FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Ford/Explorer/Sixth Generation (2020-present)/What should I check if my 2021 Ford Explorer has a decrease in fuel efficiency?

What should I check if my 2021 Ford Explorer has a decrease in fuel efficiency?

Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium
4 min read
686 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and resolve decreased fuel efficiency issues in your 2021 Ford Explorer with detailed steps and required tools.

Component
fuel system, air filter, tires, engine oil, exhaust system

Symptoms

  • •Noticeable decrease in miles per gallon (MPG)
  • •Engine performance issues (e.g., rough idling, stalling)
  • •Increased exhaust emissions or visible smoke
  • •Warning lights on the dashboard (e.g., Check Engine Light)

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Check Tire Pressure
  2. 2Inspect Tire Condition
  3. 3Examine Air Filter
  4. 4Check Fuel System
  5. 5Examine Engine Oil
  6. 6Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
  7. 7Inspect Exhaust System
  8. 8Review Driving Habits

Solution

Certainly! Decreased fuel efficiency in your 2021 Ford Explorer can be caused by various factors. Below are detailed steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue.

Repair Instructions

  1. Replace Air Filter: If dirty, follow the removal steps and install a new filter.
  2. Change Engine Oil: If oil is dirty or low, drain old oil, replace the oil filter, and fill with new oil as per specifications.
  3. Fuel Injector Cleaning: If injectors are dirty, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using a cleaning kit.
  4. Tire Rotation and Alignment: If tires are unevenly worn, rotate them or have a professional perform an alignment.

Conclusion

After completing these diagnostic steps and repairs, monitor your fuel efficiency over the next few weeks. If issues persist, consider consulting a certified technician for a comprehensive inspection. Regular maintenance can help prevent future decreases in fuel efficiency.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Air compressor
  • Visual inspection tools
  • Tread depth gauge (optional)
  • Screwdriver
  • Fuel pressure gauge
  • Injector cleaning kit
  • Oil dipstick
  • Oil change kit (if necessary)
  • OBD-II scanner
  • Exhaust back pressure gauge (optional)

Additional Information

Component

fuel system, air filter, tires, engine oil, exhaust system

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

11 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. Why does my 2020 Ford Explorer have a persistent service engine soon light?

    Learn how to diagnose and resolve the Service Engine Soon light issue on your 2020 Ford Explorer with step-by-step instructions and required tools.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Service Engine Soon light is illuminated on the dashboard.
    • •The vehicle may exhibit rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, or a loss of power.
    • +{count} more

  2. Why does my Ford Explorer 2020 have a rough idle?

    Learn how to diagnose and fix a rough idle issue in your 2020 Ford Explorer with detailed symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Engine vibrations felt during idle
    • •Unsteady RPM while at a stop
    • +{count} more

  3. What are the signs of a failing engine mount in the Ford Explorer Sixth Generation?

    Learn about the signs of a failing engine mount in the Ford Explorer Sixth Generation, including symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

    Component:engine mount
    Symptoms
    • •Excessive Engine Vibration
    • •Engine Movement
    • +{count} more

  4. What should I do if my Ford Explorer 2020 has a smell of burning rubber?

    Learn how to diagnose and fix the burning rubber smell in your 2020 Ford Explorer with detailed steps and required tools.

    Component:serpentine belt, brake components, hoses, tires, electrical systems
    Symptoms
    • •Burning rubber smell
    • •Visual signs of smoke or damage
    • +{count} more

  5. How do I troubleshoot the Ford Explorer 2020's lane keeping assist system?

    Learn how to troubleshoot and repair the Lane Keeping Assist system on a 2020 Ford Explorer with our step-by-step guide.

    Component:Lane Keeping Assist System
    Symptoms
    • •Lane Keeping Assist warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
    • •Lane Keeping Assist system not activating as intended.
    • +{count} more

  6. How do I troubleshoot the Ford Explorer 2021's automatic transmission problems?

    Learn how to troubleshoot automatic transmission problems in a 2021 Ford Explorer with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and required tools.

    Component:automatic transmission
    Symptoms
    • •Slipping Gears
    • •Delayed Engagement
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation