2005 Rubicon Gas Mileage

Hello,

I have a 2005 Rubicon, which I purchased about 2.5 months ago and it
currently has 1,800 miles. I noticed shortly after driving it for a few
days, that the gas gauge seemed to move to the left rather quickly. I also
seemed to be putting gas in it much more often that my 2001 TJ, which I used
as a trade. I did the "fill-er-up, same place, same pump, same delivery
rate, & cut-off at the pump routine" for a week or two and was amazed to see
an average of 10 mpg. The Rubicon (with California Emissions), has an EPA
Rating of 15/19, whereas my 2001 TJ had a rating of 16/19. I averaged about
16 mpg with my 2001. Most of my driving is city.

I did a VIN recall inquiry search on the www.Jeep.com site and found there
was an outstanding Emissions Recall - Reprogram PCM: Notification Code D46,
for this vehicle. The incorrect version of software was initially &
originally programmed into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which "could
cause the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) fuel system monitor to malfunction." I
called my dealer that day and scheduled an appointment to have the computer
reprogrammed. Interestingly enough, that same day I received the exact same
recall notice from DaimlerChrysler in the US Mail.

I took the Rubicon in the next day...reprogramming took about an hour, and
off I went. I took a trip out-of-town over the weekend, did some highway
driving, and averaged about 17 mpg on 2 tanks of fuel. Three days later I
was driving along in town when the Engine Light came on, began flashing, and
the motor was running on 5/6 cylinders; skipping horribly. I pulled in to
where I was going and called D/C 24 Hour Roadside Assistance. A tow truck
was there in under 20 minutes, and off 'she' went to the dealer. Next day
I was there when they opened, and stayed to find out what was the matter.
The technician told me the computer code said "running lean." He found gas
all over the # 6 spark plug and it was fouled. He replaced it but it still
ran rough. Next he replaced the injector for that cylinder and that took
care of the problem. Off I go, and 'she' is running just fine, but I am
still getting 9-10 mpg in the city. This is the 4.0 L I6 w/ a 6 speed
manual (the 'new' German transmission), and a 4.11 gear ratio. It is a
"stock" Rubicon with everything but the hardtop. To me it runs fine with
the exception of this gross gas mileage. Something has to be wrong.

Even though I do 95% of my driving in the city, I seldom get above 2 grand
in either 4th or 5th gear. I am not a "lead-foot." In fact, I "baby the
thing" since it is so new. You are in 4th gear at 40 mph with this
transmission and rear end. So I usually don't go over 40 in the city, only
occasionally getting to 5th on some longer stretches and of course, 6th on
the highway.

What could be causing such terrible gas mileage? I understand that new
motors use a little more fuel during break-in, but this is half of the
rating (which I realize is not real-world). I am not running the AC at this
point in the year yet either.

Any explanations, suggestions, and/or "fixes" would be greatly appreciated.
I will also call the dealership and report the extremely poor mileage.

Thanks very much,

Campbell Freeman
South Carolina

"Campbell C Freeman" > wrote in message
nk.net...
> I have a 2005 Rubicon

hi campbell,
i also have an '05 rubicon
http://7slotgrille.com/jeepers/tj/nathan/index.html and i too am a little
concerned about mileage.


> I noticed shortly after driving it for a few days, that the gas gauge
> seemed to move to the left rather quickly.

lol....yes it does.

> an average of 10 mpg.

you definately have cause for concern. my rubicon is an automatic and im
still getting better mileage than you. after several tanks (ive only got
700 miles on it) im getting about 12 mpg. i previously owned two '03
rubicons (both with automatics) and they both got 14 mpg.


> The Rubicon (with California Emissions), has an EPA Rating of 15/19

lol dont pay that sticker any mind. ive never got the rated mileage on any
jeep ive ever owned. they either pick those numbers out of a hat or theyre
running in a vacuum chamber with no wind resistance. :-)


> Something has to be wrong.

something is definately wrong. im also a little concerned about my '05 and
im getting 12. im hoping its just a break-in type issue but i dont remember
either of my '03 auto rubis ever getting below 14.



