Hey lads,

Ok I think I'm going mad, but was hoping someone on here might be able to help. A few days ago I had my radiator replaced by a LR dealership after they diagnosed a small coolant leak from it. Sadly the coolant check light has just come back on, so it might be the coolant leak wasn't from the radiator at all - which is unthinkable, as it means I've possibly been ripped off.

However, when I collected the RR the trip (which pretty much always reads around 17-18mpg with my driving style) indicated 11mpg. Since then I've used it normally, and it's struggled to raise above 13mpg. Could anyone suggest why this might be? Is there something removed or replaced during a radiator change that could cause this effect?

Cheers and apologies,

Rowly

Reset your computer to zero and see how it goes from there

I have reset the trip, both A and B, separately and together, and it still remains low. If I reset on a gentle run, even throttle 25mpg will pop up, but it soon slips back to 13.

That seems really low. Mine shows 17-18, but actually is 12-13 (runs on lpg).

Can't see any reason why yours should fall so suddenly, I'd take it back to the dealer, and certainly query the radiator replacement, if your issue was not a faulty radiator then really to my mind they should fix whatever was the real problem, and certainly not charge you more, if they've possibly needlessly replaced a radiator.

Good luck,

David 2012 SDV8 Vogue SE

I had a similar occurance this summer.
Two Palaces one Indy and one non LR said I needed a new radiator.

Took the RR to Nene overland who couldn't find a leak.
Was told it was the gas system.
Took it to my LPG man, no leaks but using water.
Now completley stopped using coolant.

Gotta love em. 15MY SDV8 Vogue SE

have you checked the temp guage when its warmed up? is it 1/2 way as normal?

Ive had it before with a coolant sensor going then a thermostat sticking

the car was only getting up to 1/3rd temp and MPG was well down ....it appeared to get warm, then once driving would get cooler and stick around 1/4 to 1/3rd on temp dial

a new stat and sensor was all it needed cheers
bogie

hi mate, what dealers did you go to, just so others know...
but i would be right back with my hand out...looks like they have taken out a good radiator for no reason..
is it loosing water or just the light comming on V8 facelift Range Rover Autobiography 22" wheels.
1976 Harley Davidson Iron Head Sportster

The temp needle never budged from the middle once before or after, I only took it in because the car bonged at me. I'll leave the dealership name out of it until I get a chance to speak to them tomorrow and fully understand what's going on. For all I know it may be usual when flushing the coolant to need to top it up after a few miles.

Needless to say if they have messed me about, you can be fairly sure it will be comprehensively publicised.

I was hoping someone might know a hose or something that is moved, replaced, that could leave the mpg so tragically down. I'll put it to them tomorrow and can only hope I'm met with a Columbo-like interest in tracking the fault, rather than a blank noncommittal stare... As that would incredibly annoying.

I'd have a look around to see if they've left an electrical connection off. There are a couple on the offside of the rad cowling and a water temp one on one of the hoses to the right, abouthalr way down. Might be that a missing connection is making the ECU think the engine is cold so it's giving it too much fuel...

hi i am not shy in saying that stratstones in hainault/woodford nearly took me for 1400 pounds on a suspension problem that turned out to be the brake pads, never the less they blamed it on to an inexperienced technician, they also said it needed new sus bushes in the rear and it never, it needed a new oil filter housing when it was just the seal, and after all that charged me 15 pounds for a cable tie. if i ever use them again... V8 facelift Range Rover Autobiography 22" wheels.
1976 Harley Davidson Iron Head Sportster

Thanks to everyone who read and replied, took the Rangie in today and they quickly diagnosed an air pocket in the cooling system, flushed it once again and the problem was solved. I mentioned the low mpg problem, to which I was met with blank stares, however 3miles from the dealership on the way home and all was back to normal, with the trip reading an instant 25mpg, before settling down to the average 18mpg I'm used to in central London.

I guess my subject title was more accurate than I thought...

Cheers lads!

An air pocket around one of the water temp sensors would make it think the engine was cold, thus give it more fuel.