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Flashing fuel light

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Toyota2, Nov 11, 2022.

  1. Toyota2

    Toyota2 Junior Member

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    I've looked up warning fuel light & get conflictions some say 1.6 gal some 2 or 3 GL when light flashes
    For me to sum up - when my light flashes & I refill , at that point at best 3 gallons refills it That should leave me 8.9 gallon reserve.
    The furthest i've pushed it equaled a 4 gallon refill The tank does read full after refills .
    Basically once a few fuel boxes shut off it will go kinda fast to end (the blinking) .
    My fuel economy is great .. I can live with it still is there an easy fix just the same .
    I could keep 2 GL with me & just go for it to see if 8.9 or so in reserve .
     
    #1 Toyota2, Nov 11, 2022
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's the bladder
     
    #2 bisco, Nov 11, 2022
  3. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    See
    Fuel Gauge Calibration Instructions | PriusChat
     
    #3 Another, Nov 12, 2022
  4. Toyota2

    Toyota2 Junior Member

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    #4 Toyota2, Nov 12, 2022
  5. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    I would think that your fuel level sensor is worn and has a "bad spot" at around the ¾ range.

    You could look up the test procedure in the service manual for the fuel gauge. Remove the rear seat base and check the level sensor resistance when it shows "E" (flashing). Normal resistance should be around 110 ohms at E and 4 ohms at F.

    When the sensor goes bad, the reading can be anything from 150 ohms up to open circuit (infinity). Repair on a US spec gen2 prius is to replace the fuel tank assembly.

    (FYI, if you do run your car out of gas "for testing", the book says the car needs to see a minimum of 3 gallons filled before it will allow the car to start. IDK what would happen with a bad fuel gauge. Might have to use a scantool or 12V battery disconnect to clear codes in that case.)

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 mr_guy_mann, Nov 14, 2022
  6. Toyota2

    Toyota2 Junior Member

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    Thanks
    For now I refill at E , maybe push an extra 50 miles
    but I guess it's safe at least with hefty reserve
     
    #6 Toyota2, Nov 15, 2022
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