fuel consumption

Recently my '98 V70 AWD R consumes more gasoline than before (the difference
is approx. 1,5 liter/100 km). OBD check shows than one lambda sensor is not
working properly - but there is no service light. Volvo mechanic suggests to
wait. Any ideas welcomed. Thanks.
Marek

 

Hi, Marek - - -

One of the first thing that the onboard computer will do when its
sensors are telling it unpleasant news is to retard the ignition, thus
reducing stress on the engine. I don't know what mileage you should
normally expect, but that 1.5L/100km seems quite a change for the worse.

Bottom Line: In these trying times (as to fuel costs), I don't think
I'd wait. Get that sensor fixed and return the fuel economy to where it
belongs - as well as being able to enjoy normal performance.

bob noble
Reno, NV, USA

 

In addition, most of the extra fuel is actually being burnt in the
catalytic convertor, which may overheat and melt the substrate. Then
you'll be looking at a new cat too.

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

NOTE: new address!!
Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)

 

Thanks. BTW: according to our (Poland) press release, the fuel prices in US
are the highest in last 20 years, reaching the level of 2$ per gallon. Here
we pay twice as much :-(
Thanks once again.
Marek