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2000 v70 xc horrible gas mileage

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
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Bearj
Posts: 6
Joined: 17 January 2018
Year and Model: 2000 v70 xc
Location: Oregon

2000 v70 xc horrible gas mileage

Post by Bearj »

Anyone have any idea why my car averages 14-16 mpg no matter how it is driven. Its been like this since I got it and I'm trying to figure out what all to look at besides the plugs and ignition coil packs

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wizechatmgr
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Year and Model: 1999 V70 XC AWD 2.4T
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Post by wizechatmgr »

When were the O2 sensors last replaced?

Do you drive spirited or laid back?
Wisdom requires knowledge as a prerequisite, but knowledge can be developed due to a lack of wisdom.
In order to learn how to fix something, you must first learn how to break it.
1999 V70 XC AWD 2.4 T -- ~231k miles
1998 V70 2.4 NA -- ~184k miles

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wizechatmgr
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Post by wizechatmgr »

And I believe welcome aboard is in order :)
Wisdom requires knowledge as a prerequisite, but knowledge can be developed due to a lack of wisdom.
In order to learn how to fix something, you must first learn how to break it.
1999 V70 XC AWD 2.4 T -- ~231k miles
1998 V70 2.4 NA -- ~184k miles

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June
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Post by June »

Bearj wrote: 20 Jan 2018, 00:04 Anyone have any idea why my car averages 14-16 mpg no matter how it is driven. Its been like this since I got it and I'm trying to figure out what all to look at besides the plugs and ignition coil packs
That's about the mileage I get if I run 87 durring mixed driving. 19 to 20 with 93. My engine has one more turbo and cylinder than yours, but the five turbocharged cars I had got about the same. Try running a tank of brand name 93. June
My Volvo cars owned
1989 740 GLT ordered
1994 850 4door standard shift ordered
1996 960 ordered
1998 S90 ordered totalled after 3 weeks
1998 V70 GT dealer stock car
2002 S80 T6 ordered totalled
2004 S80 T6 dealer stock car and current car owned

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abscate
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Post by abscate »

image.jpeg
My mileage coming home last night was horrible but my trip was short...no idea why...
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misha
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Post by misha »

O2 sensors,tire pressure,vacuum leaks,air filter,spark plugs/gap,low octane gas....all of these affect gas mileage.Wrong timing also.
All of those can be checked and replaced if necessary and low octane gas should not be used.
'97 850 2.5 20v / fully equipped / Motronic 4.4 from the factory / upgraded with S,V,C,XC70 instrument cluster / polar white wagon
History of Volvos in the family:
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rspi
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Post by rspi »

Timing
Aftermarket ignition parts
Low tire pressure
Bad brake caliper
Bad thermostat.
'95 855 T-5R M, Panther - 22/28 mpg, 546,000 miles
'95 955 T-5R Yellow Wagon, Lemonade, 180,000 miles
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bmdubya1198
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Post by bmdubya1198 »

14-16 seems low. Even with my "spirited" driving style, I get around 20 (I think... been a while since I've tried to calculate it).
You didn't mention if you changed your plugs, so that's one place I'd start, along with the air filter. Also as misha mentioned, vacuum leaks are a possibility, especially if it's running a little rough. Robert mentioned some easy things to overlook which will greatly affect gas mileage.
If you aren't using the best octane gas available (91 or 93 depending on your location) that is very important. These cars do NOT like 87 octane (look through the burned valve threads). Fill it up with premium and a bottle of Techron to clean things up, that'll probably get you a couple extra miles per gallon.
abscate wrote: 20 Jan 2018, 06:03 image.jpegMy mileage coming home last night was horrible but my trip was short...no idea why...
Exactly double... nice!
00 V70R Venetian Red/Charcoal M56 Swapped 214k
07 XC90 V8 AWD Sport Titanium Grey/Black 220k
92 245 White/Beige 249k
91 944 Turbo 175k
…and a bunch of other stuff
Sold-
03 S60 2.4T
00 S70 GLT
98 V70 GLT
93 944
98 S90
95 850 GLT
01 S60 2.4T
05 S60R M66
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