mhart30

First off let me say hi to everyone here. Now then, you probably guessed what my problem is from the title. My mother bought a 2004 SL AWD last May and for the most part has been very happy with it. She really has no complaints whatsoever. I on the other hand have a really big problem with the mileage. It has never been that good to begin with. The best we ever saw was mid 15's, and that was with some highway trips. Currently it is around 13.2-13.3 for 95% city driving. I know it is not likely to get the 20 or so that it's rated, but this is pretty bad. She uses 87 most of the time and has tried 89 and 92 with no change. There is no ping with the 87 or check engine lights to indicate a problem. I should mention that she drives a very short distance to work in the morning so the engine probably does not get up to temperature. We also live on Long Island if that makes a difference. Is there a way to check for codes? Should I contact a dealer? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

dmussman

[quote=mhart30]It has never been that good to begin with. The best we ever saw was mid 15's, and that was with some highway trips. Currently it is around 13.2-13.3 for 95% city driving. I know it is not likely to get the 20 or so that it's rated, but this is pretty bad.QUOTE]

I would definitely say that is not normal. I've never gotten the advertised 20 mpg either, but I've never dipped below 18 in the 9 months I've had it, and my driving is primarily short hops in the city as well. My MO is not AWD, but that shouldn't make that big a difference.

My one question is, how are you calculating the mileage? Are you manually doing it or using the onboard computer? It could be a problem with the engine or the fuel-injection system, or maybe just a computer glitch.

mhart30

I have done the hand calculations in the past and have been within .2-.3 of what the computer says. Does Nissan have some kind of tech hotline I can call. At this point I'm willing to try anything.

dmussman

There's no hotline, faq, or official Nissan board that I know of.

mhart30

Should I try a dealer. Is it possible that there is something wrong with the car even though the check engine light is not on? Shouldn't a dealer be able to scan for codes?

dmussman

Absolutely. A dealer should be able to run all kinds of diagnostics and at least give you a reason as to why the mileage has been so bad.

brianm4

I have seen a post on another message board that a dealer suggested to use fuel cleaner in your next tank of gas. They mentioned that the Murano gas intake system may get dirty faster then other vehicles.

For a couple bucks, it is probalby worth a try.

I just purchased a Murano 2 weeks ago and I plan to use the gas conditioner once a month or so.

byrdman99

My Murano's on-board computer currently says 20.3 MPG and I have 21k on mine. It is an AWD purchased in May '04. I have seen it get between 18.75 and 20.75MPG. It is not the most fuel-miser vehicle I have ever owned but it isn't the worst either. I ran 93oct at first but have stepped back to 89 with no ill effects.

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koolzero

If you're not using premium fuel you will get very poor mileage. When I first got mine I was getting great mileage I switched to 87 octane and I was getting 13 - 15 mpg. I then went back to Premium and I'm getting 18.7 - 20.5 miles per gallon.