Latest news with #fuelconsumption


Edmunds
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
P0117: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
What does the P0117 error code mean? The check engine P0117 diagnostic trouble code stands for "Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Input." This diagnostic trouble code is triggered when your vehicle's powertrain control module detects low voltage input outside the normal range from the first engine coolant temperature sensor, indicating your engine is running either too hot or too cold. Why is this issue important? Your engine carefully regulates its temperature, using engine coolant and oil to maintain an optimal operating temperature. Coolant absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it through the radiator. With temperatures running too hot, your engine could damage certain critical components. When the thermometer swings too far the other way and things run too cool, your engine could burn excess fuel, leading to poor gas mileage and efficiency. Can I safely drive my car with this error code? It's best not to drive with a P0117 code. A malfunctioning engine coolant temperature sensor or fault detected by the powertrain control module can cause any of the above issues, including engine damage or excessive fuel consumption. Many modern engines contain software that will put the engine into a 'limp mode,' restricting performance to preserve internal components and prevent further damage. Common symptoms of the P0117 error code The check engine light is illuminated Poor fuel economy The engine may run rich (too much fuel) or lean (too little) Difficulty starting the engine, especially in colder temperatures Overheating and high temperature gauge readings The engine cooling fans are running constantly How is the P0117 error code diagnosed? Use an OBD-II scanner : Check for the consistent presence of the P0117 code and any other related errors. : Check for the consistent presence of the P0117 code and any other related errors. Inspect the engine coolant temperature sensor and wiring : Inspect the sensor and its connections for damage, rust or fraying. : Inspect the sensor and its connections for damage, rust or fraying. Measure sensor voltage : A multimeter tool can detect voltage issues within the sensor circuit or faults within the sensor's function itself. : A multimeter tool can detect voltage issues within the sensor circuit or faults within the sensor's function itself. Check coolant levels and condition: Low coolant can cause high engine temps, triggering the code. Check coolant levels and ensure your coolant is not old or rusty. How is the P0117 error code repaired? Replace the faulty engine coolant temperature sensor. Repair or replace damaged wiring in the engine coolant temperature sensor circuit. Replace or refill engine coolant if the quality or quantity is below optimal ranges. Clear the error code and perform a test drive to confirm the issue was resolved by one of the above remedies. More information on OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes Follow the link below to reach our diagnostic check engine trouble codes catalog: On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) trouble code directory


Car and Driver
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Tested: How Rooftop Boxes and Hitch Carriers Affect Fuel Economy
In working to find the best hitch-mounted cargo carriers, we tested to see how roof boxes and hitch-mounted carriers affect fuel consumption We ran back-to-back tests with our long-term Toyota Grand Highlander, first carrying a Yakima EXO SwingBase hitch carrier, then a Thule roofbox. The hitch-mounted carrier was the clear winner, returning 25 mpg compared with 21 mpg for the rooftop carrier. Welcome to Car and Driver's Testing Hub, where we zoom in on the test numbers. We've been pushing vehicles to their limits since 1956 to provide objective data to bolster our subjective impressions (you can see how we test here). If you've ever looked at an electric car and wondered why so many of them have flush-mounted door handles, the reason is to reduce aerodynamic drag. It's the same reason you see cyclists wearing funny helmets and Olympic speed skaters wrapped in skin-tight spandex. It's also why hitch-mounted cargo carriers are generally viewed as a more fuel-efficient alternative to rooftop carriers. Since our Gear Team was already working on a test of the best hitch-mounted carriers, we decided to put the numbers to the test to see just how much more fuel a roof box burns. See Long-Term Photos Michael Simari To keep things fair, we ran back-to-back highway fuel-economy tests on our long-term Toyota Grand Highlander. For the hitch-mounted test, we selected the Yakima EXO SwingBase carrier equipped with Yakima's GearLocker. The carrier and locker weigh 93 pounds combined and together measure 59.5 inches wide. As for the roofbox, we pulled an older Thule model down from the storage rafters in our HQ garage and then mounted it to a set of Thule SquareBar Evo crossbars. The box itself weighed 42 pounds and measured 90.0 inches long. The test results were clear: The Grand Highlander averaged 25 mpg with the hitch-mounted carrier but only 21 mpg with the rooftop box attached, a significant 4-mpg difference. Michael Simari Michael Simari We ran a similar test on our long-term 2022 Kia Carnival back in 2023. After continuing to be disappointed by subpar fuel-economy figures, we decided to do some digging and test the Carnival with and without the factory crossbars. With the crossbars attached, our initial highway fuel-economy test returned 25 mpg. With the bars removed, that number jumped to 28 mpg. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio


Argaam
14-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
US oil inventories rise by 4.3M barrels last week: API
US oil inventories rose during the week ended May 9, according to a report from the American Petroleum Institute (API). US crude inventories increased by 4.3 million barrels last week, contrary to expectations for a decrease of 2.4 million barrels. However, gasoline inventories declined by 1.37 million barrels during the same period and distillate inventories—including diesel and heating oil—fell 3.67 million barrels. This provides mixed signals on fuel consumption trends in the world's largest economy, and investors are awaiting the release of actual inventory data from the Energy Information Administration on May 14. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures for July delivery jumped 2.57%, or $1.67, to settle at $66.63 per barrel on May 13. WTI crude futures for June delivery gained 2.78%, or $1.72, to $63.67 a barrel.