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Fuel Gauge is not accurate

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by gailcav, Dec 14, 2005.

  1. gailcav

    gailcav New Member

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    We have a 2004 that had the filler pipe replaced in February bceause the the fuel gauge was not accurate. It seemd to fix the problem for a few months, but it is now happening again. We took it back to the dealer. The "quality contol manager" stated that it could not be fixed and that it was a continual problem with the 2004's. We live in San Diego--any suggestions as to what we can do next? Help!!
     
    #1 gailcav, Dec 14, 2005
  2. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    Nature of the beast. Fuel guage is not an exact science. It certainly cannot be used for commerce. :D
     
    #2 DanMan32, Dec 14, 2005
  3. jeromep

    jeromep Member

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    Actually once the TSB is done nothing should change with the configuration of the filler neck. I believe the problem was with the filler nozzle inlet and the shape/length of the neck.

    However, since it is getting cold out, very cold in some places, the bladder in the tank is less elastic and as such will start to shut off earlier than desired. I bet when the weather warms up again the bladder will regain elasticity and you will get normal fueling again.

    This is also an appropriate time to state that the fuel guage is not linear and will often times stay on a marker for a long period of time and then drop marks quickly and then stay on a marker for a while and so forth. Just be sure to refill when there are 2 markers left and you should be just fine.
     
    #3 jeromep, Dec 14, 2005
  4. Kyle Pehrson

    Kyle Pehrson Member

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    HI everyone
    Long time. This is a very sensitive level calibration inside of the combination meter. If at any time the fuel tank is filled with it on an unlevel surfice or different than the spot in the shop that is was set at. It will have to be recalabratied. The ones that I have seen would only take 3 gal of gas but moved the gage from empty to full. Than would be empty in 150 miles. If you are getting 7-10 gal this is normal if it is cold.
     
    #4 Kyle Pehrson, Dec 20, 2005
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