--
Nathan W. Collier
http://7SlotGrille.com
http://UtilityOffRoad.com

Is anyone using larger than stock tires? That will cause an odometer
(and speedometer) error that will appear to affect your mpg.

It has the standard LT 245/75R-16E Goodyear 31" MT/R's mounted on the 16 x 8
Jeep "MOAB" Wheels. And GPS speed matches the speedodometer.

It really is getting ~8.5 - 10 mpg in the city, using the "crude" fill-up
gas pump/mileage method.

"wrangler" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Is anyone using larger than stock tires? That will cause an odometer
> (and speedometer) error that will appear to affect your mpg.
>

I have a 2003 Wrangler Rubicon with the 5 spd, 33x12.50 tires, and ~10,000
miles on it. I drove it to Moab from Colorado Springs in March and I checked
the mileage on two tanks of gas. They were both a combination of two lane
highways, and Interstate 70 driving. The first tank I checked I got 17.6
mpg, and 17.8 on the second. I was holding it to 65 mph on the interstate.

I don't have a problem with the gas mileage as much as the lack of power. My
1991 Wrangler with 4.0L/5sp had a lot more power than my Rubicon! I wonder if
anyone has tried a non Rubicon ecm in a Rubicon? And would it be as easy as
unplugging the stock one and plugging in a non Rubicon one or do they interface
differently?


Jeff Hendron 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
MatrixOne Support Skyjacker 4" lift, JKS Disconnects
Agilent Technologies Fabtech Front Bumper, Rock Krusher Rear Bumper
Co Springs, Colorado Rock Krusher Rock Rails, Custom Swingout Tire Carrier
(719) 531-4319 33x12.50 Goodyear MTR's, Mickey Thompson Classic Lock Wheels
Bush Whacker Fender Flares, Warn XD9000i Winch

Yamaha WR250ZF

Campbell C Freeman > wrote:
: Hello,

: I have a 2005 Rubicon, which I purchased about 2.5 months ago and it
: currently has 1,800 miles. I noticed shortly after driving it for a few
: days, that the gas gauge seemed to move to the left rather quickly. I also
: seemed to be putting gas in it much more often that my 2001 TJ, which I used
: as a trade. I did the "fill-er-up, same place, same pump, same delivery
: rate, & cut-off at the pump routine" for a week or two and was amazed to see
: an average of 10 mpg. The Rubicon (with California Emissions), has an EPA
: Rating of 15/19, whereas my 2001 TJ had a rating of 16/19. I averaged about
: 16 mpg with my 2001. Most of my driving is city.

: I did a VIN recall inquiry search on the www.Jeep.com site and found there
: was an outstanding Emissions Recall - Reprogram PCM: Notification Code D46,
: for this vehicle. The incorrect version of software was initially &
: originally programmed into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which "could
: cause the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) fuel system monitor to malfunction." I
: called my dealer that day and scheduled an appointment to have the computer
: reprogrammed. Interestingly enough, that same day I received the exact same
: recall notice from DaimlerChrysler in the US Mail.

: I took the Rubicon in the next day...reprogramming took about an hour, and
: off I went. I took a trip out-of-town over the weekend, did some highway
: driving, and averaged about 17 mpg on 2 tanks of fuel. Three days later I
: was driving along in town when the Engine Light came on, began flashing, and
: the motor was running on 5/6 cylinders; skipping horribly. I pulled in to
: where I was going and called D/C 24 Hour Roadside Assistance. A tow truck
: was there in under 20 minutes, and off 'she' went to the dealer. Next day
: I was there when they opened, and stayed to find out what was the matter.
: The technician told me the computer code said "running lean." He found gas
: all over the # 6 spark plug and it was fouled. He replaced it but it still
: ran rough. Next he replaced the injector for that cylinder and that took
: care of the problem. Off I go, and 'she' is running just fine, but I am
: still getting 9-10 mpg in the city. This is the 4.0 L I6 w/ a 6 speed
: manual (the 'new' German transmission), and a 4.11 gear ratio. It is a
: "stock" Rubicon with everything but the hardtop. To me it runs fine with
: the exception of this gross gas mileage. Something has to be wrong.

