When you get down to the last quarter tank, carry a 1 gallon, spare can in the trunk. Just make sure it is secured so it can't slide around or tip over. Then drive until the ICE stops and all the lights come up. Slow down and EV to a safe area to pour in the spare gas and you'll be set. Piece of cake!

Bob Wilson

 

Is there any damage to the vehicle in doing that Bob?

 

Hi,

Not that I can identify. If it causes a problem my roughly 10 times running out have not revealed a systemic problem. I'm testing with my 03 Prius, NHW11 model. Once my gasoline studies are complete, there won't be a need to do it any more. The winter-fall gasoline studies will complete this effort.

Toyota recommends against running out of gas. There have been speculations about fuel pump heating and injector wear from running dry but so far, no empirical data about a problem. It also puts a significant load on the battery when you flip into EV mode but no worse than maximum acceleration testing.

I do not recommend it as a standard practice. The last time I ran out of gas was unexpected on a limited access highway approaching an interchange. Now I'm used to it, I handled it without a problem. However, the surprise of it might cause folks to not pay attention to the current traffic situation.

My personal thinking is running out of a gas once with a spare can is useful for 'the experience.' It means should you have it happen by accident, you'll not be going through it for the first time. But each driver must look at their own skills and comfort level to determine if this has merit.

Bob Wilson

 

Right. Thanks Bob.

I am thinking about testing it so I understand the flashing PIP better. I will probably let it run down on my next tank with a spare in the car after I get down to the last PIP.

 

I suppose that both overfilling and 'running dry' have the potential to damage Prius. So far, only overfillings have been demonstrated to do harm (and that but rarely). In fact I know of a new-model Prius driver in Orlando who seems to spend most of his time driving on blinking E, with no problems at 73k odometer.

The problem here is that the fuel tank assembly must be replaced entire, and at considerable expense. That was generally enough to keep me away from both extremes. I take different risks, and we all ought to chose our own.

DAS

 

I did it! 603.3

Mike

 

Excellent!

Bob Wilson

 

Did it again this week. 605.9 on 11.74 gallons. I wasn't trying to hit 600 until I saw I was at 530 yesterday and the last pip wasn't blinking yet.

Mike