IF my van ran out of gas (I still don't think it was that low), and I can't get it started again after re-filling the tank.......what would be some probable causes of the not starting? It cranks just fine and has power, but won't turn over.


I was a block from the gas station and it just cut out, leaving me with no power steering or anything. I was hoping it was just out of gas even though it was a bit above E.

fuel pump?

doesn't sound like it ran outta gas to me... been havin any other problems lately?

based on the info, my best guess would be

gunge from the bottom of the tank might have got sucked into the fuel line blocking the injecters or the carboreter.

I've been having the check engine light come on occasionally, always after I fill the tank. When I reset the gas cap it would go off. Even that, I haven't had trouble with since the weather warmed up for the last week or so.

Fuel pump, spark plugs, distributor cap... But most likely sounds like you are having a fuel problem.... maybe a clogged line or pump went bad....

Have there been times when it almost didn't start?

NOpe, it's been starting just fine. No problems at all with that.

IS that something I could do anything about myself?

Some auto parts places will scan the car's computer for free or little cost depending on the year.... you might want to do that before taking it in... that way you will have a clue why the check engine light was coming on!

Put in some dry gas/gas cleaner... and some oil cleaner.... and fill up the van.... if it will start let it run for a little bit. Turn it off and start back up and see if it's running a little better.

Thank you much folks....I'm gonna go get a few things done and will check back on here after bit. I appreciate all the advice!

Heather... is it running since you put gas in it?

if its a carboreter engine, then you probbably know someone who you can entice with beer to take the carb apart.

if its an injection engine, you might find it a little harder.

i dont suggest you do it yourself unless your confident you can put it back together, altho its not to hard.

either way, a garage shouldnt be to expensive to check that particuler problem out. but as we all know, the garage will want to run their own more expensive tests.

did it cut out when nearly empty, or after you re filled it

If you can rent or borrow a scanner and code book from an auto parts store.

Anytime a car doesn't start there are two things to check, fuel and spark. The only way to check if it's getting fuel is to remove the line and see if the fuel pump is pumping. There are a number of ways of checking for spark. One is a timing light the other is an in line spark checker.

Another thing you may check is to see if there is a fuel pump inertia cut off switch. Those are in the car somewhere to cut off the fuel pump if you get in a wreck and can be set off if you come to a sudden stop or are bumped. Your owners manual should tell you where it is on you car. Usually they can be reset by pushing a button.

Oh..my hero, another damsel in distress rescued

It's possible (but not positive) that it could be your diaphragm!

"no, not that one...the one in the fuel pump"!

Yeah my quest in life.

is the alternator staying charged? perhaps a loose belt?

The van has not started yet. It's possible it "flooded", although I didn't think that really happened anymore with newer engines. I'm going to walk down in the morning and try to start it one more time before I talk to the service guy. I just wanted to be a bit more informed before they take me to the cleaners!

Thank you all!