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2013 Toyota Prius — long crank only after filling the fuel tank

HighwayDetailerCommunity StarterApr 28, 20262013 Toyota Prius ThreeColumbus
The car starts normally most of the time, but after filling the tank it occasionally cranks longer and runs rough for a few seconds. Could EVAP/purge behavior cause this, and what would you test? I am trying to get the facts straight before spending money.
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11 replies

OldSchoolGeek895Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2013 Toyota Prius is losing coolant with no puddle. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
HighwayDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 2013 Toyota Prius again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
ProjectGarageCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, get a real battery/charging test on the 2013 Toyota Prius, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. That's the branch I'd chase this week. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
SunBeltDad163Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2013 Toyota Prius does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. On “long crank only after filling the fuel,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
OldSchoolGeek895Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2013 Toyota Prius does it — then decide on parts. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “long crank only after filling the fuel,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Columbus. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. I'll update if anything new shows up.
GarageDaily128Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 1, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: Loaded-suspension checks on the 2013 Toyota Prius catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Do that first. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. That's my plan before I call anyone.
GarageScoutCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMay 1, 2026permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: Loaded-suspension checks on the 2013 Toyota Prius catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. This is from a 2013 Toyota Prius in Columbus. No need to make it theatrical. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
GarageScoutCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Move a coil or plug on the 2013 Toyota Prius if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. No need to make it theatrical. I'll poke at it this weekend.
BatteryCommuter528Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2013 Toyota Prius does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. On “long crank only after filling the fuel,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Stop there until you know. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
RustBeltDaily781Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2013 Toyota Prius does it — then decide on parts. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
GarageDaily128Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Two 2013 Toyota Priuss can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. That's the whole play. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
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