fuel tank issues

Patty,

What IS the problem with the fuel tank?

• Sounds like you're describing erratic MPG readings -- did I get that right?
• Are you at least within a generally consistent range?

Still a relative newbie here, but, based on my religious reading of PC-Chat, I fill up at 2-3 pips, and often find a discrepancy of 3-6 MPG's (which I can live with) between my calculated MPG, and the MFD read-out.

Can you give some more description?

 

i don't perceive it as broken; it works fine in my car.
it is of variable size, not fixed. that takes a mind set adjustment.

what specific problem are you having with the fuel tank?

 

There is nothing this Prius owner feels he has to put up with. He is not outraged because it takes a lot more than the car's finicky fuel tank to provoke him to outrage. There are more important things in this world for him to get worked up about.

 

How much of a difference are you seeing in the amount of gas that it takes over time? Is there a lot of variability every time you fill up?

My experience was that fill ups were pretty consistent through the summer and early fall of last year, and then when it got colder the tank held less, but that amount was pretty consistent over the winter. The difference between summer and winter was probably a couple of gallons (I don't know for sure because I was filling up at 5 pips over the winter whereas over the summer I was driving more so the tank would get down to 1-3 pips before filling up).

The last time I filled up we were still getting overnight temps in the 40s but it's been consistently warm since then so I'm hoping to start getting back to fillups similar to last summer with my next trip to the gas station.

 

I have no problem with my fuel tank, therefore there is nothing for me to get upset about or be concerned with.

 

My fuel tank works fine. The maximum volume varies a bit from tank to tank, but it's not a problem. My fuel gauge works as well or as poorly as most automobile fuel gauges; when it says to fill up, I fill up.

Your post isn't clear about what sort of problem you are having. Perhaps if you clearly state the issues we may be able to help.

Tom

 

Fuel pump getting stuck

Last fill up, I had to "yank" the fuel pump out of the bladder. It was stuck in there. That wasn't too reassuring. This ever happen to anyone? Is this normal?

c ~

 

Re: Fuel pump getting stuck

First I heard of this. One time the pump didn't automatically shut off. We may all complain about the "Guess Gauge" but has there ever been a mass produced car with an accurate fuel gauge?

 

As a former Bucky, now living in Florida, for more reasons than just the weather, my first advise to you would be to CHILL! Unless you are highly trained in the field of bladder-type fuel reservoirs, the conditions you describe ARE NOT B.S. The fuel bladder was crafted as a viable solution to holding a suitable amount of fuel AND capture fuel vapors which would otherwise allow unburnt Hydrocarbons to enter the atmosphere. The Prius was intended to REDUCE emissions and be thrifty at the same time. If that means variation in the amount of fuel the bladder will carry versus continueing the cat-and-mouse game with the Oil Cartels, then accept it with the quiet pride that comes with Prius ownership.

-Don

 

Re: Fuel pump getting stuck

The pump nozzle should press fit into the fuel opening with a reasonably tight fit. You shouldn't have to force anything, or yank it out when you are done, but it should be snug. The tight fit keeps fuel vapors from escaping during filling.

Tom

 

Are you using the same gas pump, at the same gas station? I have been using the same pump at the same station and I get a consistent fill-up everytime. After the pump turns off, I can squeeze in an extra gallon without too much trouble.

 

Patty,
I've have railed on thisw site regarding this issue on several other posts. The fuel tank in the U.S. model is a problem. (the bladder isn't put into Prius in Eurpoe of Japan)

Most people on the site just say deal with it, but I understand your belief, and it is correct, a car of this technological level should not be so erratic with its fueling. When filling the tank I range from 8 to 12 gallons for no apparent reason.

The "burp" is the worst thing, but if you just stop after the first click it won't happen. I've only had it happen about 4 times since I've owned the car and it hasn't happend in over a year.

If you like to fill-up when the tank is near empty the best gauge is this, the last PIP is good for about 45-50 miles, but more importantly once the "low fuel" warinign and flashing pip start you have a garuanteed 25 miles till the risk of running out of gas becomes a potential reality. I have gone past the 25 mile mark many times but with every 5 mile increment the risks of running out doubles.

My scale is this:
Flashing pip 25 miles left
25-30 miles "yellow" alert possible to run out of gas
30-35 miles "red" alert risk of running out of gas likely
after 35 risk of running out of gas can happen anytime.

 

Toyota could have solved this problem simply by stating that the Prius has a 10 gallon tank. The mere fact that they list the capacity at 11.9 gallons puts people into the wrong mind-set, and when they can't get that much fuel into the tank they feel short-changed. If you thought your Prius had a 10 gallon tank, when you clicked your way to 11 gallons and the Prius burped back, you wouldn't be angry. You'd just say: "Well, I guess I deserved that for over-filling the tank." As it is, you say: "I know this thing should hold another gallon. What the heck is wrong with it!"

I look at the whole issue as poor marketing, not bad engineering.

Tom

 

Do you yell out "RED Alert", or do you have a "RED Alert" Button on the dashboard that you press? What do you do after that? Fire the torpedoes?

 

Patty,

Good work keeping a log of the issues you've faced. I recall having difficulty dealing with the fill-up inconsistencies when I first had the Prius. I followed the suggestions and have found success filling at a slow rate.

I admit there is frustration when the tank doesn't take as much gas as I know it "should" at a particular fill-up. Still, this doesn't seem to me a high price to pay for the spectacular engineering value and performance of this car. The bladder itself has a valid environmental purpose, and I am glad my car prevents even more emissions in this fashion.

I have just recently (in 75 degree weather) had a fill "issue" where I could not get more than about a 75-80% fill. I didn't face a trek across the desert, so I just filled up again after only 350 miles, as opposed to 400+ miles.

I won't downplay your concern about getting only a half-fill one time, but I don't think "outrage" is really the level of concern to apply here. It sounds as though your local dealer is attempting to help.

Please continue to log everything and see if there are other issues that may be found.

When you compare the MFD mpg to your calculated mpg, do you find consistent variations? Over the long-haul, do they even out? I have found, through the first 10,000 miles, that the MFD mpg is just more than 1 mpg higher than my calculated mpg. Tank by tank I see significant variation, but overall I see the lifetime MFD mpg and the lifetime calculated mpg are in a merge pattern!

 

But if they told me it was a ten gallon tank and I got eleven into it I would report the station to the weights and measures department.

 

not a good idea

 

bad advise...never get below 2 PIP's...search for the reasons here on PC