Help How DO I Achieve 15mpg on my 2012 That Everyone Gets But Me? Noob

[ddjozone]

Hello everyone, I am new... Coming from a 06 Range Rover with horrible gas mileage and was excited about getting better mileage on my 2012 Tahoe. But I am not sure if I am doing something wrong... City driving has be fairly average as far as my driving style goes. My ave econ mileage is showing 11.8mpg thats not putting a smile on my face at all. I leave the Tahoe in auto mode (for 2 or wheel driving) I've been using 89 grade fuel and I don't know if theres something I'm doing/not doing or is my suv just sick? Please advise.

[00Silverado4x4]

Depending on how many miles you already driven it could be you just need more time. When I first got my truck the mileage kept going up until I hit around 10k miles. If you've already driven that long you might want to take it to the dealer and have them check it over to ensure everything is set up right, physically and electronically. Unfortunately I don't have any other ideas. Hopefully everything will work out for you.

[ddjozone]

Depending on how many miles you already driven it could be you just need more time. When I first got my truck the mileage kept going up until I hit around 10k miles. If you've already driven that long you might want to take it to the dealer and have them check it over to ensure everything is set up right, physically and electronically. Unfortunately I don't have any other ideas. Hopefully everything will work out for you.

 

 

Thanks! Sorry forgot to mention it is certified used... came with 21k miles on it... and I've put about 1k miles on it. I did reset the mpg meter when I started driving to ensure that is based on my driving.

[Jsdirt]

Yeah if your under a couple thousand miles the engine just needs to break in (either that or the computer needs to get out of "break in" mode, if there is such a thing). Mine got about the same until I hit about 1,500 miles or so, and steadily rose as the miles piled up, leveling off around 5k miles.

 

EDIT double post

 

EDIT again - ok your well broken in there. Somethings definitely not right. Can be anything from engine mechanical, computer, sensors, to low tire pressure or dragging brakes. That average mileage meter is VERY average, and not very accurate.

[00Silverado4x4]

EDIT again - ok your well broken in there. Somethings definitely not right. Can be anything from engine mechanical, computer, sensors, to low tire pressure or dragging brakes. That average mileage meter is VERY average, and not very accurate.

 

No doubt, better to hand calculate vs the meter. Still will be off a little but not too bad. My avg mileage meter is always off by a least 1mpg at every fill up, and I've been very consistant to use same station and even the same pump for at least two months now.

 

ddjozone: Definitely take it in and have it looked over. Even my beat up '06 gets 13-14 mpg (hand calculated) in the city, unless I'm a real bad boy and it goes down to ~12. Also not sure about your area but take a look at the pump and see what the ethanol percentage is allowed to be. I heard that gas stations would be starting to pump gas with up to 15% ethanol, which will definitely kill gas mileage. I occasionally use e85 in my truck and my mileage will take a big dive (10-12mpg driving "nicely").

[hodges25]

Take it out of auto mode and use 2wd unless increased traction is needed. Auto mode engages the front axle and uses the transfer case as a clutch to transfer power as needed, causing increased powertrain drag. This should give you some mileage back.

[ddjozone]

Thanks for the input guys truly appreciate! Ok one more and I'm done with the questions: Does driving at 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive have any impact on the gas mileage at all? Under normal weather condition what would you recommend or do I just keep it at auto? My Range was full time 4X4 with no options for 2wheels. Thanks a lot!!!

 

Take it out of auto mode and use 2wd unless increased traction is needed. Auto mode engages the front axle and uses the transfer case as a clutch to transfer power as needed, causing increased powertrain drag. This should give you some mileage back.

 

Thanks you answered my question before I asked hehe.

[ddjozone]

OFF TOPIC: I really appreciate this forum, I've been able to add an OGM1 and Backup Camera to my Tahoe LT saving me extra change. Now my next addition are wheels and a Sub. Thanks alot guys!!!

[RyanbabZ71]

Yes 4wd will decrease your milage

 

 

Ryan

[ddjozone]

Will Do! I will reset the mpg meter and note any change. Thanks.

[scz71864]

DO NOT drive around town in 4x4.

[00Silverado4x4]

DO NOT drive around town in 4x4.

 

I think OP meant auto 4wd which can be used all the time.

[asc08]

Check the owners manual for the recommended octane. Some vehicles will do poorly if you use a higher octane than required (or lower than required).

 

If the weather is fine, drive in 2wd, if it is getting bad, switch to 'auto'.

 

Check your tire pressure, and be mindful of how hard you press the pedal on the right!

[scz71864]

Im pretty sure it says in the manual that you get worse MPGs with it in auto 4wd. if you are running a higher octane gas, a tune will benefit you the most.

[newdude]

I pull DIC average fuel economy numbers between 16-17.5mpg between every fill up. Hand calculated, its 15-16mpg. This is on my 2012 5.3 ext.cab 4x4 Z71. Always in 2 two wheel drive, running on the highway between 60-65mph (closer to 65 the mpg goes up), 87 octane, and I have 2,650 miles on it.