Problems at the pump... only able to pump 4 gallons?

When the car runs out of fuel you can expect various warning lights to go on. At that point you should stop as quickly as you can while being safe, because the more you drive on battery power alone, the more you will deplete the traction battery.

One way to disconnect the 12V battery is to unbolt the negative cable where it bolts into the body. Another way is to release the positive battery cable where it plugs into the fuse block. You should take a look at the battery and decide what is easier for you.

 

What I don't remember him saying is what the gauge reads AFTER putting in the 4 gallons.

AND I'm not trying to be a "butthead"; I'm trying to show you that the one experience that you have had is NOT the only possibility. It may be likely that the gauge sender is the problem but it is not "obvious" that it is the only possible cause.

His coming test will pretty much solve the problem.

 

I think I've been very clear to say that's what I do. I'm not even close to trying to say my experience is the end all do all be all. Additionally, its not my one experience, I have also seen this over and over on here.

Ok, your not trying to be a butthead but, all you've done is criticized what I say and offered no suggestion to help the OP. It is frustrating when you try to help someone out and you have someone coming in after you and critisizing all you say but offers no solution. This only confuses the person we're trying to help and puts doubt in their minds. If you want to know what his gage reads, ask him.

 

There is no reason to get upset. The real answer often is found by the participants questioning the details of what each other has said........to get the picture clear.

So....that actually is an EXCELLENT suggestion because IF the gauge goes from almost empty to full (or almost full) with the addition of only 4 gallons.....THEN.....the cause of the problem will be obvious and the 200/300 mile test will be totally unnecessary.

And I did offer a suggestion. Sometimes seeking professional advice is the best suggestion.

P.S. And since you are pissed off already........suggesting that someone "add an extra dollar" after the first pump click off isn't a good idea either. Not knowing how the person doing it has the nozzle in the hole, an extra dollar could overflow and cause various problems. Going to the second click would be a much, MUCH better suggestion.

 

Could the same effect be achieved by clearing stored codes using Torque or MiniVCI?

 

I don't know. Clearing DTC is not the same thing as getting the combination meter ECU to recompute fuel level.

 

Several years ago, low-vapor nozzles were mandated in California and that's when my incomplete fill problem started. After some research, I concluded that pressure buildup in the tank was responsible for the premature pump shut-off. To remedy this, I started filling up with the pump nozzle fully inserted, but with the nozzle seal (rubber) pulled back slightly from the tank filler opening during the entire fill process, thus allowing the tank to vent. Using this method, I've had no further problems.

 

If you read my post you will find that I never suggested that he "add an extra dollar". I told the OP, this is what I do when I have this problem. I've never been pissed off just frustrated with your constant contradictions (that continue). You seem not intent on helping the OP but preoccupied with contradicting me.

He will run the test and I guarantee you, his problem will be corrected (which its already showing signs of doing).

Pls tell us your experience dealing with a Gen II bladder. Have you ever owned a Gen II? Have you ever had a problem similiar to this on your C?

Taking the car to seek professional advice is a mute suggestion. After all, that's why he came to Prius Chat and posted his problem, he's trying to avoid that.

OP, I apologize that your thread has been so riddled with contradictions however, pls do post the results of the fillup after the 400 mile drive. I personally am confident that if you drive about 65-70 on the hwy (on your 200 mile trip) and try to maximize the mpgs during the rest of the test, you will easily achieve 400 miles without running out of gas. Good luck

 

So here is THE point.......
You don't KNOW why the OP asked the question.
You don't KNOW that he was trying to avoid a dealer visit.
And your detailed description of what you do carries an implied suggestion that HE do that too.

You are ASSuming things and making statements of fact for things that really are opinions.

I quit. You need to lighten up a bit when people try to clarify things that you have said.

 

When its cold and I pump fuel, I do it that way too - just how I recommended on page 1 - and I never have a problem. Glad it worked for you!

 

Pls tell us your experience dealing with a Gen II bladder. Have you ever owned a Gen II? Have you ever had a problem similiar to this on your C?

Pls show me an example of a time when I made a statement of fact that was really my opinion.

It seems to me your just jealous because you can't put two and two together as well as I can. And its obvious your pissed off because I discounted your advice to take it to a shop/dealer.

Don't worry, you'll be ok.

 

There is one example right there in the next sentence.

Here is another example. There are others.

I really quit. I will not be baited further into a pointless fight.

 

Fail!

 

First off, it's not a 12 gallon bladder. More like 10.x gallon.

 

This thread is funny . If I didn't respond, I would've felt like the fly on the wall that just listens in.

 

I got a 2006 Prius last March and have never put more than 6 gal in , I usually fill it up when 2 "pips" are showing , but I never drove more than 250 miles on a fill-up , so i will try this , and I do have a 5 gal gas container that I will put in the back just for good measure. Thanks for the suggestion

 

If you look at the specs, it is supposed to hold 11.9 gals.

2009 Toyota Prius Standard 4dr Hatchback 1.5L 4-cyl. Hybrid CVT Automatic Features and Specs