Possible issue with fuel tank?

[Krism13]

Hey everyone,

I've been a prius owner and forum lurker for past 3 months but did not have a need to post until today.

Sorry if this has been asked before, I did not find this specific question. If it was asked, please point me in the right direction.

Here is the background story.

In the 3 months since I bought the Prius brand new I managed 5500 trouble free miles. I have filled up the tank 10 times before today, and everytime it was 9 to 10 gallons after driving average of 500 miles on the tank.

Today's fill up appeared to be the same as well, 516 miles on the trip odo, I had 2 bars left when I left the house and that got down to last bar of fuel when I got to the gas station 10 miles later. I expected another 9 or so gallons. The pump stopped at 5.7 gallons. I figured the pump just stopped early due to some issue with the pump, so I had the attendant restart it (full service in NJ) but it stopped again .4 gallons later. At that point I did not want him to go any further.

Now, i know about the bladder tank and how it can shrink in colder weather but it was low 80s and sunny today, about same weather conditions as when I filled up 9 gallons last time. When I started up the car, the fuel gauge showed all 10 bars

My questions are:

1. Could there be an issue with the tank now accepting less fuel for reasons other than much lower temp.

2. If the issue was with the pump displaying wrong amount of fuel pumped (where more fuel was really pumped than was displayed) will me putting in extra .4 gallons cause any issues with the tank due to overfilling?

Please let me know if I didn't cover any relevant info.

Thanks
Kris

[Patrick Wong]

Hi Kris,

It is really unlikely that the pump would have an error that is so much in your favor. I suggest you visit another pump to add the additional 3 gallons, and confirm that there are no problems with the fuel system.

[qbee42]

You shouldn't have any issue with overfilling, since it was only a small amount that was added after the click.

Almost certainly the problem relates to a touchy fuel pump shutoff, or the normal error that occurs with the Prius gas gauge. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Tom

[JimN]

Kris, welcome to the site. Situation normal so don't sweat it. Your bladder actually takes more gas than mine. Even on the flashing pip I pump 8+ gallons. IMO when the pump clicks off it's time to stop. The worst thing that will happen is that you'll have great FE for this tank and crappy FE for the next. The two will average out.