Ran out of gas: what happened (or my first 500 mile tank)

[Fujisan]

Originally Posted by patsparks

I prefer to bring my own gas, in the gas tank. That's why I fill up at 2 bars on the gas gauge.

I'm with you Pat

The last time I carried a gas can in the car was over twenty years ago, in a seventies Ford Capri with a dodgy fuel gauge and even then after a while I learned that after x number of miles covered, I needed to fuel up soon.

Just from a pure safety point of view I would not routinely carry a spare can of gas (if I owned such a thing ) in the car.

[dhs]

Originally Posted by bwilson4web

Did you see any error light come on when it lost power?
Bob Wilson

Steering error light came on. But about 1.5 to to miles after I ran out. Initially, was just like running in EV without speed restrictions.

As the traction battery is protected because it did not drop below two pips. (if I coulld have limped 1/2 mile more, I would have made it to the gas station)

[bwilson4web]

Originally Posted by dhs

Steering error light came on. But about 1.5 to to miles after I ran out. Initially, was just like running in EV without speed restrictions. . . . )

The first time the light came on, I was going down a grade and didn't notice the lack of traction battery power. The second time the light came on, I was going up a grade and immediately noticed the loss of traction battery power. The difference was being at a speed so low that I didn't notice the engine had stopped because it finally ran out of fuel. It sounds like we've had similar experiences.

Thanks,
Bob Wilson

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by firepa63

Good way to shorten the life of the traction battery...!!!

Actually not, because the traction battery is routinely discharged to two bars. Just sitting with the AC on will discharge the battery to two bars, then the ICE kicks in and re-charges it some. Some camp in the Prius and use this feature to stay cool and comfortable and mosquito free, hasn't hurt their batteries.

[patsparks]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Actually not, because the traction battery is routinely discharged to two bars. Just sitting with the AC on will discharge the battery to two bars, then the ICE kicks in and re-charges it some. Some camp in the Prius and use this feature to stay cool and comfortable and mosquito free, hasn't hurt their batteries.

I hope.

[mgb4tim]

why not just get gas when it starts to blink? Why take the rick of putting yourself in danger sitting on the side of the road??

[dhs]

Originally Posted by mgb4tim

why not just get gas when it starts to blink? Why take the rick of putting yourself in danger sitting on the side of the road??

Because I was stupid. An Idiot. That is why.

[patsparks]

Originally Posted by dhs

Because I was stupid. An Idiot. That is why.

Don't be so hard on yourself, you're not alone.
I guess now you know that it is a lonely walk to the gas station.

[dhs]

Originally Posted by patsparks

Don't be so hard on yourself, you're not alone.
I guess now you know that it is a lonely walk to the gas station.

Worse is the walk back with the gas can....everyone knows what happened.

[patsparks]

Yeah, I guess that would be bad. Especially after they passed your disabled Prius just up the road a ways, and knowing it uses very little gas anyway.