sorry this is not about systems, but i have a question some of you might know about. i have a 99 vw beetle which should get about 30 mi/gal but its getting about 10 or less. i have checked almost everything. i had the catalytic converter replaced, fuel filter is clean, tire pressure, fuel injectors, not leaking gas, car runs fine,brand new radiator... what else could be using all of my gas?? im thinking maybe my system is making my alternator work hard but its only 150 watts rms on my amp... any help is appreciated.
it could be that your alternator is always on and its putting alot of strain on your engine. 2.o's are small to begin with, or the 1.8t, not sure which model you have, but there small engines and the alternator does put alot of strain on the engine when its on.
haha, i second that dustin. engine is not strained by an alternator. learn something about cars buddy. i doubt fuel consumption has anything to do with your sound system. strain on the electrical system kills the battery, not the mpg. why dont you ask a mechanic for help.
Well, I can't see an alternator causing poor mileage, but just so you know guys, the alternator isnt always working at the same rate, it has a voltage regulator which dictates how much output the alternator gives. But that has nothing to do with it. For a 99 VW to be getting 10 MPG, it is obviously getting way too much fuel. Have you had everything checked professionally or just on your own? Hook it up to a diagnostic computer and make sure your mixture isnt too rich. Does the car seem to have alot less power than it used to? Oh, BTW, I'd get a new mechanic if they cant track down a 20mpg loss, haha.
try to drive ur car in top gears.do push the gear limit.try to drive 80 km/h max to 100km/h.if u r runing carborator car not an EFI the limit the air by closing half the mouth of air filter, set mixture(fuel and air) accordingly.this is how it work in pakistan.im running NIssan 1600cc it give best milage and cost round 2 rupee per kilometer
Actually, an alternator can draw up to 7HP when charging... Just a thought.
And yea, O2 sensors, MAF sensor, and EGR valve and solenoid are all common problems. But does it blow black smoke out, and does it run sluggish?
And depending on mileage/drive habbits/servicing you could actually be getting blow-by past the rings. Pull the stick out and smell the oil. But if it's the rings (very slim it would be) you'd also burn oil...
There's a million things it could be. Miss-alignment is another. Along with dragging brakes. And if it's the 1.8T, it's a very slim possibility that your turbo has taken a dump on you or your waste gate isn't closing properly.
Lol. Have they hooked it up to a scanner? Maybe hook it up to a scope. You'll need someone that knows what to look for. It'll show you what the cylinders are doing...
the alternator is probably constantly on charging your battery, which is like having alot of weight in your car. Disconnect your amps or just pull the fuse at the battery and drive around and see if it helps. I will be willing to bet it does.
