95 Maxima using a lot of gas

[athif]

Hey guys i have an issue with my 95 maxima, i noticed im only getting around 250km to one tank, my Cadillac cts gets 600 or so

the check engine light is on, probably because im using regular rather than premium and caused the O2 sensor to go crazy, but even before that when i was using premium the dam thing still guzzled gas. I replaced the spark plugs but yet no result, just a little bit better milage, barely noticeable. I can see the needle dropping when i drive lol.

people say it could be the ignition coils, i wish i could just toss the car out but my uncle who passed away gave it to us, so it would look bad if we did

this thing is reeking havoc on my wallet, i even end up just taking my Cadillac around to do shopping and what not, but don't like to because of all the dings i get, i even had someone steal the rear bezel while i went into the store to get some groceries.

anyways are you guys having the same issue? if anyone knows please help because im this close { } to smashing it into bits! and yes my driving habits are good, i dont floor it or race around.

[wrhrule]

2001 same problem, check and clean your Mass Air Flow (MAF) if your 95 has one

[loystock]

At 8.4 MPG, your gas consumption is worse than a Hummer H1. A 95 Maxima should average about 21 MPG city-highway (@ 9 Km/liter). You may have leaking fuel injectors. Faulty ignition coils will cause misfire and stumbling issues. Your best bet is to have an OBD scan to find out the trouble code associated with the CEL.

A rich mixture will eventually cause the O2 sensors and catalytic converters to fail. The OEM 'cat' is expensive to replace.

[athif]

I cleaned the MAF sensor, the dam screen was covered in dirt, and the sensor wires were dirty as well. I sprayed carb cleaner and let it dry out, then hit it with some electrical cleaner, i still noticed some dirt sticking to it, so i know this isnt right to do so, but i took a cotton swab and put the thing under my magnifying lamp and slowly and lightly began to clean it off. Let me say the sprays missed a lot because that swab was dirty as hell. I dont know why people say that the MAF is super duper sensitive and should not be touched, for christ sake that thing is constantly smacked around my high pressure air, not to mention the dirt that goes through it.

before i installed it back on i emptied a can of intake medic into the butterfly, i noticed A LOT of buildup. Also since the tank was full i put Pennzoil injector cleaner just for the hell of cleaning it out . I put everything back on and took it for a spin and this is the improvement i noticed.

1. Car idles at 500 rather than 1500
2. No pulsating idling (meaning the car does not give off a struggling feeling)
3. smoother shifting
4. lower revs and more power output.
5. more money in pocket

before i did this i noticed the needle going down as i drove. I will continue to use fuel system cleaner every other fill up like i do on my Cadillac and hopefully this keeps up and the car does not end up worse in 2 weeks. Il keep u guys posted.



This is the improvement i noticed.

[athif]

reporting back after a long drive, i drove about 200km's today, only used quarter tank, actually maybe 2 thirds of a quarter tank, usually after a trip like that it would of used way more

[MonsterMan53]

I'm kind of having the same problem, but no CEL. I also have used regular (87) fuel since I bought it 2 months ago. I notice when I accelerate the car gives that 'struggling' feeling at certain places in the RPM. My initial guess is the fuel system. I'm need to fill up tomorrow and will use premium gas and a fuel system cleaner. I think I will take the time to clean the MAF as well.

[athif]

I'm kind of having the same problem, but no CEL. I also have used regular (87) fuel since I bought it 2 months ago. I notice when I accelerate the car gives that 'struggling' feeling at certain places in the RPM. My initial guess is the fuel system. I'm need to fill up tomorrow and will use premium gas and a fuel system cleaner. I think I will take the time to clean the MAF as well.

this car is messed, its showing no signs of problems, but the fuel, engine roars, no stalling issue and runs fine, but the gas is killer, i put premium today and it used up a quarter tank in about 90kms, i geuss i will get around 300kms to one tank, worse than a hummer, i might as well dish out for a new MAF and see how it goes

[tigersharkdude]

let me ask, what is a "tank" to you? Like how many gallons or liters since it sounds like you are in Canada

[athif]

let me ask, what is a "tank" to you? Like how many gallons or liters since it sounds like you are in Canada

lol yes i am canadian, i mean like a full tank, the max amount of fuel the car can hold

[tigersharkdude]

Im sure you dont top it off and run it empty everytime you put gas in it

[Markc]

Have you had it scanned for codes yet? That is where to start. Without knowing what trouble codes are stored, attempting repair is a shot in the dark.
Keep your eye on Crappy Tire sales. They frequently put descent code readers on for around 65 bucks.

