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Erratic Fuel Gauge

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Hybrid Hobo, Jun 17, 2022.

  1. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

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    I know unreliable/inaccurate fuel gauge readings are common on the Gen 2's. I believe I have this problem, as my guage sometimes fluctuates. For example...

    Today it was showing that I had 5 bars (half tank of gas), which seemed about right as I only filled up a few days ago. But then it showed a full tank, almost full tank, etc., all within an hour, before settling back down to that accurate half tank range a bit later.

    3 questions...

    Is this the result of the fuel bladder, or the instrument cluster (which I need to replace eventually, as it too is acting funny)?

    Are there any tricks or tips to help ACCURATELY know how much fuel is left in the tank...short of driving it til it dies?

    Being that the fuel readout is unreliable, I always try to fill up when I have 2 bars left showing on the gauge meter. Is this too close for comfort, or should I be fine?

    Thanks
     
    #1 Hybrid Hobo, Jun 17, 2022
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if you can, i would syphon out all the fuel, then start with a known quantity. keep careful records of fill ups, average mpgs and distance driven. knock 3-5 off the average mpg's to be safe.
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 17, 2022
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Either a secret admirer is filling your gas tank for you or you're sleep walking to the gas station at night. Never read about a half tank of gas in a Prius turning into a full tank of gas a few days later. But given today's gas prices if I were you I'd not be asking any questions and hope it keeps happening.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Jun 17, 2022
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just editorial…

     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jun 18, 2022
  5. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    yeah but walking is safer than driving for when you're asleep... Maybe call the nearest gas station and see if they have any surveillance footage of someone showing up in their pajamas with a 5 gallon gas can?
     
    #5 PriusCamper, Jun 18, 2022
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
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