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Can Gen 3 prius fuel gauge be reset?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Oldfatdude, May 5, 2021.

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  1. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    I drive over 300 miles a day. I use between 8 and 10 gallons of gas.
    My fuel gauge now shows almost full all the time, even after driving 350 miles
    Is there a way to reset the float like the method used to reset the Gen 2 models?
    Thanks
    Mike
     
    #1 Oldfatdude, May 5, 2021
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think there might be. try googling some different terms
     
    #2 bisco, May 5, 2021
  3. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    I've been searching through the internet and YouTube for days... that's why I asked in this forum.
     
    #3 Oldfatdude, May 10, 2021
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    two suggestions i find: disconnect 12v neg for a minute. if that doesn't work:

    replace the sending unit. it is located through an access hole under the rear seat.

    the proceedure is in the service manual, or avi's advanced auto said he disconnects the fuel pump, and runs the engine to release the fuel pressure.
     
    #4 bisco, May 10, 2021
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  5. Maarten28

    Maarten28 Active Member

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    Have you visually inspected the float? Is it not sticking in the full position?
     
    #5 Maarten28, May 11, 2021
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  6. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    I haven't tried anything yet. Since Gen 2 has an electronic procedure, I was hoping that Gen 3 would have something similar.
     
    #6 Oldfatdude, May 11, 2021
  7. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    I was trying to avoid physical labor, lol
    (I'm 70)
     
    #7 Oldfatdude, May 11, 2021
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i hear you!
     
    #8 bisco, May 11, 2021
  9. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    I've been looking online for a definitive picture of where the float is located. I don't have a repair manual but I'm guessing the float is located on or near the fuel pump. Does anyone have a picture of the location, or a description?
    Does the pump need to be removed or can the float be removed separately?
    I can't find anything on YouTube or anywhere.
    Thanks
     
    #9 Oldfatdude, May 11, 2021
  10. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    I'll try your suggestions this weekend, thanks
     
    #10 Oldfatdude, May 12, 2021
  11. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    I just unplugged the fuel pump. Engine died from fuel starvation. Got the fatal 'check hybrid system'.
    Float still stuck at top.
    Didn't work.
    (I can erase codes, errors gone, but fuel gauge still effed up.)
     
    #11 Oldfatdude, May 12, 2021
  12. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    P. S. I still don't know where the float is... wish I could find a damn picture!!
     
    #12 Oldfatdude, May 12, 2021
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    have you tried searching for the service manual?
     
    #13 bisco, May 12, 2021
  14. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    Yes, but I'd have to pay for it. Lol
    I don't want to pay for it when all I want to know is where it is, without tearing my car apart.
    I took the back seat out and took the plate off the fuel pump but I didn't see anything that looked like a float connector.
     
    #14 Oldfatdude, May 13, 2021
  15. Maarten28

    Maarten28 Active Member

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    The float is connected to the fuel pump which is located under the back seat (but you probably found that because you disconnected it). You need to get the big screw top off to access it.
    Here's a video:
     
    #15 Maarten28, May 14, 2021
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  16. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Thanks for the video...
    Maybe it's the coating inside the tank, but the fuel looked rusted?
    He spent the first 2 minutes showing pump....

    Where did he get the pump? Part number?

     
    #16 ASRDogman, May 14, 2021
  17. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    THANK YOU!!!
     
    #17 Oldfatdude, May 14, 2021
  18. Oldfatdude

    Oldfatdude Junior Member

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    Absolutely perfect!!
    Thank you!
    I owe you!
     
    #18 Oldfatdude, May 14, 2021
  19. AltraStache

    AltraStache Junior Member

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    Any luck with correcting the issue with the fuel gauge via the float or fuel pump replacement. I thinking I might have the same issue the 2010 I just purchased. It was at a 1/2 tank when I bought it but then filled it up and now it says full even after a few days of driving.
     
    #19 AltraStache, Jun 7, 2023
  20. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    And how many miles?

    my 2 cents: drive it a few more days, gauge will start dropping, you’ll fugedaboutit.
     
    #20 Mendel Leisk, Jun 7, 2023
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