Why won't my car start properly?

Question

I can't start my car unless I have someone turn it over as I am banging on the gas tank with something heavy and blunt. Is it just ice in the tank, or do I need a new fuel pump? I put the gas anti-freeze in it, and no change. It is warm out now where I live, so I am starting to get a little paranoid. What should I do to diagnose the problem?

Answer 1

If it was ice in the tank and it was already frozen, I don't think that it would make any difference anyway. It sounds like the fuel pump is going and when you bang on the tank like that it's jarring the pump into working temporarily. To test the pump to see if it is working or not, go under the hood and take the fuel line loose at the point where it goes into the fuel injection system. Turn the ignition to the on possition and see if it shoots gas out of the line. If it does, it could be the strainer in the fuel tank or you need a new fuel filter. If it doesn't shoot fuel out, you need a new fuel pump. Good luck.

Answer 2

OK you said it start the stop, then by bagging on the tank it run,,, now their could be 2 thing,... first find you fuel filler,it could be bad,, now turn the swith on an listion, to see if the pump make a noise, after you start an it stop, an be for you bang, on the tank listion,if no noise it going to be the pump, also it could be a loose wire,going to the tank

Answer 3

Banging on my gas tank.. sorry... LOL!!! That was funny.
Sounds to me that maybe your Starter is dieing. Has noting to do with the weather, Starters just die after many years.
The banging you are doing might lossen the Starter brushes causeing your Starter to 'turn over'.
Your Starter needs to be replaced. Depending on your type of car, it can cost between $60 to $120 or more. (for the Starter alone) Its an easy part to install if you know any people that do car work. If you go to a Car shop, $200 + will be your bill.
Hope this helps

Answer 4

Test the fuel pump..