A/C killing fuel mileage

[lwb06]

I have a 2002 Ford Ranger 3.0V6, Auto that the A/C is killing the gas mileage.
On a recent trip I got 22.3 without the A/C running (non-interstate) and then filled up after running the Interstate Hwy with the A/C running and the mileage went down to under 18 mpg. I can feel the A/C pull the engine when I turn it own and before I added freon it seemed really loud when the compressor kicked in. Is this the compressor or could it be a pulley bearing?

Thanks for any ideas

 

[doorgunner]

You could have too much freon causing the compresssor to lug the engine more than necessary (it drops the mpg's about 3 mpg anyway if it's working correctly)

 

[adsm08]

Ok, if the system charge was low and the compressor was making noise IT IS DAMAGED. Your compressor should be replaced, the system flushed, and the orifice tube and accumulator replaced as well. Also, you need to find and fix the leak.

The mileage drop does sound about right for running the A/C though.

 

[killj0y]

Yup every vehicle I've owned drops mileage considerably with the ac running...

 

[shane96ranger]

Exactly why I'm using my 2-60 A/C (2 windows down, 60mph) until it gets around 90-95 degrees out.

 

[straycat]

I have a 2002 Ford Ranger 3.0V6, Auto that the A/C is killing the gas mileage.
On a recent trip I got 22.3 without the A/C running (non-interstate) and then filled up after running the Interstate Hwy with the A/C running and the mileage went down to under 18 mpg. I can feel the A/C pull the engine when I turn it own and before I added freon it seemed really loud when the compressor kicked in. Is this the compressor or could it be a pulley bearing?

Thanks for any ideas

This is normal. Don't use the a/c. Easy fix...don't lift it...easy fix...get a gas sipper car....easy fix!!!! Leave me rep. I am helping you out...lol

 

[fastpakr]

Working A/C does NOT kill your mileage like that. I can consistently get 25mpg or higher in my Ranger with or without the A/C running on the highway.

 

[robertc1024]

I always thought that the 2-60 was less efficient than running the A/C because of the aerodynamics. Maybe not piddling around town, but on the highway, that is a huge drag.

 

[K.Strong]

I always thought that the 2-60 was less efficient than running the A/C because of the aerodynamics. Maybe not piddling around town, but on the highway, that is a huge drag.

They did this on mythbusters once. I can't remember the numbers but around town windows down was better, highway AC was better.

I think the speed to switch to AC was around 80km/h

 

[straycat]

Working A/C does NOT kill your mileage like that. I can consistently get 25mpg or higher in my Ranger with or without the A/C running on the highway.

Your truck is stock right? My 99 Ranger is lifted on 33's with a roof rack and I get 24 mpg on the highway, in town around 19 mpg with stop and go traffic. We all know that the a/c does rob the motor of hp...this is a true statement that every auto/truck magazine revue has stated for years. I have seen Dyno runs that showed the drop in hp with the a/c running. Maybe his a/c is not working right and is robbing his motor of more hp? Could be another issue as well with is truck (tune up time or spark plug wires going bad). Tha has a lot to do with gas milage as we all know.

 

[lwb06]

Thanks for the responses. First I didn't think the compressor coming on should make the noises I was hearing. Secondly, this past weekend I talked to another Ranger owner (similarly equipped) and they were getting 25 mpg on the highway on their truck on a trip. If they are getting 25 mpg and I am getting less than 18 on a trip, 7 mpg drop sounds like too much difference

 

[lwb06]

Straycat, yes the truck is stock. I had thought about doing the tune up idea and see if that made any difference. I have a feeling it is a combination of Compressor and maybe tune up

 

[lwb06]

Also in my first post my fingers forgot what year my truck is.......actually it is a 2001

 

[straycat]

Straycat, yes the truck is stock. I had thought about doing the tune up idea and see if that made any difference. I have a feeling it is a combination of Compressor and maybe tune up

Yes, I think so to, Bro. If the compresser is cycling on and off far more than it should this would rob more power and cause the gas mileage decline as well. But I think it is also due to tuneup time and service the fuel filter.