: Even though I do 95% of my driving in the city, I seldom get above 2 grand
: in either 4th or 5th gear. I am not a "lead-foot." In fact, I "baby the
: thing" since it is so new. You are in 4th gear at 40 mph with this
: transmission and rear end. So I usually don't go over 40 in the city, only
: occasionally getting to 5th on some longer stretches and of course, 6th on
: the highway.

: What could be causing such terrible gas mileage? I understand that new
: motors use a little more fuel during break-in, but this is half of the
: rating (which I realize is not real-world). I am not running the AC at this
: point in the year yet either.

: Any explanations, suggestions, and/or "fixes" would be greatly appreciated.
: I will also call the dealership and report the extremely poor mileage.

: Thanks very much,

: Campbell Freeman
: South Carolina

Your Rubicon has 33" tires and 4.10 gearing, not a great ratio for that
size tire. Regearing to 4.56 would restore the power caused by that
4.10/33" combination.

Jerry

Jeff Hendron wrote:
> I have a 2003 Wrangler Rubicon with the 5 spd, 33x12.50 tires, and ~10,000
> miles on it. I drove it to Moab from Colorado Springs in March and I checked
> the mileage on two tanks of gas. They were both a combination of two lane
> highways, and Interstate 70 driving. The first tank I checked I got 17.6
> mpg, and 17.8 on the second. I was holding it to 65 mph on the interstate.
>
> I don't have a problem with the gas mileage as much as the lack of power. My
> 1991 Wrangler with 4.0L/5sp had a lot more power than my Rubicon! I wonder if
> anyone has tried a non Rubicon ecm in a Rubicon? And would it be as easy as
> unplugging the stock one and plugging in a non Rubicon one or do they interface
> differently?
>
>
> Jeff Hendron 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
> MatrixOne Support Skyjacker 4" lift, JKS Disconnects
> Agilent Technologies Fabtech Front Bumper, Rock Krusher Rear Bumper
> Co Springs, Colorado Rock Krusher Rock Rails, Custom Swingout Tire Carrier
> (719) 531-4319 33x12.50 Goodyear MTR's, Mickey Thompson Classic Lock Wheels
> Bush Whacker Fender Flares, Warn XD9000i Winch
>
> Yamaha WR250ZF
>
> Campbell C Freeman > wrote:
> : Hello,
>
> : I have a 2005 Rubicon, which I purchased about 2.5 months ago and it
> : currently has 1,800 miles. I noticed shortly after driving it for a few
> : days, that the gas gauge seemed to move to the left rather quickly. I also
> : seemed to be putting gas in it much more often that my 2001 TJ, which I used
> : as a trade. I did the "fill-er-up, same place, same pump, same delivery
> : rate, & cut-off at the pump routine" for a week or two and was amazed to see
> : an average of 10 mpg. The Rubicon (with California Emissions), has an EPA
> : Rating of 15/19, whereas my 2001 TJ had a rating of 16/19. I averaged about
> : 16 mpg with my 2001. Most of my driving is city.
>
> : I did a VIN recall inquiry search on the www.Jeep.com site and found there
> : was an outstanding Emissions Recall - Reprogram PCM: Notification Code D46,
> : for this vehicle. The incorrect version of software was initially &
> : originally programmed into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which "could
> : cause the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) fuel system monitor to malfunction." I
> : called my dealer that day and scheduled an appointment to have the computer
> : reprogrammed. Interestingly enough, that same day I received the exact same
> : recall notice from DaimlerChrysler in the US Mail.
>
> : I took the Rubicon in the next day...reprogramming took about an hour, and
> : off I went. I took a trip out-of-town over the weekend, did some highway
> : driving, and averaged about 17 mpg on 2 tanks of fuel. Three days later I
> : was driving along in town when the Engine Light came on, began flashing, and
> : the motor was running on 5/6 cylinders; skipping horribly. I pulled in to
> : where I was going and called D/C 24 Hour Roadside Assistance. A tow truck
> : was there in under 20 minutes, and off 'she' went to the dealer. Next day
> : I was there when they opened, and stayed to find out what was the matter.
> : The technician told me the computer code said "running lean." He found gas
> : all over the # 6 spark plug and it was fouled. He replaced it but it still
> : ran rough. Next he replaced the injector for that cylinder and that took
> : care of the problem. Off I go, and 'she' is running just fine, but I am
> : still getting 9-10 mpg in the city. This is the 4.0 L I6 w/ a 6 speed
> : manual (the 'new' German transmission), and a 4.11 gear ratio. It is a
> : "stock" Rubicon with everything but the hardtop. To me it runs fine with
> : the exception of this gross gas mileage. Something has to be wrong.
>
> : Even though I do 95% of my driving in the city, I seldom get above 2 grand
> : in either 4th or 5th gear. I am not a "lead-foot." In fact, I "baby the
> : thing" since it is so new. You are in 4th gear at 40 mph with this
> : transmission and rear end. So I usually don't go over 40 in the city, only
> : occasionally getting to 5th on some longer stretches and of course, 6th on
> : the highway.
>
> : What could be causing such terrible gas mileage? I understand that new
> : motors use a little more fuel during break-in, but this is half of the
> : rating (which I realize is not real-world). I am not running the AC at this
> : point in the year yet either.
>
> : Any explanations, suggestions, and/or "fixes" would be greatly appreciated.
> : I will also call the dealership and report the extremely poor mileage.
>
> : Thanks very much,
>
> : Campbell Freeman
> : South Carolina
>
>

