Hybrid System Failure in 08

[wmveal]

Sorry U ran out of gas better watch the gas gauge
!

[FredCof]

Just got new '08 Prius, had similar 'out of fuel' problem. My gauge "low fuel level warning light" began to blink, but the manual said "Remaining Fuel Approximately 3.0 Gal", so went on. Made only about 8-9 miles, got nasty red triangle and gas engine shutdown (it is however nice that you can drive a few blocks on electric!).

Complained to dealer. Their message seemed to be "that's not unusual - just always refuel when down to 'two pips' on the gas gauge".

Now, from reading this forum I understand that it's "common" for gauge to not drop AT ALL until drive maybe 150 miles (I have that problem), and that it's "normal" that there is a gallon or so of inaccessible fuel in the tank when it runs empty (I had that problem). Sounds like a bad design, but I can live with those.

And I suppose I can live with never trusting the gauge below "two pips" - but it seems to me the warning light should mean "refuel soon", not "you're dead"!

Anybody have experience trying to get dealer to correct the problem? Or is it really an uncorrectable design flaw?

[ZC1]

I read the original post to my wife, who says:

"What does he expect, to run the car without gas?"
"On what other conventional car would he run it to fumes and expect it to merrily continue on?"

My wife also agrees it's not funny or proper to apply a thread title such as "Hybrid System Failure" for a problem he created and which could possibly perpetuate a rumor.

My thoughts are the thread title needs changing to "Disgruntled, untrusting, and disillusioned man forces car to run out of gas. Story at Ten."

ZC1

[PriusSport]

Once you post a thread, you can't modify the title. That's a common problem in chatgroups. Threads often have misleading titles--especially in the political section.

My suggestion to administrators: make the title modifiable.

[pashadc]

Yikes - good thing I didn't post my same issue with the "running out of gas". From the responses I'd feel really stupid - lighten up people! Why do we have this forum unless it is to educate and not punish people for asking questions. The same thing happened to me 2 weeks ago on the interstate at midnight. The Add Fuel warning came on and the last pip started flashing and before I could get to the next exit all of the dash lights came on then the car lost a bit of power. Luckily I went onto the shoulder and got it to the gas station at the next exit.

My question is that with ALL other non-hybrid cars that I've had that have had a low fuel light, when the light first comes on you have some time to safely get to a gas station. With the Prius and all the major technology that is has, I'd think it would give you a bit of time to get safely to a gas station. Why have the Add Fuel" warning if it won't let you get to the gas station.

[richard schumacher]

Originally Posted by FredCof

Or is it really an uncorrectable design flaw?

Uncorrectable design flaw. The only thing any dealer can honestly do about it is what yours did.

On what page of the manual does it say there are 3 gallons left when the last pip starts to flash?

[bwilson4web]

Wierd, I ran out of gas last week and drove on to the next parking lot and over to a shady spot. I parked the car and pulled out my spare gallon container and was on my way to my favorite gas station. I filled up the car and the spare and when I got home, put it back in the car port.

I ran out of gas to get rid of the last of the ethanol bought on the way back from Hybridfest. In Huntsville, we have straight gas so I prefer to use 'the real deal' and not fiddle with that funny stuff.

Bob Wilson

[steveholtam]

The average Prius owner that does not visit this site would clearly trust the low fuel beep and flashing pip as a realistic indicator that the time to get fuel is very soon.

That is the way every other car on the market works, even other Toyotas. Priuschat members need to not forget that most people actually think there car is just a car, and not a passion or hobby like us.