Ran out of gas - Any possible issues?
07-31-2012, 12:16 AM
#1
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 187
Ran out of gas - Any possible issues?
Ok, like an idiot I ran out of gas! Radio was on loud, I had some things on my mind, but no excuses I should have filled up earlier.
I was on a street with a slight incline, and I noticed a sudden loss of power, the steering got a little heavier, but the car was coasting. I figured out Automatics coast when they don't have power.
I was able to nurse the car to the side, the road leveled out, and the car restarted no problem. I called my AAA service, and they gave me a couple of gallons to get to the next gas station. No warning lights came on or stayed on, the car seems to run fine, nothing out of the ordinary except for about the 50 yards I lost power.
My question is, for around the block I ran out of fuel, was it possible I may have done some damage to my car?
I know the tranny, driveshaft, rear end was probably fine because the torque converter disconnected the engine once the power cut off, but not sure about fuel injectors, pumps, or that kind of stuff?
I was on a street with a slight incline, and I noticed a sudden loss of power, the steering got a little heavier, but the car was coasting. I figured out Automatics coast when they don't have power.
I was able to nurse the car to the side, the road leveled out, and the car restarted no problem. I called my AAA service, and they gave me a couple of gallons to get to the next gas station. No warning lights came on or stayed on, the car seems to run fine, nothing out of the ordinary except for about the 50 yards I lost power.
My question is, for around the block I ran out of fuel, was it possible I may have done some damage to my car?
I know the tranny, driveshaft, rear end was probably fine because the torque converter disconnected the engine once the power cut off, but not sure about fuel injectors, pumps, or that kind of stuff?
Last edited by SD 197; 07-31-2012 at 12:19 AM.
07-31-2012, 10:43 AM
#4
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gallifrey
Posts: 1,596
Fuel pump relies on a certain amount of fuel to cool itself. Possible that lifespan got shorter, but doubtful unless you do it regularly.
Other than the embarrassing Elmer Fudd impersonation when owning up to this to anyone, doubtful you'll have any issues if you notice none after filling back up.
Other than the embarrassing Elmer Fudd impersonation when owning up to this to anyone, doubtful you'll have any issues if you notice none after filling back up.
07-31-2012, 10:58 AM
#7
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 187
Thanks for the advice guys, I'll definitely change the filter.
Luckily I didn't actually run dry and get stranded, I think because of the incline in the road, it didn't quite reach the pump since I only had half a gallon left, once the car leveled off, it started no problem.
But as a precaution, I stopped and waited until I got another couple of gallons in her, it's just that block or so I didn't have gas that worries me.
That will be the last time I try to push it again!
Luckily I didn't actually run dry and get stranded, I think because of the incline in the road, it didn't quite reach the pump since I only had half a gallon left, once the car leveled off, it started no problem.
But as a precaution, I stopped and waited until I got another couple of gallons in her, it's just that block or so I didn't have gas that worries me.
That will be the last time I try to push it again!
