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Tank Not Holding As Much As It Should?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by richmondn, Sep 24, 2013.

  1. richmondn

    richmondn Junior Member

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    I know that the Prius tank is supposed to be 11.9 gal. Last friday the fuel gauge was down to 2 bars and the distance to zero was 60 mi, so I went ahead and filled up. The pump clicked after 8 gallons and the "distance to zero" was then around 400 miles. Why so low? I am averaging 48 MPG according to the car, which multiplied by 11.9 is 571.2 miles. Does the tank not use its full capacity? I'm still getting great MPG but why can't I get more out of one tank?
     
    #1 richmondn, Sep 24, 2013
  2. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    The tank has a reserve of about 1.5 gallons when the fuel indicator starts to blink after the last pip drops. I have run mine down to less than 11 miles remaining and it held only 9.6 gallons when fueled up.

    There's a reason for that... You don't what to run a Prius out of fuel!!!
     
    #2 BZzap!, Sep 24, 2013
    richmondn likes this.
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #3 JimboPalmer, Sep 24, 2013
  4. DickD

    DickD Junior Member

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    No fuel tank holds the actual amount. there is about a 2 gallon reserve. Mine takes about 1 gallon per bar shown on the gas gauge. You can be brave and try to use up that 11 gallons, but you will only have yourself to blame for the extended roadside view you are going to enjoy. When it gets close to empty, just fill it up.
     
    #4 DickD, Sep 24, 2013
    richmondn likes this.
  5. richmondn

    richmondn Junior Member

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    That makes sense. Like I said I don't mind filling up more often when it only costs $30 and I'm getting 50 MPG.
     
    #5 richmondn, Sep 24, 2013
  6. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    You're a lot better off than the Gen2 which has a flexible bladder gaso tank. Sometimes even empty the bladder tank only gets 8 gallons in winter, so you have improved version. Welcome to PriusChat, RichmondN.
     
    #6 wjtracy, Sep 24, 2013
  7. jgilliam1955

    jgilliam1955 Sometime your just gotta cry! 2013 Prius 4.

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    Yep just fill up when needed.
     
    #7 jgilliam1955, Sep 25, 2013
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