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Fuel filler clogged air vent

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Technical Discussion' started by 8Nguy500, Aug 5, 2019.

  1. 8Nguy500

    8Nguy500 Junior Member

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    Last week I had a problem trying to refuel a 2017 Prius. First fuel filler button would not release filler flap. I had to go into the hatch and used the manual release. When attempt to refuel gas would back up in the filler tube and shut-off the gas nozzle. Since I was near empty I managed to put 5 gallons in to get home by putting in a little bit at a time. I spoke with a service adviser and was told it might be a clogged air vent tube.
    So two questions 1) has this ever happen to you? 1A) what did you do to fix it? 2) What might be the dealer charge to fix this?
    Thanks for your help.
     
    #1 8Nguy500, Aug 5, 2019
  2. booke02

    booke02 Active Member

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    Warranty???
     
    #2 booke02, Aug 5, 2019
  3. dslomer64

    dslomer64 Member

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    I have a 2017 Prius, too. This has happened to me twice, both for good reasons based on info I didn't know.

    1. At a station, I opened the fuel door. But the pump wouldn't authorize my card. I drove 1.5 miles to the next station. Fuel wouldn't go in. I shut the fuel filler door, got back in, released the fuel door, no further problems. I learned that the display MUST SAY REFUEL READY.

    2. I now always check to make sure REFUEL READY is showing in the display. However, it happened again. This time was because I'd left the driver's door open to hear the current song. Display no longer said REFUEL READY. I shut the fuel door, released it, saw REFUEL READY, shut the driver's door, no problems.

    Here's the procedure I now hate to admit that I must use and that maybe Toyota should consider.

    -At a fuel pump, with engine off, pull the fuel door opener inside the car.

    -Look at the display. If it says REFUEL READY, get out and make sure all 4 doors are closed. Peek inside. If it still says REFUEL READY, fill the tank.

    -If it fails to go in, go back and see if the display says REFUEL READY.

    -If not, NOW WHAT rule did I break? (So far, this hasn't happened again.)

    -If so, oh heck. Problem.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 dslomer64, Aug 5, 2019
    Last edited: Aug 5, 2019
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  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Agreed, should be a warranty fix.

    I fixed a buddy’s car with a clogged air vent on the fuel filler- same symptom you’re describing. Took me an hour and no new parts. The evaporative vent system is grossly similar on nearly every car, so I’d expect the same amount of effort to work for a Prius.

    EDIT: Aha! more info. Sounds like the new Prius has a sneakier evap vent system than the average car… Perhaps the use of the manual filler flap release didn’t allow the system to understand that it should allow fueling?
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Aug 5, 2019
  5. 8Nguy500

    8Nguy500 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the info. I have read other threads on the subject and most mentioned warranty should cover it. The idea that using the manual latch prevents refueling doesn't sound right. What other reason would you have to open the filler door? I'll try watching for the REFUEL message, this is my second Prius and I have had this one since new. I have never come across this issue, I can not say for sure if I have refueled with the drivers door open but I will watch for that on e too. Thanks for the help, If you or others have any other idea please share.
    Thanks.
     
    #5 8Nguy500, Aug 5, 2019
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    What I’m getting at is that maybe the car needs to sense a specific pattern of inputs (regular flap release control + drivers door) to set the vent valve the right way, and perhaps using the emergency release doesn’t trip the same condition.
     
    #6 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Aug 5, 2019
  7. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    The manual says:
    upload_2019-8-6_8-53-32.png

    And more ... .

    There's been a bit of discussion on PriusChat previously. This is on USA (maybe Canada) cars, not here, not sure about EU.
     
    #7 alanclarkeau, Aug 5, 2019
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  8. 8Nguy500

    8Nguy500 Junior Member

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    Here is the answer to this question at least for me. Rodents chewed on a filler hose and some wires under the car. Not covered by warranty but I can out a claim in with my insurance company. The bill was $737.50 $600 for labor. Thought you might like to know.
     
    #8 8Nguy500, Aug 14, 2019
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  9. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    ----USA----
    Thank you for closing the loop!
     
    #9 douglasjre, Aug 20, 2019
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