Re: Gas Tank Bladder Problem
Cindy Romano said:
Hi,
I have a 2002 Prius. About two months ago I went to start up my car after my son had been driving it, only to have the hybrid warning lights come on. At the time the car also wouldn't start. Interestingly, after a little "rest" I was able to get it out of the garage for the tow truck driver. After more than a week the service department was finally able to diagnose the problem, informing me that I needed a new gas tank and a new computer. The gentleman explained that something was wrong with the bladder and that it was letting the car run out of gas. So, everything was fixed and I was back on my way.
Today I came out of a store and went to start my car only to find that the hybrid lights were on again. I waited for about a half hour, turned it on and saw only the check engine warning light, and drove it directly to the dealer's in anticipation of servicing tomorrow.
Has anyone else had this experience? By the way, after I found that I'd be paying $700 for the gas tank (125 miles over warranty), I asked if this is a common problem. I was told that they have only seen 1 or 2 other Prius with the same problem. This is a lease and I'd like to buy another one when the lease is up, but not if this is a common occurrence.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toy ... 011-03.pdf
(you'll have to be a group member to view the file)
TSB EG011-03, "Master, Hybrid, & M.I.L. 'ON'
P3190/P3191 & P3101," issued June 12, 2003,
for 2001-2003 model year Prius,
superceeding TSB EG012-02 dated Sept. 5, 2002.
After going through a diagnostic flow-chart,
possible replacements are any/all of the following:
Fuel tank sub-assembly (warrantied for 36 months or 36,000 miles, except for vehicles registered/operated in CA/VT/MA, where it's covered for 84 months or 70,000 miles)
Engine Control Module (ECM) (warrantied for 96 months or 80,000 miles)
Circuit Opening Relay Assembly (warrantied for 36 months or 36,000 miles)