It was rather embarassing. I was int eh drive through and realized my gas was lower than I thought. Then the guy in front of me was taking forever asking th eprice of everything. I turned off my car while waiting to move up (to save what gas I could)in line and then when it was my turn I tried to start my car agian and it wouldn't start. So there I was stuck in the drive through. I thoguht it was out of gas, but I put some in and it still didnt' start. It acted like it wasnted to turn, but couldn't then after a bunch of tries everytime I would turn the key the lights would first come on then off and eventually it would not even act like it wanted to try to start at all. I have been having some minor problems with it randomly not starting, but then when I would turn the key again it would start. That has been going on for awhile. Any ideas on what could be the problem and how much it might run?
2006-11-26 16:04:58 · 14 answers · asked by missjuly15 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I didn't think it was that low on gas and I was going to get gas on the way home. I am leading towards a starter, alternator, or fuel pump. I am hoping not the fuel pump. LOL Maybe its just a bad connection somewhere that would be the best case scenerio. Very frustrated though. Everything has been breaking lately!
2006-11-26 16:16:45 · update #1
I wonder why all these people are telling you your starter is no good. The car cranked over, but wouldnt start. sounds like the starter is doing its job, turning the engine. Problem is that you probably drained the battery trying to start it, and thats why the engine no longer turns.
No, I would be leaning towards the fuel pump as your trouble source, especially if you were low on fuel. It's a good idea on fuel injected cars to avoid running it below 1/4 tank. Most fuel injected cars have the pump in the tank, and running the pump dry will overheat the pump and seize it.
Try spraying starting fluid into the air cleaner and see if that makes the engine fire. If so, you have a problem with the fuel system. and I would guess the pump, since you say you were almost out of fuel. If the spray doesnt have any effect, I'd suspect something else.
Hope that helps.
2006-11-26 16:55:31 · answer #1 · answered by cwrrailfan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the weather like where you live? Very low temperatures negatively affect battery performance. Check the water level in the battery. Low water will hurt voltage output. How old is the battery? Does the car have a manual transmission? If so, push start it. If it runs well after pushing, then the problem is with the starting process. Need to experiment more before more help can be given.
2006-11-27 00:22:11 · answer #2 · answered by Richard B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,in Tennessee,and it sounds like a bad solenoid switch for the starter,this will cause it to do that once in a while,and then one day they just go all the way out on them,but id say that's probably what happened to you ,and in a bad place also,i can imagine how you felt,,i ran out of gas once in a drive through so i can see the look on your face now,,but i think if you'll have the solenoid switch checked that will be the problem,either that or the starter,,good,luck,i hope this help,s
2006-11-27 00:18:34 · answer #3 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old is your vehicle? Check your battery terminals for corrosion and tightness. Two things that you can have it check in your local auto parts store (for free) your alternator and the battery. They should be able to tell you the condition of both items. As far as your gas, looks like your fuel pump is about to go too. Have it check that too.
2006-11-27 00:19:50 · answer #4 · answered by Alastair S911 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 posible problems... starter/ starter solenoid
and if you have an electric fuel pump... might be an electric issue or motor issue with the fuel pump.. if car tries to start, it could be fuel pump. if battery cable is loose, that is also a possibility.. need more details to daignose prob... costs depend on model of car and where you live as far as local prices of parts and labor
2006-11-27 00:10:26 · answer #5 · answered by curious dad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the lights are turning off then it sounds like you may have a battery problem. Check your connections, take your battery to your local auto parts store and see if they have a battery check machine (checks the amount of life left in the battery).
2006-11-27 00:07:47 · answer #6 · answered by mrgusgus85 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK if you ran out of gas and if you car is fuel injection then it may be you filter dint have any gas in it.to put some you just spay some carburetter cleaner in it if that don't work then it may be you fuel pump.
2006-11-27 00:19:50 · answer #7 · answered by seminole native 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you just need to make sure never to allow you gas lever to run completely empty ......
no fuel in lines leading to engine,
most likely doesn't need repairs (unless other problem ?) ..... just put very small amount of gas into carburator and it should eventullay start ...... but sounds like you need to find someone who knows how to do it properly
Good luck getting it started again
2006-11-27 00:10:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this happens mainly when the battery is weak or over loaded
If The battery is weak try replacing it....
if it is on overload try switching of the followin
The wind screen wiper
Head light
A\C Fan & Compresser
2006-11-27 00:10:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you need a starter.
2006-11-27 00:07:24 · answer #10 · answered by Juffalo Jim 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