2000 Taurus Getting Reduced Fuel Economy

Asked by Mar 19, 2014 at 10:12 AM about the 2000 Ford Taurus SE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2000 Ford Taurus (3.0L Duratec).  Idle is about 1000 RPM (maybe 850-900 with AC on.)

Appears to be getting reduced fuel economy.  ($10 will get me about 40 miles these days.)  Has about 117,000 miles on it.

Engine reasonably smooth but I have noticed exhaust gas smell in garage after shutdown--not something experienced in the past.  Check engine light has been on for years--but this fuel economy issue is new.

Only other issue (may not be related) is that once in a while takes a bit of cranking to start. I had fuel pump replaced (based on low pump pressures) about a year ago.

Any ideas would be appreciated.   Issue became noticeable about 6-9 months ago.

RC

5 Answers
125

answered 4 years ago

It could be the catalytic converter - I would have that checked.

Mark helpful
27,585

answered 4 years ago

No surprise that the Check engine light could be causing bad fuel economy. Heck, it could be running rich and destroying your cat. Just because the Check Engine light has been on for years doesn't mean that it's a meaningless warning indicator. Take it to a shop and get it fixed. You cant expect a horse to run with a broken leg - Your Taurus is broken. BTW - fuel mileage is measured best by filling the tank, recording the number of miles you drive and the number of gallons it takes to refill the tank. $10 to 40 miles means nothing to anyone. It isn't a way to measure fuel economy.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

answered 4 years ago

Thanks for your inputs, RC

Mark helpful

answered about a year ago

My car is doing it too I just noticed what was the problem I am trying to see what it is what was the problem

Mark helpful
27,585

answered about a year ago

Your car is broken

Mark helpful

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