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How much does the A/C affect mpg?
Topic Started: Jan 20 2010, 09:16 PM (1,669 Views)
Caddotx
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Hi all,
For those of you that read my introduction post today, you know I made my maiden voyage in my 94 geo metro lsi hatchback today. (Are all LSI's hatchbacks?) Anyway, it went well all things considered. I felt like it was using way too much gas. I didn't realize I had the A/C on until I was on my way home. The fan switch works but it's all on or all off, no in between. I turned it off and it seemed to do better. I was just wondering how much the A/C affects MPG.

I noticed one of the tires was rotten and losing air so I changed it at work for the spare, but the spare is slightly smaller. I'm going to have to do something about that. I noticed a post on wheels so I think I'm going to go check that out and see what I should get. When I step on the brake I hear a noise from the front and the brake feels wavy? Does that make sense? Are my rotors warped and how do I tell, is that something I can see?

Also, since I just got this car, can you recommend what I should check or replace on it? It has 133,000 miles on it and I have no idea what maintenance has been performed. A friend of mine suggested the O2 sensor, pvc? valve, timing belt, the spark plugs looked new but I didn't take them out to look at them. (I was at work) Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Caddotx
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rmcelwee
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When I switch on my AC (have only done it a few times - new car) I notice my MPGuino instant MPG drops by maybe 0.5 miles. Again, I haven't done much testing with this but it is definitely not 5 MPG or anything like that.
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

Actually you seem to have a handle on it. ^o)
I don't have A/C so I can't say. What you experience is good, it's been called the "butt dyno." Everybody has one. :lol
Brake wavy could certainly be warped rotors or loose wheels(?). It would be best to have them inspected or take a look yourself. :thumb It should be apparent. The brakes/calipers and front end are easy to work on. You might want to get a shop/service manual on eBay.

At 133K you might want to do a compression check first. Carbon buildup is an issue with these cars. PCV valve ( I don't trust them), Plugs are cheap, timing belt may need it and requires removing two pulleys and the cover. It can be inspected if you remove the top 10mm bolts and gently pull the cover back. Next would be the distributor and plug wires, clean and maybe improve the ground wires. Change oils to synthetic?
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Nick
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Jack Of All Trades Master Of None

you should get 175/70 sized tires and whatever rime you can get.
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Caddotx
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Ok, so I need new tires anyway. There are 12" rims on it now, should I change it?
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Alpine
1020cc G10 GOML

Caddotx
Jan 22 2010, 10:08 AM
Ok, so I need new tires anyway. There are 12" rims on it now, should I change it?
13" would increase mpg i beleive
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iamgeo
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Nick
Jan 21 2010, 03:00 PM
you should get 175/70 sized tires and whatever rime you can get.
Why Should he get that particular size tire?
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bansheetaz


Caddotx
Jan 20 2010, 09:16 PM

Also, since I just got this car, can you recommend what I should check or replace on it? It has 133,000 miles on it and I have no idea what maintenance has been performed. A friend of mine suggested the O2 sensor, pvc? valve, timing belt, the spark plugs looked new but I didn't take them out to look at them. (I was at work) Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Caddotx
i would change all the fluids. including brake fluid. its one of the best and most overlooked ways to get a good firm pedal.
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Murf 59
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Caddotx
Jan 20 2010, 09:16 PM
Hi all,
For those of you that read my introduction post today, you know I made my maiden voyage in my 94 geo metro lsi hatchback today. (Are all LSI's hatchbacks?) Anyway, it went well all things considered. I felt like it was using way too much gas. I didn't realize I had the A/C on until I was on my way home. The fan switch works but it's all on or all off, no in between. I turned it off and it seemed to do better. I was just wondering how much the A/C affects MPG.

I noticed one of the tires was rotten and losing air so I changed it at work for the spare, but the spare is slightly smaller. I'm going to have to do something about that. I noticed a post on wheels so I think I'm going to go check that out and see what I should get. When I step on the brake I hear a noise from the front and the brake feels wavy? Does that make sense? Are my rotors warped and how do I tell, is that something I can see?

Also, since I just got this car, can you recommend what I should check or replace on it? It has 133,000 miles on it and I have no idea what maintenance has been performed. A friend of mine suggested the O2 sensor, pvc? valve, timing belt, the spark plugs looked new but I didn't take them out to look at them. (I was at work) Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Caddotx
The rotten tire. Was it on the front? The tires on the drive axles need to be the same height. If not they can wear out your diff. In a big hurry. BBs right, check your compression. And the wavy feeling is very cool if your a hippy. Other wise your rotor are most likely warped. Easily fixed though. Welcome to the forum
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Caddotx
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The rotten tire was on the back and I have 155/something on three tires and my spare was a 145/something. I'd go out and look but it's going to rain forever in Texas so I don't know if I'll ever be able to work on this car. I don't know how people in Seattle do it. I stopped at a wrecking yard and they told me that they wouldn't put the 14" rims I found there that were compatible with the geo because of the clearance. (I took a copy of the sticky post that shows all the wheels that will fit with me.) So I don't know what I'm going to do about that yet. I'm only getting 30mpg right now so I've got to find out what the problem is. Now, if it would just quit raining and dry out...
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

Caddotx
Jan 23 2010, 05:35 PM
I'm only getting 30mpg right now so I've got to find out what the problem is. Now, if it would just quit raining and dry out...
Start with a Compression test?
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