Author Topic: Dodge Dakota Gas mileage probs (Read 2471 times)

MwXX · « **on:** February 04, 2004, 05:18:30 PM »

Anyone else have a Dodge Dakota V8? "Mine is a 2001 Quad Cab" FYI... Im getting about 11 in the city and 13 "if Im lucky" on the highway. Thats babying the pedal!

Ive been hearing about a fix that calls for dual exhaust and K&N Filter bumping mileage to 17 or so. And some others...but not sure what route to go.

This was a serious problem for dodge on this V8, and I was wondering if anyone else had any experience with this. Or any mods that helped.

just thought I would ask my AH boyz!

Ripsnort · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2004, 05:40:37 PM »

4X4?

Milege should be roughly
(City/Highway)
Manual: 15 mpg / 20 mpg
Automatic: : 14 mpg / 18 mpg

I'm getting your milege too, in a F250 HD 4X4, 460 c.i. motor.

(10/13)

FUNKED1 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2004, 05:42:25 PM »

Solution

Ripsnort · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2004, 05:48:42 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by FUNKED1
Solution

Another solution...

Ripsnort · « **Reply #4 on:** February 04, 2004, 05:49:41 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Ripsnort
Another solution...

TV's yesteryear, Trucks today, Airplanes tomorrow.

john9001 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2004, 07:30:27 PM »

460 CID and you want good mileage?...dreamer. just pay for the gas , you can always brag to your buddies about how big your engine is.

Delirium · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2004, 07:47:57 PM »

Buying a V8 with current gas prices? Insane... those gas prices are only going to go up.

My mileage is great, maybe I can't brag about horsepower but mine has plenty of 'get and go' for me.

link

Ripsnort · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2004, 07:48:58 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by john9001
460 CID and you want good mileage?...dreamer. just pay for the gas , you can always brag to your buddies about how big your engine is.

No, original poster does not have 460 ci, I do. I was just comparing his gas milege to mine. I *need* the 460, (I'm carrying an 11 1/2 ft. camper + 3400 lb. boat and trailer. Thank God for 4.11 rear ends.

Maverick · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2004, 09:15:47 PM »

I don't know why your mileage is so poor. I had a Dakota with the V8 auto trans and 4x4 with the crew cab. I averaged 16.5 in the city and 19 to 21 on the highway. I didn't stay slow either but kept up at the speed limit. It was a 95 model and I traded it for a Ford 1 ton as I needed more towing capability for my 5th wheel trailer.

Have you had the truck checked out?

rpm · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2004, 10:54:04 PM »

A couple quick suggestions:
1. Change your air filter. If you can't remember the last time you changed it....it is due. This is the #1 cause of poor MPG.
2. If you have an Overdrive Automatic transmission check the fuse. You may not be running in high gear due to a blown fuse on the electric overdrive switch.
3. Check tire pressure. Underinflated tires can cause as much as a 10% decrease in milage.
4. Check that you have the proper size tires. People will change to low profile tires for the "cool" look. That "cool" will cost you dearly in MPG. If you must have low profile tires, make sure you get larger diamiter rims to make up the difference in side wall height.
5. Is your speedometer correct? If it is reading slow, it will thow off your milage figures.

The V-8 in the Dakota USUALLY is the 318cid, a great engine capable of 18-20 mpg. It may be the most dependable engine Mopar ever designed.

Cougar68 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2004, 11:10:08 PM »

Add plugs and wires to the list as well. Bad spark will throw mileage in the can real quick.

Cougar

Steve · « **Reply #11 on:** February 04, 2004, 11:43:59 PM »

I have a 2002 Dakota Sport Extended w/ the V8.

Sticker claims it will get 20 MPG in the highway. I've NEVER been able to ge that. I get about 17.5 per gallon w/ a 70/30 mix between highway/city. I think the Dodge claims on mileage are complete BS.

Still.... 13 on the highway is a bit low... your vehicle may be overdue for some attention in your garage.

rpm · « **Reply #12 on:** February 05, 2004, 12:44:34 AM »

You can throw all those Sticker Milage figures out the window. Those are tweaked figures to meet EPA standards. Your milage may vary. (Vary to the tune of about 20-25% less than the sticker claim.)