Q: What should I do if I run out of gas?

asked by on December 15, 2015

What should I do if I run out of gas?

While your car is equipped with a couple of different warning systems to alert you to the fact that you’re low on gas, it’s still possible to run out while you’re on the road. In this instance, you’ll have to add gas from something other than a gas pump (a portable gas can, for instance). Because your car has the Easy Fuel® system, you need to follow a couple of important steps here:

  • Don’t insert the gas can nozzle into the tank.
  1. Open the fuel door.

  2. Use the funnel located in the passenger side cargo compartment.

  3. Pour gasoline into the funnel and then into the tank (with the funnel inserted in the filler).

  4. Drive to the gas station and fill up the tank.

Tip

ONLY use the provided filter when you have to add gasoline from a portable gas can/container.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car jumps into second gear
Hello. It very well can be that solenoid, but that is not too common. Many times this is caused by bad engine or transmission mounts. If they fail, the engine and transmission can move and cause this jump. Since the...
Low gas mileage on 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban V8-5.7L
Hello. We will be happy to help with your 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban. There's likely a combination of reasons as to why your MPG has so greatly declined. I suggest that you have a technician inspect the following items and...
Car won't start after replacing cam sensor - 2006 Scion xA
Hello. You will need to have the computer scanned and system checked for codes indicating the problem. You may have a bad crankshaft sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) or computer problems with the anti-theft system. If you would like to have this corrected,...
Stalls while applying throttle. Already changed two warm up regulators
Hello. I think you may have a problem with the cold start valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cold-start-injector-replacement) not dumping the proper amount of fuel to allow the car to start and remain running on a cold start. The distributor should be checked as...
Need help diagnosing steering problem after hitting a curb.
It sounds as though you may have bent a tie rod (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/tie-rod-end-replacement). The tie rods are the links between the steering and the wheels, and they are normally pretty tough, but a good solid whack can bend them. Additionally, the...
Emergency brake light won't stay on. If really cold in the morning, it's out until I drive for about a mile or so
Hi there. Check the cables to the parking brake (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/adjust-parking-brake-cable) when you set the parking brake. There is a parking brake sensor attached to the pedal and if the sensor is tripped, the indicator brake light will come on the...
Error code P0171 and P0174
The high positive long term fuel trim suggests a vacuum leak and/or inadequate fuel delivery. But there are other causes that have to be evaluated as well: bad oxygen sensor(s); dirty MAF sensor; stuck open EGR valve; weak fuel pump;...
Car is running rough 2007 Ford Explorer
Hello - first task is to check for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is on or not. This will show "occasional errors" like the cylinder misfire you mention. A dirty idle air control valve, or throttle body, can...
Car goes into limp mode when the check engine light and VSA light comes on
The lights that you have on and the vehicle going into fail safe mode is an indication you have a major system failure that will require computer to be tested for codes first. There are many possible codes it can...

Related articles

Regular Gas Versus Premium Gas: What's the Difference and Should I Care?
Doing Doing the extra bit of research it takes to save a few bucks here and there is common practice to most of us. On the other hand, when our wallet feels fatter than normal, we tend to spend more...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Charger
If If you’ve always loved driving performance cars but you don't know how you’ll fit a baby seat in a Mustang or a Camaro, the 2012 Dodge Charger could be the car for you. While it has the room and...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan Murano
The The 2012 Nissan Murano is a sleek crossover SUV that has all the modern amenities. It has ample interior space with a luxurious feel, and a driver oriented suspension. If you need a vehicle that can hold passengers and...