1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Ran 100 fwy miles with no oil cap

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Terri Salhus, Oct 11, 2021.

Tags:
  1. Terri Salhus

    Terri Salhus Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2021
    10
    2
    0
    Location:
    89145
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I noticed a rumbling noise when I hit the gas pedal. I look under the hood & notice no oil cap...most of my oil had leaked out, but still shows a little on the dip stick. At first I thought someone ripped my Catalytic converter, since thats popular these days, but now im not sure what to think? It runs, but of course i dont want to drive it again, but i also dont want to walk in blind, especially to the dealer...any suggestions, Would be greatly appreciated?
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,478
    4,374
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    No warning lights came up? I would fill the oil and try it.
     
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    10,775
    4,372
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    If you didn't lose all the oil and you've since refilled it the only issue you have is a dirty engine compartment... Make sure you clean it. Show us pics of what it looks like. I've always wondered?
     
  4. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2018
    7,035
    2,780
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    First......if there was any oil on the dipstick at all, when wiped off and then re-inserted (engine off of course), then you didn't really lose that much. Fill it and don't worry.

    As for cleaning the engine, that can cause more problems than it solves if you aren't careful.
     
  5. don_chuwish

    don_chuwish Well Seasoned Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2009
    814
    180
    0
    Location:
    Southern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    But.... where did the oil cap go?
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,474
    38,106
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    How much? Below the lower mark?

    No oil pressure light, a little showing on dipstick; you could be fine. As others said, top it up and see how it goes.

    I’ve done the same thing btw, with a previous vehicle. No long term problem.
     
  7. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    10,775
    4,372
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    How bad was the mess in the engine compartment? I know someone who had a huge mess with his Toyota truck when he did this, but have never seen how bad the mess is with a Prius?
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,474
    38,106
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    It was a Honda Accord. Not too much mess. My wife was driving it more than me, and started noticing smell, from the cabin air intake. Never did that again; from then on: put the oil cap in vicinity of hood latch, so it can't close properly, if you were to forget the cap there.
     
  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    10,775
    4,372
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Every time I add oil or do an oil change I always worry if I remembered to put the cap on... Over-active minds can think up problems that don't exist. :)
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  10. don_chuwish

    don_chuwish Well Seasoned Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2009
    814
    180
    0
    Location:
    Southern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The cap location doesn't help. Recently did the oil change on my 2007 Prius and the cap is way in the back. Then I was checking the oil on my Odyssey and realized that when you put away the hood strut you end up staring right at the oil cap - kinda hard to forget.
     
  11. Terri Salhus

    Terri Salhus Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2021
    10
    2
    0
    Location:
    89145
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    No cc warning lights, still, but it sounds like shit...it rumbles low???
     
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    have you filled the oil? replaced the cat?