[athif]

Have you had it scanned for codes yet? That is where to start. Without knowing what trouble codes are stored, attempting repair is a shot in the dark.
Keep your eye on Crappy Tire sales. They frequently put descent code readers on for around 65 bucks.

its a 1995 car, so remember it is not ODB2 compatible lol, only ODB1. my check light is gone now, so far ive only gotten barely 200kms and the tank is already half way...

I truly think the MAF is probably shot, and i was told the only way to read the lights on that car is by turning a screw and having to keep an eye on the check light, it will flash in a certain sequence which you have to decrypt it, grrr i think im going to go and find a store with a return policy on their products, get a new MAF sensor from them and try it, if it works than i shall keep it, if not, then return it. because i know most stores will not allow it to be returned

[Markc]

Right you are, forgot about '96 and up for the OBDII. Good luck finding a store that will take back an electircal component. Were that plugs black when you took them out? I've got to assume that you've checked your air filter.
How's the overall performance of the car?

[athif]

Right you are, forgot about '96 and up for the OBDII. Good luck finding a store that will take back an electircal component. Were that plugs black when you took them out? I've got to assume that you've checked your air filter.
How's the overall performance of the car?

i changed the plugs, they were fine, but i put new NGK plugs in, there is no missfire, the car in general on the other hand is a beast, it will rape my cadillac cts, performance wise this maxima is excellent, i just need to change the shocks and and bearings and its good to go.

the air filter is fine, brand new K and N, i sprayed the intake with a mass ammount of intake medic, a whole can, it cleaned it out nicely and it ran like new, but went back to its old self one tank later.

hmm im spending almost 250 dollars a month on gas for this car alone, i dont know what more i can do

[Markc]

New maf and loose the K&N filter. It's typical for oil from the K&N to get deposited on the maf sensor and wreak havok on it.
I don't know this first hand, but have read a lot about it.

[tigersharkdude]

FYI, the 95's do have OBDII. Ask me how I know

[athif]

FYI, the 95's do have OBDII. Ask me how I know

how do u know?

[athif]

New maf and loose the K&N filter. It's typical for oil from the K&N to get deposited on the maf sensor and wreak havok on it.
I don't know this first hand, but have read a lot about it.

i mean if tiny particles can mess up the MAF, than imagine the ammount of air that comes through? im sure dirt can pass the filter and hit the sensor

[Markc]

It's apparently the coating of oil on the sensor that causes the problem.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

I think your car is becoming carboned up. I would start clearing the idle air control valve, EGR valve,
EGR tube to plenum, throttle body, throttle position sensor etc. I would take off the parts to clean them and be very careful spraying anything. Best to use electronic cleaner for items which have electronic sensors and be selective with the carb cleaner.

[AshleyFromPA]

My car is using a lot of gas now too. I noticed it recently. I have been using 87 (regular) gas since 2006 when I bought the car. I have not had any problems with gas mileage up until now. I am not driving any more than "usual" but it is killing me. I will fill up on Monday (from 1/4 tank) and it will be down to 1/4 tank by Thursday. I drive about 39 miles round trip each day so that would mean 3/4 tank of gas is giving me about 156 miles. That is not good (i dont think). I will be buying the fuel injector cleaner to put in the gas tank next time I fuel up and see how that works out. If anyone can suggest something in "simple" terms for a lady, that would be nice. Any advice would be appreciated. I am not trying to hijack the thread-- this is related to the same topic. hehe