008, 05:08 AM	#14
Newskool Mach 10 second club! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Royal Palm Beach FL. Posts: 2,472	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? Mine gets 14. __________________ 2014 GHIG GT auto soon to have the whoosh 03 Torch red auto (gone)

09-01-2008, 08:14 AM	#15
KEVINC66 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas Posts: 945	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? Yea I get 15 mostly city driving,thats with a brand new engine,new fuel filter,new K&N,all my listed mods and a fresh tune in the car.I also tried for a tankfull to drive like a normal person lol lol,got 16.I guess I'll drive like a maniac(I do not condone roadracing of any sort lol)its not worth making myself nuts for a couple more MPG anyway. __________________ 2000 GT vert,03 Mach1 engine,auto, shaker hood,Mach1 brakes,C&L CAI,K&N,Tokico D Spec,UPR Coilover K frame with Steeda front sway bar,rear upper and lower control arms,4.30's,FRPP aluminum DS,17x9 deep dish chrome Mach1 rims with 275x40x17 Fuzion Z1's,Mac Catbac with 3 1/2 chrome tips,honeycomb rear panel,front Mach1 chin spoiler,Mach1 grill delete kit,polished aluminum gas cap.

09-01-2008, 08:47 AM	#16
DIXIELAND MACH Hillbilly Deluxe! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Cottontown Tennessee Posts: 103	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? driving normal I get 16/18 in the city and 25/26 on the hwy. Thats short shift ing andlow rpms. I have never hit 12 mpg. You have something wrong. Bad plugs fuel filter water in the fuel system bad coil pack..

09-01-2008, 08:48 AM	#17
Bill Hamilton Mustang owner since 1970 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Charleston,SC Posts: 6,248	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? I always got 17 to 18 in normal commuting /city driving. When gas hit $4.00, I started "hyper-mileing" and have been averaging 22 mpg for the last three months driving the same routes I've always driven. :THUMBSUP: __________________ Bill SUPPORTING MEMBER USAF Retired My 1970 Mach 2003 Ford Mustang Mach I---Black w/5-speed --- gone but not forgotten 2011 Shelby GT-500 --- Ingot Silver Metallic and 6-speed (Sold and Now Terrorizing the residents of New Zealand) 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1---White w/351C-4v Shaker Hood scoop and T-5 tranny 2014 Shelby GT-500 --- White/red stripes and 6-speed 2019 Mustang Convertible Premium Package w/automatic ___________________

09-01-2008, 11:07 AM	#19
Mrfomoco Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The Woodlands, TX Posts: 229	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? Well my mileage went way the hell down with this E10 crap thats around here. I saw 24-25 mpg on the highway with a few "spirited" runs on my way to Corpus right before the E10 came into play. Now my car does a best of 20 or so on the highway.

09-01-2008, 02:01 PM	#22
MCHNROL original owner Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lou-a-vull, KY Posts: 1,556	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? Have the A/F ratio checked. Clean maf with new filters and plugs. I'm getting 16/18 city 21/22 highway with a 4.10 gear on a dynotune which should optimize performance and economy with a good A/F ratio. I'm happy with it. Just keep up the maintainence. I like a 1,3,5 shift under 3000 rpm but only do it intermittantly. I can't help but have a little spirited driving everytime I drive it. __________________ Built 5/23 Bought 10/9/03 AFS:17x9&10.5rims, MRT:PRO-M MAF, Street Smart CAI, MagnaFlowH&catbackw/Mach tips, Hood struts, FRPP:REM 4.10 w/31-sp Mosers, Alum flywheel&driveshaft, PHP:spacer, Steeda:Tri-ax, UCA,strut towerbrace, HPM:Megabitejr.LCA,subframes, T/A:Girdle, Raptor:shiftlite, SLP:linelock, UPR:Quad&Adj NGK TR55IX CDC:floormats, honeycombtail&sequentials, gaugerings, Grippermat, ShakrAirDiverter, Bullittfueldoor, SilverStripes, BuildIDplates, Tint@35%, cats 298rwhp/318tq FUN!

09-01-2008, 03:22 PM	#23
gvervoren Garry Vervoren Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Green Bay Wisconsin Posts: 2,878	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? I get about 22 MPG. I never put the E-10 stuff in mine. Of course hardly any of the gas station around here put ethenol in their premium fuels. __________________ >>>Garry Vervoren<<< 2004 Dark Shadow Grey ORIGINAL OWNER!!!! *I USED TO THINK BEING LAZY WAS BAD FOR ME SO I GAVE UP THINKING.* *HOOFBEATS ARE LOUDER THAN HEARTBEATS* 5 Speed, IUP, Tinted windows, 3rd brake light decal, Sequential Tail Lights, Smoked Tail Lights, Black Stainless Steel Bumper Inserts, Anthracite 18" staggard FR500 Build Date 10/08/2003 #567 of a build of 7182

09-01-2008, 04:21 PM	#24
shake n bake Trying to keep up Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lewes, Delaware Posts: 68	Re: Is 12mpg Normal? I get around 20-22 with an equal mix of city/highway. __________________ '03 Azure Blue Totaled.

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