Extreemly poor mpg in TDI & smell of diesel

Kaz

Member
Ive started to drive my new A2 (2001 Tdi with 130k on clock) and was shocked on the poor fuel consumption im currently getting.

I filled up the tank, serviced the car with new oil and filter and had the timing belt done.

I have only done 100 miles, and its already on half a tank!

I know that the car was sitting for 7 months prior to me purchasing it.

Im also getting a diesel smell comming from the front so wondering if there is a leaking pipe but cant see where!

Any common issues that you guys know about?

Kaz
 
You could try inspecting the fuel lines in and around the engine bay!!

And also look under the the car by rear left wheel, as this is where the fuel filter is on diesels.

Check the pipe work round there etc and along under the car to the fuel cooler etc.

Also maybe it needs a decent run to clear out the cobwebs etc.

You could also run some STP fuel line / injector cleaner through the system.

Do a scan and see it any fault code pop up

John
 
is the fuel filter on correctly?

could it be that the fuel gauge is faulty?

also check the brakes, they might be binding
 
I serviced the car with new oil and filter and had the timing belt done. I have only done 100 miles, and its already on half a tank!
The car was sitting for 7 months prior to me purchasing it. Im getting a diesel smell comming from the front.

Have you replaced the air and fuel filter? Our 90 does a lot of short journeys and is never below 46mpg, so 100 miles on half a tank (which is relative unless you are measuring the mileage from fuel ups) is not right. Take it back to servicing garage or find someone local that really knows Audis.
 
how much will the tank hold, and how much should i get out of a tank?

i can be quite heavy footed mind you.

Is there anything specific i should scan for as i only have a shareware version of vag-com.

Kaz
 
also, where are the injectors on this? im suspecting the fuel return pipes but cant see them!!
 
I wouldnt go messing with the injectors.

Just check the fuel lines.

If you looking straight at car, on the right on the engine, near the top, you will see the tandem pump, on end of cylinder head part.

At front of engine you will also find the silver fuel rails. Each of these have the fuel lines running to / from them so you should be able to find them when looking for the above.

Do a scan and post any faults its lists

John
 
The original fuel tank is nominally 34 litres I believe. The later models had a larger 42 litre tank.
 
oh - i thought it may have rubber fuel return pipes between the injectors like other diesels have as these can perish on this age of car!

Its the diesel smell im worried about!

Kaz
 
Have a similar problem have been told it is either the fuel pump or fuel pump gasket, will find out Sunday, hope it is just the gasket.
 
Just a thought......whilst 100 miles from half a tank is quite poor, the smell of diesel could be explained by the auxiliary (diesel powered) cabin heater kicking in when the temp is less than 7 deg C as it may have been recently...? Assuming you have one fitted and that its working.

Your tank is 32 litres so at 45mpg you should expect about 320 miles from a tank. This is what I typically get when driving very locally (i.e. not getting into top gear) but it does quickly rise to 50/60+ mpg when out of town.
 
My last full tank (2001 TDI, 131,000 miles) achieved 256 miles before the 'beeeeeep'. I'd only used the car for very short journeys - rarely getting above third gear - since I'd filled up and the auxiliary heater had kicked in every time I started up. But I know it'll do a lot more mpg on long runs in warmer weather. It's still a great car!
 
It will get better Jeff. I once did a steady return run from Leeds to London along the M1, just over 400miles, and i still had a quarter of a tank left when i got home. It could have something to with all the 50mph speed restrictions!. :(
 
Back
Top