Car won't start; cold morning; antifreeze low?

Question

So my car won't start :( I went out at 4 am today and it was cold, but not freezing, very very very windy. The car started, but was acting like it wanted to quit. I backed it up a bit and it seemed to run a little better, then I realized I forgot something. I drove back up, got out, and about 30 seconds later it quit. I tried many times to start it again. It's not the battery. My car leaks anitfreeze, but it is a slow leak. So I checked that, and it was low. Added maybe a third or less of a bottle to get it above the minimum amount line. Of course, it still won't start. The weather is pretty much the same now as it was at 4am. I was hoping it would warm up.
Could it be frozen fuel line? If so, when it warms up it should start, right? Could the low antifreeze have been the problem? Will it fix itself now that the level is right? Or do I have to do something else? I have absolutely no money until the first of the month and I NEED my car to work. Anything I can do to figure it out?

It was probably about 40 degrees F. It's a 2001 Ford Focus. I know gas doesn't freeze, but water does and I've had water in my gas before (never figured out what station it came from). I will bum a ride to get some of the spray stuff and gas dry and see what happens. (please please please work!)

Thanks for all the great advice! I got some antifreeze for the gas tank and someone there told me not to use the starting fluid. So, I put the antifreeze stuff in, added 5 gallons of gas to the car via gas cans, waited a little bit while I jostled it around (not knowing if it made any difference to do that), crossed my fingers, and turned the key. After a few tries, each time sounding better and better, it started!!! WooHOO! It sounded funny for a little bit, but soon it sounded fabulous. Let it run for a while, then took it for a drive around the block, and so far so good! I will keep putting the antifreeze stuff in it. And I will keep my tank at no less than half full (which means stopping for gas every other day, but it's worth it if it helps).

Thanks again for all your help. I will use a heater too, since I'm out every morning at 4am and my poor car does NOT like that at all!

Answer 1

Low antifreeze is not the problem, gas does not freeze up or slush up. The problem is that cars don't like cold weather, If you don't have much money right now, buy a can of spray start to get it going, once you do, warm it up for a couple of minutes before you take off, this will heat everything up a bit and you will have a better chance of getting to your destination. You didn't mention what kind of car you are dealing with, or how cold it is outside. On all motors, they have a choke of some sort to help you warm up quick, that is probably your real problem. Good luck

Answer 2

Well it could be a # of things but first. Do you have the right oil for that car and weather. Also its not wise to just start a car in cold weather and drive away. You must let it warm up for at least 10 min. Also when you are adding antifreeze try to make sure the car is running. This helps to move the antifreeze around and get out air pockets.

Answer 3

DO NOT USE STARTER FLUID !!!!!!! put some gas line anti freeze in the tank and keep using it all winter, do you have a block heater ? plug the poor thing in , keep your gas tank above 1/2 there is less room for condensation. no block heater ? tarp it up and put a portable heater set at 1/2 just under the radiator, the low antifreeze level won't make it stall but contaminated gas will, good luck.

Answer 4

sounds like you need a tune up..