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2001 Cherokee mileage - I'm brand new!

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Old 10-01-2011, 08:28 PM
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Default 2001 Cherokee mileage - I'm brand new!

I'm brand new here - and this is my second Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

The first was a 1999, which I bought when it was 3 years old, with 60,000 miles. I drove her until 320,000 miles, at which point it was too rusty to continue driving - somebody bought it, and it's still on the road. Talk about reliable.
That one, when I drove it nice and slow on the highway, I would get 27-32 mpg. (No, that's not a typo.)

This 2001 NEVER has gone past 320 miles to a tank full - no matter how hard I try - with 20 gallons of gas, that comes to 17 mpg. No matter how easy or slow I go, it never gets better than that.

I have had this 2001 for one year now (bought with 160k, now has 195k) Why such a radical difference? Both had the 4.0L (obviously) - both 4wD, both automatic. The only difference is the "upgraded" engine. I have no idea which rear axle either one had/has, so I'm not sure if that is a major contributing factor to this awful mileage.

I look forward to learning more - and hopefully improve the mileage on this one. (I do all the usual - tires up to spec, not offroad tires, drive lightly - not always though!)
It's so bad that I am actually looking for a second car - a small gas saver - but there's no way I'm getting rid of this Jeep.
Old 10-02-2011, 08:09 AM
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I have an all stock 2001 xj...recent tune up...with 180k..at best I get 18 mpg...would love to achieve at least 20mpg as well.
Old 10-02-2011, 08:20 AM
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I have a stock 98 Cherokee Sport.
I get an average of around 17mpg. I can get it up to 20 mpg, but only if I stay on the interstate, cruise control on, at 70mph.

Drove from Kansas City to Denver a little while ago. I70 all the way, did a little better than 20mpg. But as soon as you leave the Interstate, a few starts and stops and the mileage comes down quickly.

At least the gas prices are coming down a bit.
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Old 10-02-2011, 08:41 AM
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Mine is a 94 4L 5 speed and i get around 18 city, 16 highway.. keep in mind mines on 31s and has a light rack with 4 6" hellas on the top. not exactly aerodynamic. If I keep it under 80km/h it'll do 18 or so.
Old 10-02-2011, 08:54 AM
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I think replacing catalytic converter wil help squeeze out more mileage on jeep..Thoughts?
Old 10-02-2011, 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeepney
I think replacing catalytic converter wil help squeeze out more mileage on jeep..Thoughts?
Replacing the 02 sensors will do more (and cost less.)

You shouldn't ever need to replace a catalytic converter unless you're receiving specific error codes via the "check engine" light.
Old 10-02-2011, 12:49 PM
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27-32mpg?...out of a 4.0? what were you doing, coasting downhill in neutral with the motor off? lol
Old 10-02-2011, 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Spunkmeyer

Replacing the 02 sensors will do more (and cost less.)

You shouldn't ever need to replace a catalytic converter unless you're receiving specific error codes via the "check engine" light.

What exactly do the O2 sensors do? ..just control the fuel / air mixture? How do you know when they need to be replaced?
Also what can be achieved from the high flow cats?
Best fuel mileage I've ever gotten was on the lesser side of 18
Old 10-02-2011, 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Spunkmeyer
Replacing the 02 sensors will do more (and cost less.)

You shouldn't ever need to replace a catalytic converter unless you're receiving specific error codes via the "check engine" light.

Hmmm...I must have been an exception because I had no check engine light one, but when I took mine off, it rattled like a maraca (sp?)...
Old 10-02-2011, 06:39 PM
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For 27-32 mpg I drove about 60 on the highway, and lightened my foot UPHILL a little, and coasted downhill, just barely touching to keep up speed - it really does work. EXCEPT FOR THIS ONE - was wondering if there are any mods that can significantly improve mileage?

I've heard KN filters can - but some people say no.... Anything else ?
Old 10-02-2011, 06:42 PM
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Sorry, but 27-32 mpg on any XJ isn't reality. Something is wrong with the math or with your odometer to screw up the math. Not buying it in any way, shape or form. It simply is not possible. I've worked with XJs since the first one came off the line...............

Last edited by tjwalker; 10-02-2011 at 07:17 PM.
Old 10-02-2011, 06:43 PM
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I have a 99 with all the same specs as your first Cherokee. I'm happy getting above 15 mpg.
Old 10-02-2011, 07:11 PM
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Ive done everything I could do as far as fuel/spark and air..only thing left is the exhaust. Realistically 19 mpg highway is prob the best we can squeeze out of them.
Old 10-02-2011, 07:11 PM
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driving a shoebox with a 4 liter inline 6, or good gas mileage....choose one.
Old 10-02-2011, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by tjwalker
Sorry, but 27-32 mpg on any XJ isn't reality. Something is wrong with the math or with your odometer to screw up the math. Not buying it in any way, shape or form. It simply is not possible. I've worked with XJs since the first one came off the line...............

this im thinking maybe your speedo and odometer was off showing you was getting more MPGs than reality. like mentioned above chose one XJ or MPGs. i have something a little special in the works to try and achieve 25 in the city but wont post until i get it worked out and proven. ill post a new thread if and when i get there. but it will be a couple weeks due to work before i can start that build.


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