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New to me Prius, not good mileage :(

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Friend of Bill W., May 5, 2016.

  1. Friend of Bill W.

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    I bought a 2013 Prius a couple weeks ago because I drive about 300 miles a week and my Honda Pilot was not efficient. Well, so far I am not getting anywhere near what all of you are getting. I am averaging 37-39 MPG. I do not drive heavy footed, I don't brake fast, I drive "normal."
    I'm not even at 300 miles and my tank is at...well just look at the picture. Any tips or suggestions?????????
     

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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    oh boy.:( let me think about this.

    okay, is this your first tank? i'm thinking you are suffering from what we call 'prior owner low
    mpg -itus'.
     
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Let's take this to the Gen-3 forum where there is a checklist to work off.

    Bob Wilson
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    On my 2010 and 2015 with 17" wheels, I get about what you're showing on local driving. It improves when I get onto the highway. 1 pip below the halfway mark on the gas gauge with 220 miles is.......pretty close to what I see on my gen3
     
  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #5 JimboPalmer, May 6, 2016
    Last edited: May 6, 2016
  6. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Did you fill the car yourself? An old Camry I drive regularly will show full on the gauge for about 120km, then drops MUCH faster than you expect. So if you bought it with what looked like a full tank - might have been much less than full. Either way, I'd re-fill it and try again.
     
  7. Friend of Bill W.

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    I also notice I can rarely use EV mode because the battery is always low. What battery is it showing on my dash? The 12v little battery in the corner of the trunk, or the
    Sorry. I drive 25 MILES each way to work. It's mostly highway at 70mph. I did upgrade to 17 aftermarket wheels but this is my 2nd tank and on my stock 15s I was still only at 39.3 mpg.
     
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    What tire pressure are you using? Try 44/42 psi front/rear.
    Raise up the rear of the car and spin the wheels with the parking brake released to see if there is any drag.
    Have the wheel alignment checked.

    The battery gauge is for the high voltage traction battery.

    What brand/model of tires are you using?
    The 17" wheels with wider tires are not helping your mpg.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    try resetting the mpg trip and commuting at 60 mph, just for a lark.
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    That's showing the state of charge of the large hybrid battery. I notice in your first pic it's at 2 bars, which normally is as low as it will go. If it's persistently low not so good. How many miles on the odometer?

    I wouldn't purposely push the EV mode button, btw. That's really "token" EV, best for shuffling car around at home without starting engine, but not extended drive. It IS pretty typical to be locked-out, with cold engine.
     
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  11. Friend of Bill W.

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    Many many great comments and suggestions, thank you! I just don't think the 17" wheels are hurting it much because even with the stock 15"s I only got maybe at the most 1mpg more, its always in the 37-39 range. The car has 91,xxx miles, and with it being a '13 I'm guessing it was used mainly on the highway and hopefully not as a Taxi lol. I really think there would be a great market for having a class for new Hybrid owners, because what may come as common sense to some is absolutely confusing and mind boggling to others...I am the latter.

    When I had my new wheels put on it was checked, alignment was dead on and all wheels spun freely. I believe they were aired up according to mfg specs too.
     
    #11 Friend of Bill W., May 6, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: May 6, 2016
  12. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    no it's not. the picture shows 27mph. looks like city driving and my wife gets exactly 40mpg. while i get about 55mpg.

    alternatively, you left car on overnight or something like that.
     
    #12 Former Member 68813, May 6, 2016
    Last edited: May 6, 2016
  13. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    If you bought the very best LRR tires, you lost 5 MPG with the wheels. If you bought random tires, perhaps another 5 MPG gone.
     
  14. Friend of Bill W.

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    I'm not going to argue as to driving mostly 70mph, that's the truth I don't drive around town a whole lot, I have a little Ranger I drive around town in I bought the Prius as my work car because I drive 25 to and 25 from work each day on the highway. I did NOT leave the prius "on" overnight either as my keys are always on my nightstand. The battery always shows that low until I start driving for 10 minutes or so. And as I said twice already....The 15" and 17" wheels got me nearly the same mileage. I have yet to see any MPG over 39.
     
  15. sttkailua

    sttkailua Active Member

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    foBW,

    I have the same year and model, pre-owned from Dealer.
    I have been getting 46-50 mpg. Tires at 40 psi.

    Things I would check on.
    Tire pressure, wheel alignment, how much you use Power mode button?
    Spark plugs, air filter.

    Welcome, and Good luck!

    stt
     
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  16. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    so, what's your explanation for 27mph? i'm curious now.

    you can leave it on without the keys, you know.
     
  17. Friend of Bill W.

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    Maybe the 27mph is from the previous owners driving habits? I honestly don't know. I am going to have the plugs checked because there is a bit of a hesitation or stutter when taking off from a dead stop, but I was told that's normal for hybrids, but it don't feel right.
     
  18. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I suggest you clear the memory so that the average speed and mpg is erased. Then the readings will reflect your driving vs. a historic average.
     
  19. bingee3

    bingee3 Active Member

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    From Indiana I see , the cold winter spring temps will kill MPG ,,, wait for warmer weather , you will notice improvement ,,,,
     
  20. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    Are you sure you're pressing the POWER button to shut off the hybrid system before leaving the car, and that the display goes completely off (except for the flashing red lock icon)? I can't say you're failing to do so, but finding the battery charge indicator down to only two bar segments the next day would be consistent with forgetting to do that. Taking the fob away with you won't matter.

    An unrelated possibility might be a failing traction battery.