Recently my 2001 Rav 4 has been getting less and less gas mileage. I have had it for almost 7 years and usually get about 320-330 miles out of a tank. Here recently in the past few months I've gone down to about 240-250 miles per tank. I need a new timing belt soon since I'm at 108K and am due for an oil change in a few weeks. But those things wouldnt decrease my mileage that much would they??? Also, I've recently heard a grinding noise when I switch gears or accelerate rapidly which I did not hear before. It's coming from the passenger side of the engine. I dont know a whole lot about vehicles other than how to change oil, tires, brake pads, and rotors. :-/Why am I getting less gas mileage?How long has it been since it was tuned up? Could be time to do that.
Also try this. Replace your fuel filter and then get a fuel pressure test. One of the symptoms of a bad fuel pressure regulator is a Noticeable decrease in fuel mileage. Here are some other symptoms%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;
Engine runs rough
Engine stumbles or sputters
Engine runs very rich - black smoke from the exhaust
Engine will not start
Engine starts but stalls shortly after startup
Noisy fuel pumpWhy am I getting less gas mileage?It could be that your timing belt is going bad and yes bad oil. but what about your air cleaner or even your o2 senors. Bad timing would definitely hurt you gas mileage alone. even bad spark plugs and wires could hurt your gas mileage. try giving it a tune up; change the plug and wires, oil, and air cleaner it the mileage will most likely go back up.Why am I getting less gas mileage?That's almost a 30% drop in tank mileage. I presume you are not smelling gasoline or have a 'check engine light' or you would have mentioned it in your post. I don't think a timing belt would cause that big of a drop otherwise your engine would be running quite rough.. A web site I visited stated that your fuel tank capacity is 14.7 gallons. They don't say if that is usable capacity or absolute capacity. But, based on the 14.7 gallon capacity, 330 mile range is about 22.5 mpg and 250 mile range is about 17 mpg. I think taking it to a diagnostic center might tell you where you are losing the 5.5 mpg.
