Gas tank question

Most asked question on Priuschat. Hundreds and hundreds of posts about it.

The gas tank uses a rubber flexible bladder like they use in Nascar which collapses around the fuel making the fuel unable to produce fumes which lowers emisions. Problem is when you get close to empty the bladder is almost completely collapsed. So when you pull up to the pump and jump out and jam the gas nozzle in the fill hole the bladder does not release quickly and easily and the pump senses back pressure and shuts off. The gas pump reacts very quickly to any back pressure and shuts off prematurely.
A really tough issue up north during the winter when the bladder becomes
even less flexible due to being cold & stiff. real problem.

Alot of people continue to click the pump on forcing gas into the tank because they know the tank can hold more than the clicking off pump is telling them. They are quickly rewarded with a bath of gasoline as the unfolding bladder pushes out air and forces all the gas back up the pipe and onto your shoes..

The fix is very simple and foolproof. Vent the tank a minute or 2 before fueling. Pull up to the gas station and open the gas cap. Venting the tank.
Go inside for few minutes and buy a drink. When you come out pump gas as slow as you can.
If you can let it vent for more than 2 minutes you can pump fast but I have found over the last 3 years
slow pump is the best.
But here's the very important part. Hang up the pump on the very first click.
One one bar you will be able to get about 8+ gallons in to the first click.
Hang it up.
Its just one of the minor things you have to put up with to drive a ZERO EMISSIONS car.

Try what I recommend over 3 or 4 tankfuls and you'll have no issues ever again and you'll get a good feel for whats up with the bladder.
Its really no issue at all when you understand it.

Good Luck!!

 

Pay it forward. Next time someone asks about a Gen II gas tank, you can provide the answer.

Tom