Ran Out Of Gas , Now 'rolla Doesn't Start

February 4, 2009

hey everyone,

sorry this is my introduction, I have searched everywhere on the web, I also searched this forum, but couldnt come up with much. My name is Tim and ive had a bad evening lol.

( i own a 1993 toyota corolla DX)

my gas light was on all day and the needle was below E. i was on my way to the gas station but (i assume) i ran out of gas.

i also drained my Battery attemping to restart the car several times , i know that wasnt smart, but it was snowing, didnt have a phone, and i didnt feel like walking to the gas station.

eventually i get gas and my Battery jumped started, but my car wouldnt start up. we got the car on level ground and tried again, still no good.

i got some "HEET" and mixed it in with about 3 gallons of gas, still no good.

i had a friend spray some starter fluid into the air filter and it still wouldnt start. that same friend said i wasnt getting a spark, but i didnt want to believe that since i have never had any problems with that before, and the fact that i just ran out of gas.

now the car is miles away from my house and its still snowing. i gotta work and my lady friend has to work. i had someone online tell me to prime the air out the lines using a valve (similar to a tire air valve )( i REALLY hope that works)

Basically i just want anyones input on this, my dad is a mechanic so he has always handled things with my car for me, but i dont want to call him and let him know if he doesnt HAVE to, ya know.. plus he lives an hour down the mountain. what i am trying to say is im not the smartest car person. i know how to keep up with it and maintain it properly, but when it comes to why the car wont start, im clueless.

if anyone could let me know if they think its fuel or the spark?

thanks for your time,

tim

February 4, 2009

Does the starter motor turn over when you turn the key or do you get nothing?

Maybe it needs bleeding or something when it ran out of fuel did you keep turning it over?

get a volt meter and see what the Battery is reading also test what its reading when you turn the key

February 4, 2009

Sorry to hear about your troubles there, I had a car once which ran out of fuel, funnily enough it wouldn't start either.

i know how to keep up with it and maintain it properly

Yet you just told us you'd been driving all day with the low fuel lamp lit.

I think the best thing you can do is just be honest and pitch up to your dad for some automotive assistance, you're not going to go very far (and indeed you didn't) it seems, if you try and resolve things yourself...