help, car wont start:(

[aggie08281]

My car won't start. I was low on gas and i pulled over to buy something and i turned off my car, then i tried to start it and it didn't. I thought it was because it needed gas but when i put 2 gallons in, it still didn't start. Please let me know what it could be.

 

[MK3_300]

Is there any other info you can give us? Any engine check codes? When ever I have a car that won't start I look at the three things a car needs to start. (assuming that the engine is cranking but just won't catch and start up). 1. AIR 2. Fuel 3. Spark

I would check for spark at the spark plug wires, a clogged air passage, fuel pump working.

Hope this helps. Let us know!

Kris

 

[mrnickleye]

If you are too low on fuel, the pump won't pick up whats there. Put at least 5 gallons in.

Also...a tip top all...fuel pumps are located at the bottom of the tank to keep them cool. Driving around on/close to empty all the time will burn it up.

And, as I just said to Nick M an his a/c problem, "It was working fine, then it just quit". That's what happens. Cellphones help. Before them, out in BFE, you were 'really' screwed.

 

[aggie08281]

im thinking its the fuel pump, i checked all the air passages and they are fine, however when i assumed i had run out of gas i only put 2 gallons in, im gonna put 3 more to make it 5 and see wut happens. thanks guys! ill keep y'all posted

 

[aggie08281]

well i added more gas, changed the air filter, and still nothing

 

[Supraflymk3]

make sure you're MAFS wire didn't become unplugged somehow, because that could be a reason for it not to run.

 

[Ish]

Is it a Turbo or N/A model? If turbo it can also be your Cam position sensor (CPS) wiring, CPS Itself, or the ignitor. Also check to see if any fuses under the hood are blown.

 

[aggie08281]

hey guys i just finished fixing it...6 hrs later. Turns out it was the fuel pump. thanks for the help guys

 

[jetjock]

Thanx for letting us know. Not everyone does and I for one wish they did.

Fwiw it's a federal requirement for cars sold in the US that come equipped with a low fuel warning to have 3 gallons of fuel remaining when the low fuel light comes on. Doesn't mean they stay calibrated but the rule is there and has been in place for a long time. Try verifying it sometime when you fill up.

 

[shaeff]

sorry i missed this. a good way to check fuel pump operation is to jump +B and FP in the diagnostic block. that'll run the fuel pump. (be careful, sometimes it'll spark, and sometimes the wire gets hot, too)

that would have told you the problem right away.

-shaeff