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Prius gen 2 last 3 pips go within 20mi

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Ddpotanks, Jun 26, 2024.

  1. Ddpotanks

    Ddpotanks New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    II
    Quick question: I have a gen 2 at about 180,000 miles. I have the same bladder problems most do, especially in the winter.

    I've never been able to get much more than 8 gallons of gas in the tank although I've never kept driving past the flashing pip.

    Recently, in the Va summer, I've had the last three pips drop right down to flashing within 20 miles. I've gotten a reliable 280 miles or so out of it for several years without an issue except for the past week.

    This last tank of gas especially I went from 7-6 pips to flashing in about 30 miles. Starting at around 160.


    Is this likely a problem with the gas gauge or the gas tank? I plan to get a small gas can and ride it until it dies this next time but any other troubleshooting steps would be appreciated.
     
    #1 Ddpotanks, Jun 26, 2024
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Only 286 mi what the heck $286 mi and then you fill it with 8 gallons of fuel I guess that's not too too bad I usually run closer to 420 and put 10 gallons in so you know it's kind of easy to keep track of that leaves me about 1 gallon in the tank and that's why it's flashing makes good sense and the math maths
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Jun 27, 2024
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the bladders become less flexible with age, just like humans.
     
    #3 bisco, Jun 27, 2024
  4. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    I wonder though, does the bladder material really change? Anybody cut a bad tank open to see?

    How does the air which is between the bladder and the tank get out? If that was through a small hole or tube, and it became blocked, maybe the air could build up and reduce the bladder capacity? Not saying this actually happens, but if it does this should be called CARdiac tamponade.
     
    #4 pasadena_commut, Jun 28, 2024
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