No need to power off while refueling...

[Pinto Girl]

It's probably a coincidence, but I've twice, just recently, have encountered Prius drivers who leave their car on while refueling.

The first time I didn't say anything; the second, I mentioned it to the driver.

What tipped me off was that the headlights and foglights were on, and then I heard the ICE start up. So I suggested to the driver that she should power the car off before refueling.

Her reply: "I don't need to. It's electric."

I asked, "well then, why are you putting gas into it?" and she gave me this look like, what-ever...

..then she said, "well, actually, I've heard both sides of this argument."

Honestly, I didn't realize that such a controversy was raging!
;-)

Anyhow, I was at a loss, so --after suggesting that the "leave it on" side was wrong, and that that could cause an explosion-- I just got in my car and drove off. I wonder what might be a more concise explanation, as to why one should turn off the car when refueling (other than it might blow up, which didn't seem to do it)...?

Weird; it seems really common sense to me, to shut off a gasoline engine before refueling.

[Devil's Advocate]

I've started leaving mine on because; one, the ICE rarely comes one while parked getting gas, unless the AC is on; two, the real danger is a spark from getting in and out of the car igniting gas fuems, not your own cars engine, or else we would have explosions everyday when the guy next to you starts his car while you're still refueling.

I don't know, but it would be interesting to see if there is any information on gas pump fire actually caused becuase the vehicle being left on while refueling. I know people have left desiels run while refueing forever.

[Danny Hamilton]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Devil's Advocate @ Oct 8 2007, 09:00 PM) [snapback]522903[/snapback]</div>

I've started leaving mine on because; one, the ICE rarely comes one while parked getting gas, unless the AC is on; two, the real danger is a spark from getting in and out of the car igniting gas fuems, not your own cars engine, or else we would have explosions everyday when the guy next to you starts his car while you're still refueling.

I don't know, but it would be interesting to see if there is any information on gas pump fire actually caused becuase the vehicle being left on while refueling. I know people have left desiels run while refueing forever.
[/b]

I don't know about Nevada, but here in Illinois I believe there is a law against fueling your car while the engine is running. I don't know if the law was created because of fires that started, or if it was just because some lawmaker thought a fire could start. Either way, until the law is changed, I turn the car off.

If you want to fuel without turning the car off, and you want to make sure the ICE doesn't start up, I think the ICE won't come on if you put it in "neutral" and use the parking brake. Just make sure you remember to release the parking brake before you try to drive away.

[Mirza]

The RX400H actually tells you that you can refuel without turning it off... just park it and open the tank! I've done this with mine forever now... there's no issue. If you don't want the engine to run while it's on just turn off the air conditioner.

[darelldd]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mirza @ Oct 8 2007, 07:14 PM) [snapback]522909[/snapback]</div>

The RX400H actually tells you that you can refuel without turning it off... [/b]

Where does the vehicle tell you that? If the ICE ever starts, it doesn't matter WHAT your car whispers in your ear. It is still illegal in my state to fuel while the car is running. The car doesn't get to decide that.

[wb9tyj]

Ive tried both ways...if i dont shut down...the fuel gauge will not read correctly...it will stay where it was...if i had a 1/2 tank left, and i filled it up...it wont read full because i didnt shut down...when i shut down, the system resets and everything reads correctly...its been this way over 3 years now...since day 1 on the car...same results...so i shut down...

[patrickindallas]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mirza @ Oct 8 2007, 09:14 PM) [snapback]522909[/snapback]</div>

The RX400H actually tells you that you can refuel without turning it off... just park it and open the tank! I've done this with mine forever now... there's no issue. If you don't want the engine to run while it's on just turn off the air conditioner.
[/b]

Well, that answers this question once and for all.

Evidently stupidity has actually been codified by an RX400H.

[ACORNBLUES]

I doubt that it will blow up. Neither will a cell phone.

It all depends on the circumstance. If its really hot or cold outside and my gf or granddparents are in the car, then i would leave the car on. Otherwise, I'll turn it off.

[Presto]

Unless there's a likely circumstance that the ICE would turn on, I tend to leave the car on while refueling. Don't hold your breath on headlines citing my dire, fiery end, though... I've been doing this for over 2 years, but one time, I came close to melting off my face when the ICE started. Nearby patrons dove for cover, but fortunately, a catastrophic, hybrid explosion was averted... somehow. I believe the engines off law/warning is, at least, partially there to minimize on gas and dashes.

[apriusfan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mirza @ Oct 8 2007, 07:14 PM) [snapback]522909[/snapback]</div>

The RX400H actually tells you that you can refuel without turning it off... just park it and open the tank! I've done this with mine forever now... there's no issue. If you don't want the engine to run while it's on just turn off the air conditioner.[/b]

What about a Check Engine Light being thrown when the evaporative emission control system looks for pressure in the fuel tank and there is none? That is the reason why you should turn off the engine before re-fueling in a traditional (non-hybrid) car. Presumably, the same applies (the evaporative emission control system) when the Prius is powered up.