Did something stupid w/new Prius, tell me it's OK

[Dipena]

I got my 08 Prius just over a week ago. A few days ago I think I left the engine turned on by accident while I went out to eat (probably took about 1 hour). I think I pushed the Park button when I stopped but didn't push the Power button--which I know is possible because the engine is so frickin quiet. (When I got back in the car after dinner I think it was still on.)

Please tell me that I didn't do anything horrible to my new beloved car by doing this?! Please?!

Maybe it's my imagination but I think the gas pedal feels a bit stiffer or something since then...Or maybe I'm just getting used to the feel of a different car.

Console me, please!

Thanks
Dipena

[mingoglia]

You're fine. The car will manage itself at idle. In fact, unless you had the A/C or Heat on above a moderate level the engine may not of even started during that entire time. If it did, no biggie. The only negative with this whole thing is your new ride could have been stolen. Try explaining to your insurance provider the brand new car that you just bought and haven't paid a single premium on has already been stolen.... That's a tough conversation.

[Patrick Wong]

No worries; glad your car was not stolen. It is a good idea to check the dashboard and MFD before leaving, to ensure that all is dark. Another good idea is to always lock your car, and listen for the confirming beep. If you hear an unusual beep then the Prius is telling you that something is wrong.

[Moose]

It's ok! Your baby is fine.
Did you have the air on? If so it kept it nice and cool for you.
The car will run the engine and charge the battery and shut down until the charge reduces. I wait on my wife shopping all the time and this car is the best "wait just a minute while I run in and get---" car yet.

[Dipena]

Thanks for the consolation (and information). I feel much better now. I haven't really taken the time to explore the wonders of the keyless entry system and half the time, I don't know whether the car is locked or not. Just need to get my routine down...I still catch myself rummaging for my keys sometimes before I remember that I don't have to!

[mingoglia]

A friend has a Lexus hybrid (is it a 400h? whatever the SUV is called) Anyway we went to lunch one time and we came out and he couldn't find his keys. He went back in the restaurant and couldn't find them. He tried to open the door and sure enough he left the vehicle running. He's owned that at least a year and he managed to do that.

With my Prius I lock it everytime I walk away. As mentioned by another poster if you do this each time you'll never leave it running. If you press that outside button to lock the doors and it's running it will beep for what seems like 5 seconds, if not more. You can't miss it.

Mike

[Jack66]

Pushing the outside lock buttons is a very worthwhile habit. As previously mentioned, the car won't give you the reassuring beeps if your Prius is still on. If you leave your keys in the car for some reason and lock it then it will unlock once you touch the door handle.

Locking -- good. Beeps -- good.

[JimN]

Originally Posted by Dipena

I got my 08 Prius just over a week ago. A few days ago I think I left the engine turned on by accident while I went out to eat (probably took about 1 hour). I think I pushed the Park button when I stopped but didn't push the Power button--which I know is possible because the engine is so frickin quiet. (When I got back in the car after dinner I think it was still on.)

Please tell me that I didn't do anything horrible to my new beloved car by doing this?! Please?!

Maybe it's my imagination but I think the gas pedal feels a bit stiffer or something since then...Or maybe I'm just getting used to the feel of a different car.

Console me, please!

Thanks
Dipena

Next time you leave the car "on" lock the door with the key in the fob.

[usbseawolf2000]

Just press the Power button without hitting the Park button. The car will park and then turn off. This way, you won't forget.

[aaf709]

As mentioned before, nothing bad happened. Some people have used the Prius' abilities as an emergency generator by adding an inverter. Others leave it on when at a drive-in movie.