--
Jerry Bransford
PP-ASEL N6TAY
See the Geezer Jeep at
http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/

On Mon, 02 May 2005 03:39:21 GMT, Campbell C Freeman wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I have a 2005 Rubicon, which I purchased about 2.5 months ago and it
> currently has 1,800 miles. I noticed shortly after driving it for a few

> Off I go, and 'she' is running just fine, but I am
> still getting 9-10 mpg in the city. This is the 4.0 L I6 w/ a 6 speed
> manual (the 'new' German transmission), and a 4.11 gear ratio.

I have an '05 Sport, with the 6-speed and 3.07 gear ratio. At first I
was getting around 15mpg (some tanks reporting as low as 13mpg and
occasionally as high as 16mpg), Now, with 4K miles, I get 17-19mpg.
I don't remember what the EPA rating on my model is. I do tend to
accelerate quickly, but I keep the engine speed low (less than 3000
rpms) and try to stay light on the pedal on the highway.

The only thing I can suggest is maybe the lower gearing and the extra
weight of the Rubicon combined with the break-in is giving you such
bad mileage. However, 10mpg does sound really bad. My dad's old '83
Ford Clubwagon (351 V8) performed almost that well near the end of its
life.

--
\begin{humor}
Disclaimer:
If I receive a message from you, you are agreeing that:
1. I am by definition, "the intended recipient"
2. All information in the email is mine to do with as I see fit and make
such financial profit, political mileage, or good joke as it lends
itself to. In particular, I may quote it on USENET or the WWW.
3. I may take the contents as representing the views of your company.
4. This overrides any disclaimer or statement of confidentiality that may
be included on your message
\end{humor}

www: http://dman13.dyndns.org/~dman/ jabber:

Your speedometer (and gas mileage figure) is invalid unless you
re-calibrated it to compensate for the 33's.

--
JimG
80' CJ-7 258 CID, HEI
4.56 Gears, Lock-Right F&R
35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
D44 Rear, D30 Front. SOA
Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries

00' TJ Sport 4.0L, 5sp
4.56 Gears, TrueTrac rear
33" BFG AT on 15x8 Eagle Alloys
D35 Rear, D30 Front. 3" Suspension Lift

