12v battery died; now fuel gauge at 1 bar and blinking

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by PensacolaRevitup, Dec 30, 2020.

  1. PensacolaRevitup

    PensacolaRevitup New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2020
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    Pensacola, FL
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    My '09 got t-boned in the right rear (not too serious). Ended up sitting for 2 weeks, and some idiot left the dome lights on. Dead 12v. Recharged 12v. Now fuel gauge only showing 1 bar and blinking. Tank is 3/4 full.

    Ideas? TIA!
     
    #1 PensacolaRevitup, Dec 30, 2020
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    8,111
    4,127
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Assuming that no one helped themselves to your gas, it will take a few drive cycles for the fuel system to recalibrate itself. This is quite normal after the removal and reinstatement of 12V power. It can be anything from 5 minutes to 5 days.
     
    #2 dolj, Dec 31, 2020
    PensacolaRevitup likes this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    58,436
    40,238
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    How old is the 12 volt? If 3~4 years or more hardly worth testing*, just replace.

    * Most automotive retailers selling batteries will perform an electronic load test for free, hoping to get your business. Dealership will too, for maybe $75? Google solar ba9 for one DIY option.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Dec 31, 2020
    PensacolaRevitup likes this.
  4. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    3,921
    1,888
    0
    Location:
    NJ-USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Assume nothing. I would fill the tank asap so you know that the tank is full. It is possible that the fuel gauge sending unit in the tank is on its way out. I have replaced 2 or 3 tanks in the past couple months just for that. Or something happened to the wiring. Or the level is actually that low.

    Also suggest having the 12V battery load tested.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #4 mr_guy_mann, Dec 31, 2020
    PensacolaRevitup likes this.
  5. PensacolaRevitup

    PensacolaRevitup New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2020
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    Pensacola, FL
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    It's a long story, but, yes, someone siphoned my gas. (Jerks)

    All is well once again, after filling tank and allowing for gauge to re-calibrate (if it actually does that.)

    Seems to be okay. Thank you for your help!
     
    #5 PensacolaRevitup, Jan 2, 2021
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    58,436
    40,238
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I thought that was nigh impossible to do??
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jan 2, 2021
  7. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    3,921
    1,888
    0
    Location:
    NJ-USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Very difficult, but it looks to be "possible". It is about 4.5 feet (1.5 meters) from the gas cap past 3 sharp bends, a step down (reduction in diameter where the filler neck conncts to the tank) with another bend and a "trap door" valve before you can reach the fuel in the bladder.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 mr_guy_mann, Jan 4, 2021
    PensacolaRevitup likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)