MK4 Fuel Economy issues

[lmahon]

Hi everyone

I purchased a 2001 MK4 (1.6L GL) last week with 105K on the clock. It is in near perfect condition, but is getting much worse economy than I thought. I am averaging about 9.5L per 100km city, and 8.5L per 100km highway.

Overall anything from 450-550L per tank. I am assuming I should be getting much better than this.
o2 sensor? MAF? thermostat?

Also, if anyone knows a reputable VW mechanic who is honest, and reasonably priced in either Melbourne of Geelong I would greatly appreciate it. I took it to my regular mechanic for the roadworthy (Mercedes + does a few VW's) and he said he couldn't see anything that would cause the fuel consumption (not that he probably looked that hard...)
Thanks for any info guys...

Cheers, Luke.

[TeeheeOner]

hey mate

have you just tried resetting it? by holding onto the button of the right indicator stalk? because i had exactly the same problem as you on my 2.0L (around 10.5-11L) and just reset it and it went back down to normal (7.5-8.5L)

it could also be the way in which you drive? erratic or grandma spec...

maybe also try replacing your air filter?

but if its none of these trivial things, then youre most probably right and it could be a faulty sensor!

hope you find a solution mate!

[dylan8]

Just posted in your intro thread. Try Volkwerke.

[lmahon]

hey mate

have you just tried resetting it? by holding onto the button of the right indicator stalk? because i had exactly the same problem as you on my 2.0L (around 10.5-11L) and just reset it and it went back down to normal (7.5-8.5L)

it could also be the way in which you drive? erratic or grandma spec...

maybe also try replacing your air filter?

but if its none of these trivial things, then youre most probably right and it could be a faulty sensor!

hope you find a solution mate!

Thanks for the advice mate. I did the reset this morning (holding down ODO right button, and turning left button to the right etc.) is this what you were referring to?

I drive pretty conservatively.. I am used to driving old Mercedes so like to conserve as much fuel as possible (15-20L p/100km!)

Thanks for the Volkwerke recommendation I will check them out.

[Sirocco20348]

What petrol are you using?

I would get 600km per tank consistently with 98ron in our old mk4 1.6.

[lmahon]

What petrol are you using?

I would get 600km per tank consistently with 98ron in our old mk4 1.6.

Using 98 octane shell. Yeah, 600-700 was what I was expecting.

[Snail Style]

Drop me a PM mate, I'm located in Sunshine West and can have a look over for you. Coolant temp enders are pretty common on those models and will result in the fuel economy going south quickly.

[lmahon]

Thanks everyone for the input. Have reset the ECU with no luck, but changed the coolant temp sender yesterday and will monitor the economy..