Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Cold weather = Poor Driving??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 15, 2010 | 12:29 AM
  #1  
red97cherokeewithsunroof's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Middletown, Ohio
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Straight 6 4.0L
Default Cold weather = Poor Driving??

I'm not sure if it's because of the weather or what, but lately my car has been a little laggy on the throttly. I drive slower than normal, which should conserve more gas right? wrong. I'm getting 210miles per tank before the light comes on which is 13.5 on a good day. Before winter i was getting 18 on a good day, and was running strong. I dont need a list of things to do to increase power or mpgs for tune up, but are there any sensors or parts i should check need replacing just from age/mileage (155xxx)??

thanks guys
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2010 | 05:36 AM
  #2  
tjwalker's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Oxygen sensors have a finite lifespan of between 100k - 150k before they get lazy and don't optimize fuel/air ratio. They don't last forever...

Map sensor and coolant sensor also contribute to mixture. Both can be tested with a manual and a meter.

Best to actually "calculate" your gas mileage rather than extrapolating your mileage by the amount of miles you get out of a tank of gas.

Do the math. Miles driven divided by gallons consumed for the most accurate gas mileage numbers. Keep a running total in a little notepad in your glove compartment.
That way, you know when your vehicle is or isn't running efficiently.
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2010 | 08:40 AM
  #3  
TheJerm's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 4
From: Flint/Asheville
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Everyone's cars uses more gas in the winter from letting it warm up and making short drives when the car isnt warmed up all the way or the motor just not reaching full temp cause its so cold. Its no surprise that its slower right now cause its freaking cold out, If your jeep never reaches full temp then i recommend putting some cardboard infront of your rad
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2010 | 11:41 PM
  #4  
red97cherokeewithsunroof's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Middletown, Ohio
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Straight 6 4.0L
Default

I never have a problem getting to full temp. And i know tht the cold isn't helping. But it was even before the cold and snow really. It's been gradually getting worse.

Do you think the O2 sensor on the cat would have anything to do with it? I did the up stream O2 sensor 5k miles ago.
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2010 | 05:53 AM
  #5  
freegdr's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

start with full tune up when was the last one you did
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2010 | 01:19 AM
  #6  
red97cherokeewithsunroof's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Middletown, Ohio
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Straight 6 4.0L
Default

within 5k miles. it may be timing or the distributor. or both
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
frantic29
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
16
Sep 26, 2015 04:30 PM
EBowen95
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
49
Aug 25, 2015 08:44 PM
kjdad
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
12
Aug 21, 2015 08:11 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:55 AM.