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No Fuel Warning Lamp/Light?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by gamma742, Mar 19, 2015.

  1. gamma742

    gamma742 Member

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    I cannot find it in the owners manual and I tried the search function on this site...

    Is it safe to say that there is NO warning lamp that comes on when you are low on fuel?


    All I have seen is the last bar on the fuel indicator begins to flash. This is not very intuitive for my wife who tends to drive until an idiot light tells her attention is required :confused:
     
    #1 gamma742, Mar 19, 2015
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    The last flashing pip on the fuel gauge and beep(s) are the warning.
     
    #2 Paradox, Mar 19, 2015
  3. gamma742

    gamma742 Member

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    Is it supposed to beep? Mine is a Sec. Gen., 2008 I don't recall a beep.?.?.?
     
    #3 gamma742, Mar 19, 2015
  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I have not owned a gen II prius in a long time, but I beleive it gives a short beep, maybe two, when it begins to flash. If it does in fact beep, it is not a continuous beep.
     
    #4 Paradox, Mar 19, 2015
  5. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    The display always shows the miles traveled. When gas is stupid low, it flashes at her. Then it beeps at her AND it puts a bar on the display that says "Low on fuel". Are you suggesting the car should also splash a cold bucket of water and/or a firm slap in the face? I guess you were hoping the last pip would be red. How did she ever drive with the old mechanical dials without running out of gas every tank? Remember this: when a Prius runs out of gas it takes 3.5 gallons to get it restarted--the usual gallon will not work.
     
    #5 kenoarto, Mar 19, 2015
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    my '08 never did that. it gave a quick, minuscule beep, that with any ambient noise is almost impossible to hear. then the last bar starts blinking, which is easy to miss. it's a foolish nonsensical warning system, in a car that beeps for every possible thing, more than the roadrunner. shame on toyota, they haven't improved a simple thing like this in 15 years.
     
    #6 bisco, Mar 19, 2015
    gamma742 likes this.
  7. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Shame on any driver who doesn't pay attention to his gas gauge, especially when it is flashing at him/her.
     
    #7 kenoarto, Mar 19, 2015
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    we'll agree to disagree.:)
     
    #8 bisco, Mar 19, 2015
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  9. gamma742

    gamma742 Member

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    The previous owner was kind enough to put a Killer Kenwood Stereo System in this car for us so it may have beeped and we just missed it. Our old car was a Toyota that had a warning light in the shape of a gas pump (my wife seemed to like that). It was noticeable when something other than green is on your display.. Thank for your help~
     
    #9 gamma742, Mar 19, 2015
  10. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Tell your wife to refuel when it gets down to 2 pips. ;)
     
    #10 xliderider, Mar 19, 2015
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  11. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Your bio and pic indicate that you are 56 years old. At some point you managed to drive a car with one simple needle. No LEDs. No video screen. No idiot light. In the Prius, you have at least 4 (count 'em FOUR) warnings about running low on gas, and that still isn't enough. Life in the 21st century is sooooo difficult. How about some kind of custom alarm like this?
    [​IMG]
     
    #11 kenoarto, Mar 20, 2015
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2015
  12. Sergiospl

    Sergiospl Senior Member

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    8.4 gal of gas, the most I have been able to put during 6 months of ownership. I stop for gas before any warning, as soon as I see about 50 mile to empty.
     
    #12 Sergiospl, Mar 20, 2015
  13. gamma742

    gamma742 Member

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    "Miles until Empty" is a great feature introduced on the 3rd gen Prius 2010+

    Wish I had it on my 2008.. I may have to get kenoarto's custom alarm :rolleyes:
     
    #13 gamma742, Mar 20, 2015
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