"Jeff Hendron" wrote in message ...
>I have a 2003 Wrangler Rubicon with the 5 spd, 33x12.50 tires, and ~10,000
> miles on it. I drove it to Moab from Colorado Springs in March and I
> checked
> the mileage on two tanks of gas. They were both a combination of two lane
> highways, and Interstate 70 driving. The first tank I checked I got 17.6
> mpg, and 17.8 on the second. I was holding it to 65 mph on the
> interstate.
>
> I don't have a problem with the gas mileage as much as the lack of power.
> My
> 1991 Wrangler with 4.0L/5sp had a lot more power than my Rubicon! I
> wonder if
> anyone has tried a non Rubicon ecm in a Rubicon? And would it be as easy
> as
> unplugging the stock one and plugging in a non Rubicon one or do they
> interface
> differently?
>
>
> Jeff Hendron 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
> MatrixOne Support Skyjacker 4" lift, JKS Disconnects
> Agilent Technologies Fabtech Front Bumper, Rock Krusher Rear Bumper
> Co Springs, Colorado Rock Krusher Rock Rails, Custom Swingout Tire
> Carrier
> (719) 531-4319 33x12.50 Goodyear MTR's, Mickey Thompson
> Classic Lock Wheels
> Bush Whacker Fender Flares, Warn XD9000i Winch

My speedometer has been recalibrated and is consistent with what
my gps receiver displays.


Jeff Hendron 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
MatrixOne Support Skyjacker 4" lift, JKS Disconnects
Agilent Technologies Fabtech Front Bumper, Rock Krusher Rear Bumper
Co Springs, Colorado Rock Krusher Rock Rails, Custom Swingout Tire Carrier
(719) 531-4319 33x12.50 Goodyear MTR's, Mickey Thompson Classic Lock Wheels
Bush Whacker Fender Flares, Warn XD9000i Winch

Yamaha WR250ZF
JimG > wrote:
: Your speedometer (and gas mileage figure) is invalid unless you
: re-calibrated it to compensate for the 33's.

: --
: JimG
: 80' CJ-7 258 CID, HEI
: 4.56 Gears, Lock-Right F&R
: 35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
: D44 Rear, D30 Front. SOA
: Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
: Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries

: 00' TJ Sport 4.0L, 5sp
: 4.56 Gears, TrueTrac rear
: 33" BFG AT on 15x8 Eagle Alloys
: D35 Rear, D30 Front. 3" Suspension Lift

: "Jeff Hendron" wrote in message ...
:>I have a 2003 Wrangler Rubicon with the 5 spd, 33x12.50 tires, and ~10,000
:> miles on it. I drove it to Moab from Colorado Springs in March and I
:> checked
:> the mileage on two tanks of gas. They were both a combination of two lane
:> highways, and Interstate 70 driving. The first tank I checked I got 17.6
:> mpg, and 17.8 on the second. I was holding it to 65 mph on the
:> interstate.
:>
:> I don't have a problem with the gas mileage as much as the lack of power.
:> My
:> 1991 Wrangler with 4.0L/5sp had a lot more power than my Rubicon! I
:> wonder if
:> anyone has tried a non Rubicon ecm in a Rubicon? And would it be as easy
:> as
:> unplugging the stock one and plugging in a non Rubicon one or do they
:> interface
:> differently?
:>
:>
:> Jeff Hendron 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
:> MatrixOne Support Skyjacker 4" lift, JKS Disconnects
:> Agilent Technologies Fabtech Front Bumper, Rock Krusher Rear Bumper
:> Co Springs, Colorado Rock Krusher Rock Rails, Custom Swingout Tire
:> Carrier
:> (719) 531-4319 33x12.50 Goodyear MTR's, Mickey Thompson
:> Classic Lock Wheels
:> Bush Whacker Fender Flares, Warn XD9000i Winch

the days of swapping pcm's are over they are v.i.n. specific now

Jeff Hendron wrote:

