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Gas Tank Slosh Noises, normal?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by aomC, Apr 7, 2014.

  1. aomC

    aomC Member

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    Has anyone noticed that when the gas tank is full, it makes an audible sloshing noise when coming to a stop or going into a parking lot ramp. For a few days, I thought that something was loose in the rear suspension or trunk, then realized it was the fluid in the gas tank. Of course, I generally notice it only when the radio is off or low and I'm performing the above tasks and the ICE isn't running.

    Can others confirm if they notice it too? Just want to be sure it's "normal".

    Finally, does the PiP still use that Gas tank bladder like in the 2nd gen prius?
     
  2. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    I have a 2011 Prius that I bought new. You have certainly given me something to think about. Occasionally I hear something in the back that sounds like a rattling sound. I could never find the rattle. Maybe it what you are hearing with the gasoline.
     
  3. aomC

    aomC Member

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    Yeah, I've got to believe it's normal (I remember my 08 Touring having a slight noise, but it seems louder on my 14), but I'd like to know if others have noticed it as loudly.

    When I realized it was the gas, it was only after the car came to a stop you hear a slight noise in the back, then a second or two LATER (after the car has already stopped), you hear an additional slosh/bang (well, more like a light thump) noise in the back (like water hitting the side of a bowl, since that's probably what's happening).
     
  4. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    No fuel tank bladder in any 3rd gen Prius.
     
  5. aomC

    aomC Member

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    Whew, that's a relief. I don't live in a cold climate, so the bladder issue in the 2nd Gen didn't affect me, but it's one less thing to worry about.

    But then I'm thinking w/o that inflatable bladder, that might be why I hear the sloshing sound more? Plus when the tank was half full, I heard it less too, maybe as it gets to the top, the liquid is closer to the seating area, so you hear more of the movements.
     
  6. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    I have the same Prius as Munpot42 so the noise in the rear of mine no doubt is something that rattles once in awhile.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i have never heard anything. look in the battery area to make sure rain hasn't leaked in. of course, i'm half deaf, so maybe i just can't hear it. it does have it's advantages.:p
     
  8. aomC

    aomC Member

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    yeah, no rain ;)

    I drove again today to run some errands, no radio, no ICE, no AC, stopped abruptly and heard a slight sloshing noise, seems to come right from the bottom of the rear seat (where the gas tank is). The tank is full too, but at about half, I don't think I notice it as much.
     
  9. aomC

    aomC Member

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    It'd be great if someone could full tank it, then drive around and see if they notice the sloshing noise after abruptly stopping.

    I looked at some old posts on priuschat and it seems like others have noticed it before on then 2nd gen Prius (also when the tank is full), otherwise I suspect when it's close to half or empty, you're not going to notice it as much. I can just turn up the radio too... the car is just SOOO quiet, you tend to hear everything. Especially running in plug in power only (which I've spent the past 3 days doing, 80 miles, all plug in), I kind of forget what the engine sounds like!
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's a beautiful thing, isn't it?(y)
     
  11. aomC

    aomC Member

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    Truly
    Truly! Also, the time it's going to save by not having to get gas as often can't be measured.
     
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    exactly, i haven't bought gas since february!;)
     
  13. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    I noticed it in my 2012 PIP every single time I filled it up then backed into my (slightly uphill) driveway and stopped! Even joked about it with my wife...
    It's normal- nothing to worry about. As soon as you burn through a gal or two the sloshing stops.

    aomC- reconnect the noisemaker and you won't notice the sloshing anymore :p
     
    aomC likes this.
  14. Pasaman

    Pasaman Active Member

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    I noticed it after filling up last time.
     
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    looks like you're good to go, whew!(y)
     
  16. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    I never gave it a thought, yes! mine does slosh. Welcome to the club!:)
     
  17. aomC

    aomC Member

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    Thanks for confirming everyone!
     
  18. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    Seems like you'd hear more noise with a half full tank than a full one

    Mike
     
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i was thinking the same think. defies logic.
     
  20. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    After driving Jettas around where the fuel tank sounded like the shore during a storm, I don't hear a thing.