Just replaced 12v battery. Fuel guage flashing 'empty'. I seem to recall the last time I had the car running, it was showing at least two bars. Since then, there was an overnight freeze. The car would not start the next morning. Had to use key to enter the car. The light with the key ( key fob error code ) was flashing. No other lights. Tried to jump the car. Got the car running, but it would not restart on its it's own. Even interior light was extremely dim. I noticed when I turned the car on, it was showing half a tank of gas ( took video of dash lights ) car was not running at the time. Tried again today and the car would not start. Obviously, used no gas since. Changed battery and now it is flashing empty. I asked A.I. about it and it says to walk to the gas station and get a 5 gallon can of gas, and to not risk running out of gas on the way there. It is about three blocks away. I did search for this topic, but I'm not seeing it specifically. I need to make a long trip tomorrow morning and I'm pressed for time. Also, what should I do now that the battery is in ? I tested the locks and they work. Car starts, but haven't driven because I don't know if I'm truly out of gas. I don't care about radio station presets etc. I just don't want the car to die or not start if I stop somewhere on the trip. Advice ?
Give it time. The gauge reverts to flashing empty when the power has been out (as while you were changing the battery), and should eventually return to showing a reading, once it has convinced itself what the reading should be. If you had half a tank before, it should show about half a tank once it is showing a reading again. That shouldn't really get in the way of the engine starting, though it can change the trouble code you get if the engine fails to start. That's normally a P3191 code, but changes to P3193 if the car thinks the fuel is low at the time, so you might see P3193 instead of P3191 if there's a failure to start while the gauge is still flashing.
AI systems are subject to hallucinations almost as much as real humans. It is very highly unlikely that you are close to running out of gas, unless a thief siphoned or drilled the tank. The Owners Manual states how much fuel ought to be remaining when the light starts flashing, there is significant safety margin. Long long ago tests by a member still here, on his 2010, found more fuel remaining than described in the OM, he went well over 100 miles from when the light started flashing until he intentionally ran out of fuel. Though he did his testing in near-idea high-MPG conditions. The most I ever took my 2010 or 2012 was 60 miles beyond DTE=0. So I wouldn't worry about it running out in just 3 blocks. Refilling would give the car a chance to reset the gauge. Make sure the ignition is completely turned off during refueling, one of my household's vehicles (don't remember if it was Prius or Subaru) didn't fully reset the fuel gauge when I turned it on for trip meter readings and resets during some refills. I don't have any advice regarding other potential electrical problems.
You're good to go all systems normal your good to go . All systems revert before you get to gas but it's time anyway doh. 2 blips? I mean me personally I drive to the flashing pip and add 22 mi to hit before I even get near a gas station but I'm sureost do not
