The wife's '05 Prius ran out of gas tonight (at least that's what she thinks happened) and I'm curious about a possible trip to the dealer. After putting in some gas from the trusty gas can and turning on the car, I got the Red Exclamation in the triangle and an light-redish image on the MFD that looked like the car split in two (wish I would have snapped a pic). I had to turn the car off to get into the trunk, and when I turned it back on, I got a different error indication (can't remember exactly the symbols). I drove the .5 miles to the gas station and filled up (9.7 gallons) and the first time starting after fillup gave me some warning indicators, the after one more restart, the only light that was on was the "Maint Reqd" indicator. When I got home, she told me that the "Maint Reqd" light had been on for a while and figured that it was because she's about due for an oil change. Are there any issues that anyone can think of that would necessate a trip to the mechanic? (other than the oil change) I'm thinking I'll just have my guy check the car out while it's in for the oil change, but thought I'd ask the group if you guys have any other thoughts. Thanks, -Chris
It should be fine. You didn't discharge the battery by attempting to drive it to the gas station did you?
That is correct. Just a coincidence that maintenance time arrived at about the same time as the empty tank. I agree with Bob that you're OK ... assuming you get the oil changed as scheduled.
I think Bob hit it. If you didn't drain the hybrid battery, you should be fine. Also, the thing I wanted to know as I read your post was whether you had put more then three gallons in the tank from the can. That's the amount required for the Prius to recognise that there's new gas in the tank. But it sounds as though everything worked out.
