Gas gauge acting funny after fill up

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jayhof @ Feb 1 2007, 03:18 PM) [snapback]384155[/snapback]</div>

At least since cold weather hit, I've never been able to get more than 8 gallons in, even after it's started flashing.

Dave M.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jayhof @ Feb 1 2007, 06:18 PM) [snapback]384155[/snapback]</div>

The volume appears to be normal. If the gauge is showing low and I know the tank is full I wouldn't have been concerned about running out of gas but my next trip would be to the dealer for some warranty work.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jayhof @ Feb 1 2007, 05:18 PM) [snapback]384155[/snapback]</div>

No, I haven't noticed that but I did notice that after I filled up and drove only about 40 miles, the gauge was down two pips. It seems like it went down too fast from being "full." I too have a 2007 and am only about my 4th tank of gas. My MPG has ranged from about 42 MPG on the second fill up to 33 MPG on my last one. I'm really surprised at the difference. I'm supposing it's the cold weather and the fact that the 42 MPG had some highway miles on it. Before purchasing this car, I was under the impression that the Prius got the BEST mileage in town which I guess was not correct.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jayhof @ Feb 1 2007, 05:18 PM) [snapback]384155[/snapback]</div>

I have had my 2007 for two months now here in Illinois. The colder it gets, the harder it is to get a "full" tank. Today, when I filled up (8f temp) I was able to squeeze 9.956 Gallons in. It clicked off the first time at 7.5 gallons. What I did different this time was to pull the nozzle out a slight bit and tilt the tip up. Then I started filling at a slower than usual rate and squeezed in an extra 2.456 gallons in. Stopping at the first click, especially in the cold doesn't seem to work.
David

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CarolDM @ Feb 7 2007, 08:31 PM) [snapback]386769[/snapback]</div>

I had the same problem and thought the same thing. What I did is took the current mileage on the odometer and divided it by the total number of gallons that I used since I got the car. My average was 46.2! Don't stop at the first click when it is cold.
Hope this helps and don't worry, you bought a GREAT car! You'll see.
David

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CarolDM @ Feb 7 2007, 09:31 PM) [snapback]386769[/snapback]</div>

One of the few things we all seem to agree on is that the EPA numbers don't represent realistic driving. Environment, terrain, and driving habits all influence the mpg. When it's colder the ICE runs just to keep itself (and probably you) warm. The technique with the best ROI is to block the grill. (Search for "My first day with a blocked grill".)

In slow stop & go traffic the electric motor will drive the car (until the battery needs charging), hence the higher city EPA estimate. One doesn't need much power to maintain a constant speed so with a little practice one can get high highway mpg.

The first 5 minutes of any drive will be low--around 25mpg as the gas engine warms up the converter and itself.

Don't get freaked out over the "guess guage". Some pips go fast, some slow.

Browse through the forums or view all new posts. Lots of information here. Chances are your question has already been answered.

The best advice is to just enjoy driving the car.