excessivefuel consumption

[volvos40a&m]

Hi there,

I just discovered this forum, great stuff.

I bought Volvo s40 2005y 2.0D with 136hp – now I don’t understand much in cars but I know well that I am buying high mileage – 112.000 – the car has full Volvo service history. ( the above model d416t - i am not sure is this my engine - i needed to insert one so i selected this on)

One of main reason for buying this car is safety and economic fuel consumption. The car is manual. Only problem is that car use excessive fuel (diesel) on motor way with driven 70 mph - covers 35 miles per gallon max – and in city 30 or less miles per gallon.

So I took car to Volvo and waiting for more info. As I am very “blond” with cars I would appreciate your help before my husband kills me for buying the car in first place.

1. what is normal fuel usage
2. what are possible faults with the car ( engine or electronic)
3. I bought the car from dealer – what can I expect help with paying the bill?
4. any other advice that you find that’s important very welcomed.

Many thanks,

Maria :hissyfit:

[jor]

Have a look at the s40 section Maria or do a search on 'S40 fuel' and you will be surprised. From a brief look through the threads there's quite a spread of reported mpg, from low 30's to high 40's! Quite surprising really. Several comments on the fact that Volvo claimed mpg is 50. Many people advise against using the ac or supermarket petrol. The post from Alec Dawe says that some software upgrades are available, which the dealer should do for you at a non extortionate rate.

john

[RoyMacDonald]

With a diesel the higher the milage the better the fuel consumption if everything is OK with the mechanics. I've said a lot about fuel consumption in the XC90 forum.

One thing that may be worth a check is to see if the brakes are binding. A frozen caliper can make a massive reduction to fuel consumption. Just jack up each wheel and see if it spins OK. Chock the wheels though as obviously you can't have the handbrake on. :)

Other than that ask a diesel specialist to check everything is OK. If you're near Croydon First Diesel are brilliant.

All the best.
Roy

P.S As jor said don't use Supermarket petrol.... or any kind of petrol come to that. :-)

[hawaiianblue]

Many people advise against using the ac or supermarket petrol.
john


I wouldnt recomend using supermarket PETROL in a DIESEL either :D

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,
Many people advise against using the ac
Then people a year or 18 months down the line wonder why their AirCon doesn't work!
Use the AirCon once a week for half an hour or so to maintain seal condition and keep the system in working order.

And, while using AirCon does use some engine power/fuel so too does an open window!!

Des. . . ;)

[RoyMacDonald]

Hi,

Then people a year or 18 months down the line wonder why their AirCon doesn't work!
Use the AirCon once a week for half an hour or so to maintain seal condition and keep the system in working order.

And, while using AirCon does use some engine power/fuel so too does an open window!!

Des. . . ;)

Apparently Volvo Climate Control is designed to use the minimum amount of fuel possible and you should leave it on all the time.

[7050man]

Hi,

Then people a year or 18 months down the line wonder why their AirCon doesn't work!
Use the AirCon once a week for half an hour or so to maintain seal condition and keep the system in working order.

And, while using AirCon does use some engine power/fuel so too does an open window!!

Des. . . ;)
Well my experience is different here. I only ever use my climate when it's really hot and I've never had any problems. I accept that it might not work as well as if it's on all the time, but it does seem work properly when I need it.
This has been the case on two vauxhalls, Saab 95,V70 and my current V50. Perhaps ,I've been lucky.
Anyway back to Maria's original q, currently averaging around 49mpg. Mix of motorway and local driving on my E4 2.0D V50.

[kev ryder]

about this aircon thing,i have central heating in my house and when it is cold i do not sit in the cold,i turn it on,i have air con in my v70 and when it is raining or hot i have it on ,ido not pay for air con and sit sweating with it turned of