> I have a 2003 Wrangler Rubicon with the 5 spd, 33x12.50 tires, and ~10,000
> miles on it. I drove it to Moab from Colorado Springs in March and I checked
> the mileage on two tanks of gas. They were both a combination of two lane
> highways, and Interstate 70 driving. The first tank I checked I got 17.6
> mpg, and 17.8 on the second. I was holding it to 65 mph on the interstate.
>
> I don't have a problem with the gas mileage as much as the lack of power. My
> 1991 Wrangler with 4.0L/5sp had a lot more power than my Rubicon! I wonder if
> anyone has tried a non Rubicon ecm in a Rubicon? And would it be as easy as
> unplugging the stock one and plugging in a non Rubicon one or do they interface
> differently?
>
> Jeff Hendron 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
> MatrixOne Support Skyjacker 4" lift, JKS Disconnects
> Agilent Technologies Fabtech Front Bumper, Rock Krusher Rear Bumper
> Co Springs, Colorado Rock Krusher Rock Rails, Custom Swingout Tire Carrier
> (719) 531-4319 33x12.50 Goodyear MTR's, Mickey Thompson Classic Lock Wheels
> Bush Whacker Fender Flares, Warn XD9000i Winch
>
> Yamaha WR250ZF
>
> Campbell C Freeman > wrote:
> : Hello,
>
> : I have a 2005 Rubicon, which I purchased about 2.5 months ago and it
> : currently has 1,800 miles. I noticed shortly after driving it for a few
> : days, that the gas gauge seemed to move to the left rather quickly. I also
> : seemed to be putting gas in it much more often that my 2001 TJ, which I used
> : as a trade. I did the "fill-er-up, same place, same pump, same delivery
> : rate, & cut-off at the pump routine" for a week or two and was amazed to see
> : an average of 10 mpg. The Rubicon (with California Emissions), has an EPA
> : Rating of 15/19, whereas my 2001 TJ had a rating of 16/19. I averaged about
> : 16 mpg with my 2001. Most of my driving is city.
>
> : I did a VIN recall inquiry search on the www.Jeep.com site and found there
> : was an outstanding Emissions Recall - Reprogram PCM: Notification Code D46,
> : for this vehicle. The incorrect version of software was initially &
> : originally programmed into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which "could
> : cause the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) fuel system monitor to malfunction." I
> : called my dealer that day and scheduled an appointment to have the computer
> : reprogrammed. Interestingly enough, that same day I received the exact same
> : recall notice from DaimlerChrysler in the US Mail.
>
> : I took the Rubicon in the next day...reprogramming took about an hour, and
> : off I went. I took a trip out-of-town over the weekend, did some highway
> : driving, and averaged about 17 mpg on 2 tanks of fuel. Three days later I
> : was driving along in town when the Engine Light came on, began flashing, and
> : the motor was running on 5/6 cylinders; skipping horribly. I pulled in to
> : where I was going and called D/C 24 Hour Roadside Assistance. A tow truck
> : was there in under 20 minutes, and off 'she' went to the dealer. Next day
> : I was there when they opened, and stayed to find out what was the matter.
> : The technician told me the computer code said "running lean." He found gas
> : all over the # 6 spark plug and it was fouled. He replaced it but it still
> : ran rough. Next he replaced the injector for that cylinder and that took
> : care of the problem. Off I go, and 'she' is running just fine, but I am
> : still getting 9-10 mpg in the city. This is the 4.0 L I6 w/ a 6 speed
> : manual (the 'new' German transmission), and a 4.11 gear ratio. It is a
> : "stock" Rubicon with everything but the hardtop. To me it runs fine with
> : the exception of this gross gas mileage. Something has to be wrong.
>
> : Even though I do 95% of my driving in the city, I seldom get above 2 grand
> : in either 4th or 5th gear. I am not a "lead-foot." In fact, I "baby the
> : thing" since it is so new. You are in 4th gear at 40 mph with this
> : transmission and rear end. So I usually don't go over 40 in the city, only
> : occasionally getting to 5th on some longer stretches and of course, 6th on
> : the highway.
>
> : What could be causing such terrible gas mileage? I understand that new
> : motors use a little more fuel during break-in, but this is half of the
> : rating (which I realize is not real-world). I am not running the AC at this
> : point in the year yet either.
>
> : Any explanations, suggestions, and/or "fixes" would be greatly appreciated.
> : I will also call the dealership and report the extremely poor mileage.
>
> : Thanks very much,
>
> : Campbell Freeman
> : South Carolina