Regarding gas:
I quick google search on Accura (is that the right car?) and fuel indicator brought up multiple forums that discussed when the fuel light comes on and how much gas is left.
The general consensus was that the light comes on when there are 3-4 gallons of gasoline left in the tank. I wonder if the light came on, and she drove it around a bit, until she assumed it was on the brink of empty, not realizing that she still had a lot of gasoline left.
Didn't grab a link but multiple sources are easy to find with quick google search.
My own vehicle gas light comes on with 4 gallons left in the tank. The first time it happened, I panicked and thought I was going to be stranded on the highway. Then I made a point of finding out just how much gas I have when the light comes on. Now I ride that puppy out to the end. I know, I know, not good for my vehicle, but, sometimes you just have to do it.