Fuel consumption

[gspotts]

I have a 1996 1.8SE. I travel 60 miles a day predominately on dual carriageway at around 70. I do not accelerate hard. I only return 30mpg which was averaged over two complete tank refills. I habve replaced the thermostat and notice that sometimes it reads very low even though the header tank is full. There is a lot of condensation from the exhaust when revved when stationary even after the 30 mile drive into work. It does not appear to be using oil or water and both are clean. The car is not excessively sluggish but it does not 'sparkle' either. I have a friend with a VAG diagnostic laptop and cable. Has anyone any ideas of what to look for or if 30 mpg at a steady 70mph is excessive.
Thanks
Graham

[Alan02]

It could be a coolant temperature sensor fault, very common on these models. The diagnostic scan would be a good start, and if faulty should show it.

[mikeybutch]

I hope you mean tank is at MAX not full cos that may cause probs

[gspotts]

VAGCom threw up a whole host of errors. Temperature sensor being one of them and Knock sensor and MAF being two of the others. Going to change the sensor and get the codes cleared then try again. Where is the tem sensor located?

[Alan02]

Its behind the cyl head area on the bulkhead. There are 2, one for gauge and other for ECU.Left is for gauge, right is for ECU.

[gspotts]

Are they interchangable and is it possible to test them?.
I have noticed that the condensation has stopped after my 30 mile drive to work and all I did was use the shareware version of the VAG com. I am hoping that the daily journey is cleaning the MAF. Thanks for your help.

[Alan02]

They arent interchangable. If faulty they should put up a fault code.