GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars - View Single Post

mtngoat · #19 (**permalink**) 08-13-2005, 09:52 PM

I own a 2004 Prius, which I purchased in Feb 2004. I have experienced problems filling my tank and with the accuracy of the fuel gauge. I think it got really bad on the day I drove around Denver and it was 102F. I went to fill up before I headed home (60 highway miles and 3000ft elevation gain to get home) that day and I could only get 1 gal in before the filler stopped even though the gauge read 1/2 a tank. I then drove about 150 miles or less and the gauge read empty. Before I made another trip to Denver, I added about 3 gallons to the tank. I drove another 150 miles to and around Denver. After which, the gauge only read 1/3 full. I attempted to top off the car again and could only get in 1 gal. The gauge then read 2/3 full. I drove home 70 miles and then the gauge read 1/3 full again. Oh, and my car started hesitating during slow speed acceleration. Now, I never add more gas after the filler stops and my car usually gets 50 mpg in the Summer and 40/45 mpg in winter, based on miles between fillups/gallons added at fillup. The trip home never uses more than one bar on the fuel gauge. Clearly there was a problem!

I contacted my Toyota dealership and they scheduled an appt. After checking out the car, they replaced the filler nozzle and a computer for the fuel gauge. They also performed some other "recall" type repairs. These included an update to the engine control program and replacing a switch for the brake lights. I'm not sure I completely inderstand all of their repair codes. If anyone wants to see the report, I'd be happy to share it. Be prepared that you will have to give up your car for a few days. It took 3 days to get the parts and 3 hours to complete the repair. But, if it's warranty work, Toyota keeps your car until they finish the job. They did give me a rental at their expense.

Sorry my first post is so long, but this is definitely an issue that you should make sure Toyota fixes.

Lisa