Hi,

I just bought a use 2003 TL Type S. I love the car. However, I notice that it creates a one or two-seconds cow moo-ing noise each time I start driving the car. It sounds like a pump or something. It always come up after I start moving forward after starting the car. Anyone experiencing this and know what's the problem?

And, I read some of the threads and people are getting 300-350 miles out of a full tank. But, I am only getting 210 miles with 1/4 of a tank left. I am driving mostly in the city though.

Thanks

 

I don't know about the cow thing, but as for your MPG, you are in the right ball park as everyone else. If your driving mostly city and getting 210 with a 1/4 left, you probably have another 6-7 gallons before the tank is empty. Once your gas light comes on, you have about 4 gallons left.

Actually for your cow problem, why don't you pop your hood and start your car to pin point where noise is coming from, that's the first thing you should do. I'm wondering if it's the fan or tranny, my fan makes a cow sorts of noise sometimes when I'm at idle. Well, good luck with the cows, maybe another mate can help you out...

 

the noise is the ABS self test. Its normal

you mileage isnt that bad if thats mostly city

 

Oh it's normal? Ok. That's a relief.
Yeah, I cannot open the hood and figure it where it's from because it is only there when the car is start moving.

Thanks.

 

I've noticed the same noise before, although I'm not sure I would have described it as a cow mooing

It sounded normal, but I'm happy to know what it is now.

 

i agree. it's not only the TL that does that. my other cars do that too.

 

I got 325 miles on my last tank of 100% city driving. To accurately gauge it, though, you have to go by how much you get on a full tank - not just how much you've got at 1/4. Report back what a full tank gets you mostly city.

 

Thanks. I intend to run this last one til empty. I'll post it as soon as I empty it.
Please check my posting back in three days or so.

Thanks

 

You need to calculate Miles per Gallon to be acurate, and you don't have to drive the car to empty to do the calculation. Just take the number of mileage you drove and divide by number of gallons you put in the car after filling up the tank.

 

I finally almost emptied my tank. Didn't go all the way. But here is the result.
I refilled 15.421 gallons, I got only 267.6 miles of that 15 gallons. I'd say 90% city and 10% highway.

So, it's about 17.35 mpg. It's kinda on the low side right?
I already put in STP gas cleaner this time. I hope it helps.

Thanks

 

I usually drive 80% city and 20% highway and get about 18mpg. When I used to drive to work, 75% highway and 25% city I was able to get about 380 miles or so for 14 gallons or so which is about 26 to 27 mpg. All highway at 80mph to 100mph non-stop, about 36mpg.

 

I quickly found out that the TL-S city mileage blows and the highway mileage is great. I do most of my driving in town. I usually get about 18-19mpg all city.

 

Well with the MPG you usually want to check obvious stuff first. Run the fuel system cleaner just as you did, check air filter, check tire pressure and also run some seafoam through the car. If all of that is good it may be a motor mount. My MPG had never been too good and I just found out my front motor mount was completely shot. I have heard this will affect MPG so I am in the process of changing it out. Will let you know if it helps.

 

From all the other 500+ threads on this forum that deal with mileage i dont think almost 18 is that bad. Its to hard to say because every one drives different, every one has different traffic to deal with. Different fuels, weather all also play into it. The TL has never been known as a great city mileage car. Some have the exception.

Also depending on location you may be running a winter blend of fuel. Also when you fill up check to see if the fuel your using has 10% Ethanol in it. That will reduce your mileage as well.

Check your tire pressure, possibly raise to a higher 38 or so range and make sure airfilter is clean