Fuel gauge problem solved?

Maybe it's a temperature thing? My last fillup got a gallon more than I've ever gotten before (though still only 8.5, with the last bar blinking). Maybe the bladder expands when it's warmer?

 

My current theory: CRAM the tank full of gas a few times, then see if the gauge works better.

Last tank, I went through 10.6 gallons and had one unblinking bar left when I pulled into the gas station. Almost exactly what 522 miles at 48.9MPG should have used.

Or maybe I was just lucky... :?

 

That's what I'm working on too, hopefully this'll stretch out that bladder...

-m.

 

I figure that if I need to spend twice as long getting gas, so that I fill up 20% less often, I'm not coming out ahead on the deal

 

haha, very true. However for me, I'm refueling more than 50% less often (refueled over twice as much) now than with my old car. I'll gladly take my time at the pump in my situation.

-m.

 

My Prius, manufactured in March 2004, took 10.2 gallons, 4 miles after the last bar started blinking. I filled it using the automatic cutoff, with the nozzle at the lower flow setting (there were two). I did not top off.

The other tanks were 8 plus and 9 plus.

So, I have no problems with the fuel gage, it seems to work as I would expect a guage to work.

 

Wow - the problem has definitely been solved. I'm extremely lucky if I can get 9 gallons in the tank, after driving another 50 miles past when the 'add fuel' notofication comes online...

My top peeves with the car:

Seat Comfort
Fuel Gauge
Glare on Nav Screen from Windshield
Not being able to use more functions of nav while driving
Stereo quality
No "input" on stereo for my mp3 player

 

Benbethel- do you have the premium JBL stereo? If so, take heart- it gets better. Like most audio equipment, there is a break-in period. I was disappointed for the first six weeks, then there was a VERY noticeable tightening of bass and opening up of the midrange and treble. Sounds great now.

I'm awaiting my MP3 player input from Coastaletech.com- it has just become available. Check it out.

Also, a sheepskin seatcover does wonders for comfort level, in my experience.

 

Umm, I don't see it available on their site yet. Where did you see this?

 

I think it's still listed as 'coming attractions' on the web site. I called and talked to them, they said the parts were in, he just needed to do a little testing and finish the instructions. A call should get it to you as soon as it's ready.

 

Now that's all pretty darn cool stuff on that site! I have to give it to them - they're doing the things that Toyota should have done to begin with. Even the XM Radio interface looks promising enough to consider it - if it weren't $500... which is absolutely ridiculous!

I like the brake indicator - showing when you're using the friction brakes as opposed to regenerative braking...

Good stuff - kudos to them!

 

Well, rumor is that the XM integrated will be available in the '05 model, and I could just about promise you that 'extra' will probably run between 400-600+. From what both Coastal Dave and Jon of Priusxm.com have told us, the actual cost of the box is right around $400. And, uh, it's integrated XM, so to me it's worth it.

-m.

 

I always thought that integrated XM radio was free on new vehicles... not an upgrade. The car company gets to offer it and XM gets a new subscriber. I think it's nice, but I prefer my 30GB of mp3 music on random all the time through my mp3 player.

Now, what really interests me is the 'electric only' switch.... with this (even though it can only be used for a short time) we can get HOV plates in Arizona!

 

I should add - the equipment is free, but then you have to pay for the subscription, in case that wasn't obvious....

 

for all you guys trying to stretch the bladder....

why dont you put as much gas in as you can then go out into the middle of a parking lot and then drive in circles to your left as fast as possible.

this should create centrifical force that will pull on the bladder and make it bigger...

 

Well, since I only overfilled once and right now I'm sitting at 490miles (add fuel light just came on a few miles ago) with 52.7mpg, I think it worked by just filling it full once, but thanks.

-m.

 

obtw.... that post about driving around in circles was a joke ok...

dont do it.

 

Re: whether the newer Priuses being delivered now are "fixed" for gas tank capacity/gas gauge accuracy: I've took delivery in March 2004 and I found that the gas pump would shut off at only 7.5 gallons when the gauge was 50 miles past starting to flash. I think folks with a new Prius who reported 10+ gals per fill were just lucky--there is ample evidence from the numerous posts on the subject that Prius tank "capacity" is subject to considerable sample-to-sample variation.

I've tried stretching the bladder with the last two fill-ups. The stretching seems to be working--the tank took 8.9 and then 9.8 gals, by far the most I've been able to pump. (The topping-off process of adding 2 additional gallons is tedious--but I've been careful and never spilled any gas.) The warmer weather perhaps has helped?

Gary