LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Mazda >> 2005 >> Tribute s, FWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Symptom Troubleshooting [Engine Control System] >> Poor Fuel Economy
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Poor Fuel Economy

POOR FUEL ECONOMY DESCRIPTION

11 POOR FUEL ECONOMY
DESCRIPTION FUEL ECONOMY UNSATISFACTORY
POOR FUEL ECONOMY INSPECTION/ACTION CHART

STEP INSPECTION ACTION
1 PRELIMINARY CHECKS
NOTE:
  • Since driving habits can have a significant influence on fuel economy, verify concern before starting an in-depth diagnosis. Also, the following external factors could contribute to "poor fuel economy" conditions:
  • Stop/go city driving.
  • Improper tire pressure/size.
  • Vehicle loads (trailer towing, etc.).
  • Extended winter warm-up conditions.
  • High speed driving.
  • Improper axle ratio.
  • Improper speedometer gear ratio.
  • Road/weather conditions.
  • Aftermarket add-ons.
  • Short-run operations.
  • Customer expectations/driving habits.
  • Perform the following preliminary checks:
    • Air cleaner tube blockage.
    • Contaminated air cleaner element.
    • Transaxle fluid level.
    • Fuel quality.
    • Coolant level.
  • Are all checks OK? 
Yes Go to next step.
No Service as required.
Verify symptom no longer exists.
2 PERFORM PCM QUICK TEST
See PCM QUICK TEST  .
  • Are any DTCs displayed during Continuous Memory Self-Tests, Key ON, Engine OFF (KOEO), Engine OFF (KOEO) or Key ON, Engine OFF (KOEO), Engine Running (KOER)? 
Yes Check for cause.
See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE NUMBERS  .
No Go to next step.
3 CHECK PIDS
  • Connect WDS or equivalent tester.
  • Check following PIDS.
  • DPFE, ECT, IAC, LONGFT1, LONGFT2, VPWR.

    See PCM QUICK TEST  .

  • Are PIDS within specification? 
Yes Go to next step.
No Service as required.
4 CHECK SECONDARY IGNITION SYSTEM
  • Is strong blue spark visible at each disconnected high-tension lead while cranking engine? 
Yes Check spark plugs:
If OK, go to next step.
If not OK, clean or replace spark plugs.
See IGNITION COIL-ON-PLUG AND SPARK PLUG -- 2.3L , or IGNITION COIL-ON-PLUG AND SPARK PLUG -- 3.0L (4V) .
No Check following:
High-tension leads.
See TEST 15: IGNITION SCOPE TEST  .
CKP sensor.
See CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR MALFUNCTION  . CMP sensor.
See CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CMP) MALFUNCTION  .
5 CHECK FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM Yes Go to next step.
No If pressure is greater than 380 kPa (55 psi):
Replace fuel pump.
See FUEL PUMP MODULE .
If pressure is less than 240 kPa (35 psi):
Check fuel supply line for restriction.
6 CHECK FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM Yes Check injector for leakage.
See TEST 10: FUEL INJECTOR INSPECTION  .
If injector leaks, service as necessary.
See FUEL INJECTORS .
If injector OK, go to next step.
No Check fuel supply line for restriction.
7 CHECK EXHAUST SYSTEM
  • Is there a restriction in the exhaust system? 
Yes Service as required.
No Go to next step.
8 CHECK AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (A/T)
  • If vehicle has manual transaxle, go to next step.
  • If vehicle has automatic transaxle, go to TROUBLESHOOTING for Diagnostic Strategy.
  • Is automatic transaxle OK? 
Yes Go to next step.
No Service as required.
9 CHECK PCV SYSTEM
  • Remove PCV valve and shake it.
  • Does PCV valve rattle? 
Yes Install PCV valve.
Go to next step.
No Replace PCV valve.
See POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE -- 2.3L .
10 CHECK PCV SYSTEM
  • Start engine and bring to normal operating temperature. Disconnect crankcase ventilation hose from throttle body. Place a stiff piece of paper over the hose. Wait one minute.
  • Does vacuum hold paper in place? 
Yes Go to next step.
No Disconnect evaporative hose. Place a stiff piece of paper over the hose. Wait one minute.
Does vacuum hold paper in place? If yes,
See EVAPORATIVE EMISSION (EVAP) SYSTEM MALFUNCTION  .
If no, check for vacuum leaks, obstructions in the PCV system, oil cap, PCV valve, rocker cover bolt torque/gasket leak. Service as required.
11 ADDITIONAL CHECKS
  • Additional checks:
    • Brake drag.
    • Base engine concerns.
    • Incorrect PCV valve.
    • Contaminated MAF/IAT sensor.
    • Cooling system.
  • Are all checks OK? 
Yes Go to next step.
No Repair as necessary.
Verify a symptom no longer exists.
12
  • Verify test results. If OK, see DIAGNOSTIC INDEX  to service any additional symptoms.