A tune up could be a new engine map and tune. that could certainly bump up the power and consumption. But with my Audi Avant Quattro with the 3.0 I get about 19mpg. But I find that if driven briskly I get better mpg than trying to get around slowly.

 

Just decided to reset the running average mpg meter on the dash before doing some errands. At this point I see 12 mpg. Before the reset it was showing 17 mpg.

So some additional options: Change differential fluid, flush ATF (leaks be damned!), Change air filter, and "engine map and tune".

What is an "engine map and tune"???


BTW - I see some transmission places offer guarantees with ATF flushes. These tend to be big chains (BFG comes to mind) -- any thoughts about going to one of them to do an ATF flush?

It there an MPG where I can safely say, "something is wrong"?

Thanks again!

 

I'd avoid a trans. flush performed by an automotive chain store. Chances are, they're going to lack the VAG software necessary to fill the trans to the proper level. I know this because many of these stores call me on a weekly basis to purchase OE fluid...only to find that they can't use their universal flushing machine on VW/Audi's sealed system.
OE fluid is currently ~$19/ltr and you'll need at least 4 liters for a simple "drain & fill"...6 or more if you drop the pan and change the filter screen. In any case, the software is required for filling the trans back up. It coordinates the fluid level @ operating temperature which is vital for normal operation.

UberTeile

 

UberTeile -- Would you recommend a (first-time) ATF flush at 107k miles to (possibly) address these types of issues?

 

engine mapping and tune includes taking the car to a dyno, getting the computers original fuel mixture and ignition timing, adjusting the fuel mixture and spark timing to get more power. Usually this can net big power gains on forced induction engines.

A retards way is to get a "chip" those things are usually just fuses that trick the engine into thinking that the air in the MAF is cooler than it actually is, giving the engine a richer fuel mixture, slightly upping the power but also increasing the fuel consumption a lot.

 

Well, that's really a loaded question because the the potential outcome could be either beneficial or catastrophic. But a drain & fill is probably considered 'lower risk' on a high mileage trans.. Trans. fluid, like engine oil, absorbs contaminants and looses viscosity over time(albeit much more slowly). But unlike an engine, transmissions are kind of able to 'adjust themselves' to these slow changes in the fluid. Sometimes when you completely flush a HM trans, it encounters difficulties readjusting to the clean, viscous fluid and malfunctions occur. Swapping out smaller amounts of fluid(ie:drain & fill) can help minimize the chance of failure...but there's no guarantee.

UberTeile

 

Called previous owner.. don't think the car was chipped / mapped. [Can't be 100% sure b/c there were 2 previous owners.]

 

My one has 122k mi and I had the ATF fluid & filter change and feel the car performs much much better, night and day difference. Plus the diffy fluid change, car runs quieter. The filter came out from the tranny is dated 2002.

 

If you are driving around in town, especially stop and go traffic, I don't think 14mpg is unusual. Remember, you are driving a 2 ton tank with permanent all wheel drive. BTW, I am not kidding about the car being nearly 2 tons.

 

Somewhat embarrassingly, I think discovered the cause of my poor gas mileage: plus isn't premium.

"Premium recommended" should be "premium required", especially with all the gas-ahol around.