Recently we traded our 2004 Prius for a 2006. Two weeks ago, I had a Add fuel warning in the 2006. 10 to 11 miles later I had "hybrid system failure" warning. I got home on the battery. Local dealer tested the car. All of the diagnostics led to the conclusion that I ran out of gas... With the 2004, I could drive 50 to 60 miles until I needed to refuel. Second dealer had the car today. He needed to put 10 gallons of gas in the car with 3 bars on the display and no add fuel warning listed. Is this a defective fuel tank sensor? Poorly calibrated sensor? Does anyone have an idea about this?
might be an inclinometer calibration issue, but i'm not surprised that there's a difference in time to empty gas tank after the add fuel warning in the 06 vs the 04.
The fuel tank sensors are notorious! The bag in the tank appears to contribute to errors. The car must also be calibrated when flat. It is easy to do, but I would still bet on the overall inaccuracy of the system. One of our weak points in the US Prius. When I get to one bar I fill. Why mess? 600 mile tanks are fun but why mess? Not worth the effort. MPG are! Waiting is!
