88 Octane for 2010 Prius - What's up with that?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by psu77, May 19, 2009.

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  1. psu77

    psu77 New Member

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    It is being reported that 88 Octane or Research Octane Number 92 is required. I don't think the 88 is a misprint because normally the Research Octane Number is 91. So they purposely are using a higher number. Can the Toyota team please explain?
     
    #1 psu77, May 19, 2009
  2. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    #2 usbseawolf2000, May 19, 2009
  3. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    There is a confirmed discrepency between the owner's manual and the technical documentation. I'm going to believe the Technical documentation unless Toyota specifically says otherwise.

    I've burned 87 octane in cars that "required" premium - the consequence was retarded ignition timing w/ less power. In the Prius, the consequence of higher octane is sometimes lower MPG (or higher cost per mile).
     
    #3 HTMLSpinnr, May 19, 2009
  4. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    So... the owner's manual said to use 88 Octane?
     
    #4 usbseawolf2000, May 19, 2009
  5. hschuck

    hschuck Member

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    #5 hschuck, May 19, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  6. bruceha_2000

    bruceha_2000 Senior Member

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    #6 bruceha_2000, May 19, 2009
  7. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Toyota should hire whomever writes the owner's manuals for Honda. They are marvels of clarity and detail (and presumably correctness?).
     
    #7 richard schumacher, May 19, 2009
  8. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    #8 usbseawolf2000, May 19, 2009
  9. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    The one I have from TIS says 88 octane. I saw it the day it came out but I didn't even make a big deal about it because I'm running 87, plain and simple.
     
    #9 Paradox, May 19, 2009
  10. alfon

    alfon Senior Member

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    Prius 2010 III with navigation.

    My first tank from the dealer on 051709 was regular unleaded. So far I am averaging for the last 250 miles somewhere around 55 MPG , by computer guage) or so. Plenty of power in "Power Mode".

    Alfon
     
    #10 alfon, May 19, 2009
  11. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I was wondering if there was a typo during the translation. That's why I wanted to know what Octane it said in the Japanese user manual.
     
    #11 usbseawolf2000, May 20, 2009
  12. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Maybe Ken can help us out and tell us what it says in the Japanese manual. I hope ours is supposed to say 87 but either way, 87 it's gonna be in my tank :)
     
    #12 Paradox, May 20, 2009
  13. mingjhwang

    mingjhwang New Member

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    "unlead regular gasoline" is what it says. Now what's the Octane of "unlead regular gasoline" in Japan. Any one? :)
     
    #13 mingjhwang, May 21, 2009
  14. AirKuhl

    AirKuhl New Member

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    Just be aware that technically you are voiding your warranty if you use fuel below the minimum requirement. They could refuse to repair any engine related issues, and yes, I've seen where the dealer took a gas sample from the tank to verify the appropriate fuel was used.

    My guess is that 88 octane is a common fuel choice somewhere outside the US and this was simply transposed into the US manual. I'm guessing 87 octane will be fine but it doesn't hurt to verify this with your dealer and keep some record of the conversation.
     
    #14 AirKuhl, May 21, 2009
  15. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    are you guys seriously questioning this?... any Real prius owner would know they run off the lowest octane. (it's been comfirmed before.. it was asked because of the engine growing in size)

    newbs...

    i would say :focus: but there really isn't one....
     
    #15 V8Cobrakid, May 21, 2009
  16. psu77

    psu77 New Member

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    No it was asked because it is in the owners manual. Previously the owners manual said 87 Octane. Aren't you suppose to follow the owners manual or you could be denied a warranty claim.

    Concerning Octane outside the U.S., isn't that the Research Octane requirement of 92 (previous model was 91 Research Octane)
     
    #16 psu77, May 21, 2009
  17. Steve Cebu

    Steve Cebu New Member

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    I think the botom line is that Toyota needs to step forward and give a direct answer on this issue. I am very surprised that they haven't done so yet.
    So come on Toyota, let us know the real deal. Is it 87 or 88 octane that is required?
     
    #17 Steve Cebu, May 21, 2009
  18. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Not to say a company wouldn't try something like that but I'd like to see that tried with all the 2010 owners who we know are going to use 87 in the USA... Let's see what happens.
     
    #18 Paradox, May 21, 2009
  19. sluday

    sluday New Member

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    Regular fuel will be fine. I would not recommend diesel or low lead 100.
     
    #19 sluday, May 21, 2009
  20. yardman 49

    yardman 49 Active Member

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    Why doesn't one of the new 2010 owners call Toyota Customer Care about this? Or at least ask the dealer that they bought the car from to check on this, for starters.
     
    #20 yardman 49, May 21, 2009
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