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Missing undercarriage panel affecting MPGs?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Daniel Kutcher, Mar 2, 2022.

  1. Daniel Kutcher

    Daniel Kutcher Junior Member

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    Location:
    Richmond, Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    So yeah, that access panel flap to the oil filter and drain plug is missing. It’s been gone for many years, and I don’t know which technician yoinked it off and didn’t tell me. Anyway, how much is that affecting my MPGs? Would it be worth it to replace that entire body panel ($190)?

    I wonder if there’s a way to fabricate just that section that is missing.
     
    #1 Daniel Kutcher, Mar 2, 2022
  2. Pdaddy

    Pdaddy Member

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    Dec 10, 2013
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Been discussed before and these break off frequently. Does not effect mileage.

    SM-G960U ?
     
    #2 Pdaddy, Mar 2, 2022
    Daniel Kutcher likes this.
  3. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Two
    Just from that, you might lose about 1/50 of a mpg at interstate speeds. In other words, you won't notice a difference. And no effect at city speeds.
     
    #3 jerrymildred, Mar 3, 2022
  4. spudnut

    spudnut Active Member

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    Location:
    Idaho Falls/Pocatello, ID
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I still have mine, and it irritated me every time I change the oil, enough so that I built a high enough pair of ramps to allow it to swing fully open. My usual floor jack couldn't get it high enough to get it the heck out of the way.
     
    #4 spudnut, Mar 10, 2022
  5. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    Two
    I made mine removeable to avoid that problem. The original configuration seems as though they deliberately planned to make DIY oil changes difficult.
     
    #5 CR94, Mar 17, 2022
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Touring
    The plastic of that panel is too thin/brittle to act as a hinge. More of info in oil change link in my signature.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Mar 17, 2022
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