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2012 Prius oil change worry

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by lipsoid, Nov 15, 2016.

  1. lipsoid

    lipsoid Junior Member

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    I have a 2012 Prius with 40000 miles. Yesterday I did my first oil change since buying the car in May 2016. I drove the car onto ramps, then proceeded to drain the oil (not the filter). As I lay under the car the engine started! In a panic I rushed to shut down the engine within 3-4 seconds from it starting. I had forgotten to press the Power button to fully switch off the car after I had driven onto the ramps.
    Now worried damage has been done??
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! i don't think you can cause any damage in a few seconds. the car starts millions of times over its life under the same conditions. it takes time to pump the oil up and through. no worries, just glad you weren't hurt.
     
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  3. Neohippy

    Neohippy Active Member

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    Yes you will fine.
     
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  4. Jimi1976

    Jimi1976 Active Member

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    All good.
     
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  5. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    4 seconds? Definitely no damage.
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just to fill in the picture: was the oil draining, completely drained?
     
  7. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    I did the same thing when I changed my oil. Actually, I broke the oil filter canister trying to unscrew it. I drove the car down in EV and parked it back into the garage. Then, I went to buy a new filter canister in another car. When I came back I drove the PiP back on the ramps but EV just didn't have enough power and I triggered the ICE for a few seconds.

    Oil splattered all over the ground. Quite a mess and I felt quite stupid. 35,000 miles later (currently at 115k), car does not appear worse for wear.
     
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I quit using ramps about 30 years back, switched to floor jack and safety stands. Just too much excitement: running car up ramps, freaking out that they would kick out, or I wasn't going up straight, or would run past the wheel stop at the end.
     
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  9. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    I know, I hate the ramps. It's just that stupid flap covering the oil pan. I can't get the car high enough off the ground with a jack and stands without needing to severely bend it out of the way. I grab the mirror from our bedroom to see where I am with the tires on the ramp.
     
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  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I take the whole panel off. A bit extreme maybe? Consider a 3 ton jack, for more lift.
     
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  11. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Relax you're fine. It takes a long time.

     
  12. Siward

    Siward Active Member

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    I think you will be fine. Motor oil serves to lubricate and keep the engine from overheating. It can't overheat because you didn't keep your car on too long without oil. Lubrication shouldn't be an issue because even with a oil drain the parts should still be coated with some oil unless you keep the car on too long.
     
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  13. lipsoid

    lipsoid Junior Member

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    Not completely drained but most was drained, was just a fine amount coming out.
     
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  14. lipsoid

    lipsoid Junior Member

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    Thanks for the replies. They put me in at ease.
     
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