No need to power off while refueling...

I've started leaving mine on because; one, the ICE rarely comes one while parked getting gas, unless the AC is on; two, the real danger is a spark from getting in and out of the car igniting gas fuems, not your own cars engine, or else we would have explosions everyday when the guy next to you starts his car while you're still refueling.

I don't know, but it would be interesting to see if there is any information on gas pump fire actually caused becuase the vehicle being left on while refueling. I know people have left desiels run while refueing forever.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Devil's Advocate @ Oct 8 2007, 09:00 PM) [snapback]522903[/snapback]</div>

I don't know about Nevada, but here in Illinois I believe there is a law against fueling your car while the engine is running. I don't know if the law was created because of fires that started, or if it was just because some lawmaker thought a fire could start. Either way, until the law is changed, I turn the car off.

If you want to fuel without turning the car off, and you want to make sure the ICE doesn't start up, I think the ICE won't come on if you put it in "neutral" and use the parking brake. Just make sure you remember to release the parking brake before you try to drive away.

 

The RX400H actually tells you that you can refuel without turning it off... just park it and open the tank! I've done this with mine forever now... there's no issue. If you don't want the engine to run while it's on just turn off the air conditioner.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mirza @ Oct 8 2007, 07:14 PM) [snapback]522909[/snapback]</div>

Where does the vehicle tell you that? If the ICE ever starts, it doesn't matter WHAT your car whispers in your ear. It is still illegal in my state to fuel while the car is running. The car doesn't get to decide that.

 

Ive tried both ways...if i dont shut down...the fuel gauge will not read correctly...it will stay where it was...if i had a 1/2 tank left, and i filled it up...it wont read full because i didnt shut down...when i shut down, the system resets and everything reads correctly...its been this way over 3 years now...since day 1 on the car...same results...so i shut down...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mirza @ Oct 8 2007, 09:14 PM) [snapback]522909[/snapback]</div>

Well, that answers this question once and for all.

Evidently stupidity has actually been codified by an RX400H.

 

I doubt that it will blow up. Neither will a cell phone.

It all depends on the circumstance. If its really hot or cold outside and my gf or granddparents are in the car, then i would leave the car on. Otherwise, I'll turn it off.

 

Unless there's a likely circumstance that the ICE would turn on, I tend to leave the car on while refueling. Don't hold your breath on headlines citing my dire, fiery end, though... I've been doing this for over 2 years, but one time, I came close to melting off my face when the ICE started. Nearby patrons dove for cover, but fortunately, a catastrophic, hybrid explosion was averted... somehow. I believe the engines off law/warning is, at least, partially there to minimize on gas and dashes.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mirza @ Oct 8 2007, 07:14 PM) [snapback]522909[/snapback]</div>

What about a Check Engine Light being thrown when the evaporative emission control system looks for pressure in the fuel tank and there is none? That is the reason why you should turn off the engine before re-fueling in a traditional (non-hybrid) car. Presumably, the same applies (the evaporative emission control system) when the Prius is powered up.

 

The fuel cap on most modern vehicles is an integral piece in the emissions equipment. It functions, of course, to cap the fuel tank, but it also seals the vapor recovery system. I am not trying to suggest that fueling with the engine running is going to increase emissions, but rather that it is possible that the open system will cause the computer to throw a check engine code. Many late model vehicles will illuminate the check engine light only to have it go out when the loose gas cap is tightened.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(apriusfan @ Oct 8 2007, 10:37 PM) [snapback]522980[/snapback]</div>

Beat me to it!

 

What's the worst that can happen?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(apriusfan @ Oct 8 2007, 08:37 PM) [snapback]522980[/snapback]</div>

piffle!

i drove cross-country twice this summer, and because of the heat and my wife and two dogs in the car, i got into the habit of never turning the car off during refueling.

nothing ever happened. no fire, no explosions [i always ground myself to the car before bringing the fuel nozzle near the car], no nothing.

the engine service light did come on once near the end of the trip, but that was because it was overdue for an oil change.

there's a difference between "turning off the engine" of a non-hybrid and "turning off the car" for a hybrid. even with the car "powered up," the ICE ain't necessarily running. even if it starts, there's NOTHING inherently dangerous about it cranking up when you're refueling. there ain't no exposed sparks or flames from the ICE. if there were, the dashboard would have been lit up by any number of warning lights long before you pulled into the gas station!

..... did you believe everything your mommy told you, too, or did you think about it?



oh, btw, over 33k miles now... and five times 'cross country.

 

Three Rules for Safe Refueling
1. Turn off engine.
2. Don't smoke.
3. Never re-enter your vehicle while refueling.
- Petroleum Equipment Institute

http://www.pei.org/Index.aspx?p=stop_static


Anyone who disagrees . . . using such anecdotal evidence like, "I've been doing this for over 2 years" is one statistical blip away from being nominated for a Darwin Award.

 

Ya know, I've always wondered about this. The emissions issue / check engine light not withstanding, why on earth should this be a problem? If the gas in the fuel tank were likely to be ignited by the engine, shouldn't it do so ANYTIME you start the car? Why would the fact that you're actively putting gas in suddenly cause the engine to ignite the tank? Logically, this makes no sense. Sure, the engine burns gas and has sparks, etc., but it's all neatly contained within the engine itself. If it weren't, as someone else stated, you'd have problems long before you got to the gas station.

That said, I do turn mine off like a good little citizen.

 

A while back someone (Hobbit, I think) suggested that the various relays and switches in the Prius electrical system could be potential spark sources.

Some of you say, "I've never had a problem." Anyone that's ever had a problem at one time could have said that.

Coming from a long-time member of the fire service: Please turn your car off when you refuel. There is virtually nothing to be gained from leaving it on. View it like a risk management professional might. The probability of a problem is small, but the consequences are huge. Use the simple and easy risk reduction step that's literally at your fingertips: the power button.

 

I think you are all missing a small point here. if you leave your car on and the ice is running, you're using fuel.

 

ya ya ya ...

spoken from the grave

"i drove drunk hundreds of times and did just fine expect for that last time..."

 

I've always been one to turn the car off during refueling, but lately I've changed my routine. Since I live up hill and about .25 mile from the gas station I usually refill at, I turn on the car, hit the EV button and drive to the station that way.

Actually, come to think of it I end up shutting it off then too out of habit, but at least I didn't use gas getting there downhill.

 

If you look at the data on gas station refueling fires, they seem to result either from static discharge or smoking. These days, it's unlikely that you'll get an explosive mixture inside the car or engine compartment.

My take is that with the car running you're more likely to have an accident involving unintended motion. Ripping the nozzle from the pump would not be a good idea! I never leave any unattended vehicle running, it's asking for trouble.

Mike