Excessive Fuel Consumption 2005 Prado Turbo Diesel Options

[Dieso]

Hello everyone,
I am hoping if anyone could shed some light on the excessive fuel consumption I am experiencing on my Prado turbo Diesel.

I bought the car last year, brand new. Up the Christmas I was getting reasonable fuel economy. About 10 Litres per 100 km on the highway and 11 litres per 100km in the city.

My fuel economy then jumped abruptly for no apparent reason, 12.5 L per 100 km on the Highway and 13.5-14 around town.
The toyota dearer tried to fix the problem by sending the vehicle to their diesel repairer for a few days. The repairer ran diagnostic tests but could not find anything wrong. However, I am still getting poor fuel economy.

A friend noticed that when I started the car, there was some black smoke. I don't know if this is normal considering the car has only done 13000km. Perhaps this smoke may be the key to the problem.

Could anyone suggest what may be causing this problem and what I should do to fix it.
In appreciation
Dieso (IMG:style_emoticons/default/00000732.gif)

[Jtaylor]

Hello everyone,
I am hoping if anyone could shed some light on the excessive fuel consumption I am experiencing on my Prado turbo Diesel.

I bought the car last year, brand new. Up the Christmas I was getting reasonable fuel economy. About 10 Litres per 100 km on the highway and 11 litres per 100km in the city.

My fuel economy then jumped abruptly for no apparent reason, 12.5 L per 100 km on the Highway and 13.5-14 around town.
The toyota dearer tried to fix the problem by sending the vehicle to their diesel repairer for a few days. The repairer ran diagnostic tests but could not find anything wrong. However, I am still getting poor fuel economy.

A friend noticed that when I started the car, there was some black smoke. I don't know if this is normal considering the car has only done 13000km. Perhaps this smoke may be the key to the problem.

Could anyone suggest what may be causing this problem and what I should do to fix it.
In appreciation
Dieso (IMG:style_emoticons/default/00000732.gif)

Hey there.
Are you aware that the deisel itself has changed as of last fall?
You may be having issues if your fuel system is not compatible with the new fuel-- there are additives which will solve the problem.
the new fuel can cause damage to your fuel pump if it is not compatible.
food for thought
jdt

[Dieso]

Thanks for that suggestion

[Surinam Cruiser]

Dieso,

Maybe you should look at your tire pression and your steering alignment. Too flat tires (say lower than 90% of the max. tire pression that is quoted on the tire sidewall) are very demanding on the fuel consumption. Of course, when driving off-road, lower tire pression is increasing your off-roadability.

Also the use of your A/C increases fuel consumption, as well as driving with open windows.

Hope this helps,

Dieter

[ceres]

Hey there.
Are you aware that the deisel itself has changed as of last fall?
You may be having issues if your fuel system compatible with the new fuel-- there are additives which will solve the problem.
the new fuel can cause damage to your fuel pump if it is not compatible.
food for thought
jdt

Possibly just a fuel compatibility issue. I experienced the same thing when I accidentally put wrong fuel to my car.