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Greatly diminished mpg after accident

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by RCH, Feb 11, 2007.

  1. RCH

    RCH New Member

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    Just before Thanksgiving I was sitting at a stop light in my 2004 prius when a pickup plowed into me from behind. Witnesses clocked him at well over 70 mph when he passed them (speed limit is 50). He skidded about 60 feet before ramming me. The passenger side rear corner was smashed in about a foot and all the glass in the hatchback door was gone. The bumper was half gone, etc. Anyway, the Toyota dealer spend a month working on the car (over $13000 repairs, AAA paid it). I got it back the day after Christmas, but, being a teacher, I was on vacation for the next 2 weeks. When I started driving the car again, I was dismayed to discover I could only get 40 mpg at best. I never got less than 50 mpg and usually was around 55 mpg. My wife's prius (2006) still gets at least 50 mpg for her and 55 mpg for me. I returned the car to the dealer who found nothing wrong according to their computer. There must be something dramatically wrong. How can I troubleshoot it?
     
    #1 RCH, Feb 11, 2007
  2. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    one thought is to get a 4 wheel alignment done to make sure that the car is square with the road and not dog tracking or some other problem that is causing drag. Tire pressure is it where it should be? Some of the easy ones.
     
    #2 Frank Hudon, Feb 11, 2007
  3. statultra

    statultra uber-Senior Member

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    they should also check the bottom for the plastics that shield the engine, those things if they are warped or missing can lower your gas mileage by a lot, i had a 01 prius that i drove to florida without those plastics because it was in a accident and the mpg suffered as a result, as soon as i replaced them i was getting 49-52 mpg .

    Aerodynamics plays a role, check the frame alignment, and also the splash shields under the car
     
    #3 statultra, Feb 11, 2007
  4. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    On top of all those previous suggestions, when the 12V battery is disconnected for a while, and I'm pretty sure it was, the computer "forgets" your driving style (acceleration and braking rates) which can cause a drop in MPG. It's fixed by driving.

    And welcome to PriusChat! Keep us posted on whether your MPG improves.
     
    #4 Bill Merchant, Feb 11, 2007
  5. donee

    donee New Member

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    Hi RCH,

    Get the oil changed and be sure they put in 5W30. Possibly the repair shop just put in 10W30, and or too much.
     
    #5 donee, Feb 12, 2007
  6. Bill Lumbergh

    Bill Lumbergh USAF Aircraft Maintainer

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    Is the temperature substantially lower now than it was then? My mileage plummets during the winter, by as much as 20 MPG(!), so track it over a couple of tanks.

    Also, are you still on the same tank of fuel as when the car was hit? Gas goes bad fairly quickly and that can contribute to poor fuel economy.
     
    #6 Bill Lumbergh, Feb 12, 2007
  7. RCH

    RCH New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boxster...WRX...Prius? @ Feb 12 2007, 01:46 AM) [snapback]388777[/snapback]</div>
    These are all appreciated suggestions. I will check into those that I haven't already surveyed. First, the temperature issue may be a factor, but it hasn't been very cold (58 degrees yesterday) and my wife's prius is not suffering. Second, the tire pressures are all optimal. Third, I am nearly through the 2nd tank of gas. It goes by much faster now. Other things I have noticed: Even when the battery indicator is green, the engine kicks in; I will have no electrical accessories on, no lights, no radio, no defrost, no heat, and am sitting at a stop light. Outside temperature is in the 50's when this occurs. I never noticed this behavior before. I suspect a wheel alignment issue, since coasting seems less efficient.
     
    #7 RCH, Feb 12, 2007
  8. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Feb 11 2007, 10:18 PM) [snapback]388721[/snapback]</div>
    I woudn't rule this out. Bill's onto something here.

    This point becomes important to me because tonight Priapus is going to the doctor for some surgeory. I'm finally getting the steering shaft replacement. They will disconnect the 12v battery and he will forget how I drive. In essense, he will perform like a brand new car rather than my partner. It will take approximately 3,000 miles before he's completely figured me out and will start adjusting his operations to match my driving style.

    If all other things are rulled out, consider this one a possibility.
     
    #8 TonyPSchaefer, Feb 12, 2007
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