97' XE King Cab 2wd 2.4 Auto....What kind of MPH to expect?

[streetknight2]

Just started driving the truck. Using as a commuter so mainly highway and getting around 20 mpg.

Does that sound right on this thing? It does have a couple issues, which I started a different thread on that may or may not be related.

[whomadewho]

Welcome to the site. Average mileage is somewhere between - 17- 23 mph

[malibumarlin]

I've owned my '97 XE king cab since new. It has a camper shell on it (300lbs). I am meticulous with the maintenance. Today, with 215,000 mi on it, I still average 27 mpg hwy without any load other than myself and the shell. When loaded for a camping trip into the mountains (Driving 1200 mi round-trip from sea level Los Angeles up to 9000 feet in Utah/Arizona and back), I'll average 17-23 mpg.

It could do better mileage. Using a scan tool to monitor fuel trims - especially LTFT will tell you a lot about your engine health. Learn how to use one beyond simply reading codes will help you a lot. Likely, with the age of your vehicle, low mileage aside, you'd do good to inspect/replace all of your vacuum hoses. The EGR and it's vacuum hose is especially easy to miss because of it's location and especially vulnerable to deterioration.

Another pesky problem that seemed to repeat itself on my engine are the wire leads of the MAF. Easy to overlook, but will create a big problem. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the wires and housings at the MAF sensor plug. If it's cracked or broken you'll want to fix this.

Changing the oil filter is another task that will require patience, technique & TLC. Left a service tech, you'll likely be left with a torn fender skirt, oil everywhere, and worst off, because of it's proximity to the alternator wires, a sloppy rushed job can lead to broken wires - which will eventually leave you stranded with a burned out alternator.

[malibumarlin]

About understanding fuel trim diagnostics, this collection of videos are very educational. Here's a link to one, visit his page to see the whole collection...
- Secret of Engine Problem Diagnosis- Fuel Trims Part 1: https://youtu.be/5WnM_NsOtd8
- Secret of Engine Problem Diagnosis- Fuel Trims Part 2: https://youtu.be/cARQ0jZZ4Qc

[Q451990]

I never see much above 21MPG on either my '97 or my '04 with essentially the same drivetrain. That's with mixed city driving, but I'm in no way concerned with fuel economy and probably drive it a little harder than I should. I also like air conditioning a lot.

On my '97, I was getting really poor MPG numbers when I first bought it - and replacing the front O2 sensor made a big difference there. It barely checked good, but these engines seem to respond nicely to a new sensor. You can use a cheap OBDII bluetooth scanner from eBay and a smart phone to see the data. The factory service manual, available at www.nissanservicemanual.com will give you the specs.

[Desert Rat]

you're in the ballpark with mileage. It varies based on terrain and driving habits.

[malibumarlin]

Agree, driving habits, terrain, etc will make a difference.

Going to rebuild the top end of my KA24E engine. The high mileage, and the lack of power climbing I-15 mountains loaded with camping gear tells me it's time to bring back the horsepower and compression. Rebuilding the head and installing new Fel-Pro engine gasket kit, and any bolt-on components that need replacing as necessary (like the water pump and fan clutch).

The new engine gaskets will likely cure my LTFT of 14.8% at idle. Looking to attain an ideal value closer to 5%.
(For those who do not know. LTFT is Long Term Fuel Trim value when using a ODB-2 Engine Scan Tool.)