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My 2008 Prius gas guage flashes near empty-yet just filed the tank!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by jazzkrow, Oct 4, 2009.

  1. jazzkrow

    jazzkrow New Member

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    Location:
    PORTLAND,OR.
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    (This is second time in last 6 mos this has happened)
    I fill up the tank and the gas guage goes DOWN and indicates I am out of gas. I turned engine off and opened gas tank door and opened and reclosed door with tight seal)
    yet it still shows as out of gas and when I start up car i get ADD Fuel notice which goes away. yet gauge continues to flash on last square.
    Will car computer let car "stop" as if I am out of gas. Last time problem went away after 2 or 3 times re-starting car.
    Also trip odometer did not reset to zero.
    Do I need to bring into dealer ASAP?
    Or will computer in car reset this problem.
    Help!
     
    #1 jazzkrow, Oct 4, 2009
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    There's no need to see the dealer, at least no urgency to do so.
    How much gas was in your tank when you refilled? If you put in less than 3-4 gallons it will not reset to full...I don't know exactly why it's designed that way, but it is.

    Also, once you open that gas tank door you've blown your shot for a reset.

    I recommend you drive whatever your usual tank range is...at least 300-400 miles and then refill and it should be fine.
     
    #2 efusco, Oct 4, 2009
  3. jazzkrow

    jazzkrow New Member

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    I put in between 6-7 gallons in.
    Wonder why the gauge went down (I had 3 squares still showing) when i filled up tank-instead of showing a ful tank.
    Is it because gas station attendant (I live in Oregon) failed to seal cap properly?
    Scary part is gauge went down to single square and then that square began flashing!
    THANKS, EVAN!
    Guess I'll just drive 250 miles and then fill up tank again...
    -Jeff
     
    #3 jazzkrow, Oct 4, 2009
  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    It should have reset with 6-7 gallons. The guage will not reset and will continue to go down if you don't fill with at least 3-4 gallons....and if the cap was not put on properly you should have gotten an MIL indication on the dash--I'm not sure what the fuel gauge behavior would be in that situation.

    I guess I'd say that if it ever happens again and you're certain there was more than 4 gallons put in and you're certain the cap was put back on properly then you should see the dealer as there could be a problem with the complex tank level sensor system.
     
    #4 efusco, Oct 4, 2009
  5. jazzkrow

    jazzkrow New Member

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    2008 Prius
    hard to say as this is only second time this has happened.
    Probably 4-6 mos between occurences.
    I always go to 2-3 squares then refill tank.
    Usually go one block and then gauge shows full and trip odometer resets.
    Wonder why it won't show refilled with that much gas added.
    Guess I'll just proceed as you advised.
    Thanks!
     
    #5 jazzkrow, Oct 4, 2009
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