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Can Faulty Low Pressure Indicator Cause MPG loss?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by priifamily, Jan 24, 2012.

  1. priifamily

    priifamily Junior Member

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    2010 Prius
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    My 07 with 178K miles is getting about 35MPG and the only thing noticeably different in the constant lighting of the low pressure indicator, even tho the tires are fine.
    Stopping by Costco Tire, the mgr. said there is a battery in the indicator that does wear out, knowing how linked the electronics are in these cars, could this be the cause of the poor mileage?
    Can this part be purchased aftermarket and installed by a DIY-er.
    Thanks for any help.
    TD
     
    #1 priifamily, Jan 24, 2012
  2. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    #2 cwerdna, Jan 25, 2012
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    A failed TPMS sensor will not change your mileage or cause any other weirdness with electronics. It will, however, mask an actual drop in tire pressure, which will hurt mileage and compromise safety.

    Tom
     
    #3 qbee42, Jan 25, 2012
    1 person likes this.
  4. priifamily

    priifamily Junior Member

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    thx Cwerdna , i will do that asap. We own a 10 and an 07 if that helps.

    thx Qbee42 I'll check it out. right now nursing daughter who just had four wisdom teeth pulled, hope she is still smarter than her old Dad.
     
    #4 priifamily, Jan 25, 2012
  5. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    Does the 2007 still have the original 12V battery? A failing 12v battery has been known to cause the ICE to not shut down since it's trying to charge the battery. Does the ICE (gas motor) seem to be running all the time?
     
    #5 xpcman, Jan 25, 2012
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