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Variance in Fuel Gauge Level

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by New2Priusv, Oct 7, 2015.

  1. New2Priusv

    New2Priusv Junior Member

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    I noticed for the first time today on my 2012 v that the fuel gauge level seemed to fluctuate. I distinctly remember seeing 4 "pips" and then a bit later on, the gauge showed 5, and then went back to 4 again. Anyone else experience this and any cause for concern?
     
    #1 New2Priusv, Oct 7, 2015
  2. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    My 2009 Gen II does something similar, but having read the discussions here about the flexible tank used in the Gen II, I don't worry too much about it, I also have a ScanGauge II on which I show % gas, and that seems to be consistent with the number of bars on the built-in gas-gauge, from one fill-up to the next, so if you keep an eye on things and observe the behaviour, I wouldn't think you need to worry about it! - hope this helps - Wil
     
    #2 WilDavis, Oct 7, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    perhaps you were right on the cusp and changing angles changed the reading.
     
    #3 bisco, Oct 7, 2015
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  4. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Seen the same thing on ours a couple of times. Usually happens when shutting down and then restarting later on. Sometimes it will read 4 then read 5 on the next start up only to go back down to 4 later on.

    I write it off to expansion of fuel in tank, but who knows what the real cause is. It doesn't happen often, but your's is not the first.
     
    #4 dorunron, Oct 7, 2015
  5. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Each pip represents a range of level, not a defined amount. The attitude of the car and changing temps can cause it to add a pip from time to time, or subtract one then give it back. The only pip you need to worry about is the last one.
     
    #5 rdgrimes, Oct 7, 2015
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  6. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Hmm i've never seen a gain of a pip...I thought the software probably was coded to permanently take away a pip, otherwise it would bounce around.
     
    #6 wjtracy, Oct 8, 2015
  7. New2Priusv

    New2Priusv Junior Member

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    Thanks all, yes, in almost 2 1/2 years of ownership, that was the first time I recalled seeing that, but of course, it's not like I'm staring at it all the time. I wouldn't think this has to do with it, but the car was sitting in my driveway for about a month while I was on vacation.
     
    #7 New2Priusv, Oct 8, 2015
  8. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    I see it all the time on steep ground when the car is pointed uphill vs down. Seems to happen more in the bottom 1/4, but that may just be that its more noticeable.
     
    #8 rdgrimes, Oct 8, 2015
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    It happens a lot with older needle gauge cars: I can recall going down steep hills and seeing the needle climb back up. And fwiw, the one time I ever ran a car outa gas was going up a fairly steep hill. Depends on where the gauge and fuel pump is situated I'm sure.
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, Oct 8, 2015
  10. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    Yes. People who imagine the fuel-gauge float in the tank will somehow be totally unaffected by hills, curves, acceleration, or braking are pretty silly! Nowadays such effects are suppressed through software, but can't be totally eliminated in all circumstances.
     
    #10 CR94, Oct 9, 2015
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i look at my gauge so rarely, it could be doing the watusi, and i wouldn't know.
     
    #11 bisco, Oct 9, 2015
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