Regan Brown
Running out of fuel can be a stressful experience, especially if your car won't start again after refuelling. While modern cars have provisions to shut down the fuel pump to prevent fire, running the tank dry can still damage the pump. To get your car running again, you'll need to refill the tank, reset the pump switch, and turn the ignition key to the on position. You may need to repeat this process several times, and it's important to listen for the pump and any signs of the engine turning over. If your car still won't start, you may need to replace the fuel filter or pump, or get the diagnostic trouble codes cleared by a mechanic.
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What You'll Learn
Refill the tank with enough fuel to cover the pump pickup
Refilling the tank with enough fuel to cover the pump pickup is crucial when trying to start a car that has run out of fuel. This is because the fuel pump mechanism is usually positioned higher than the pump pickup at the bottom of the tank. Running the fuel level below the pickup results in stalling as the engine runs out of gas.
By refilling the tank with at least a gallon or two of gas, you can cover the pickup and force the dry pump internals to draw fuel upwards. This step is essential to get your car running again. It ensures that fuel reaches the pump's internals, priming it for quicker ignition and facilitating the flow of fuel to the engine.
It is worth noting that completely filling the tank is not always necessary. A couple of gallons of fuel should be sufficient to get your car running and allow you to drive to the nearest fuel station to refill completely. This is a safer approach than attempting to refill the tank on the side of the road.
Additionally, modern cars often have a standalone circuit breaker that shuts down the fuel pump when the engine computer detects a loss of fuel pressure. In such cases, you may need to locate and press the pump reset button to reactivate the pump after refilling the tank. This button is typically located in areas like above the driver's footwell, under the carpet in the trunk, or in the glove compartment.
Refilling the tank is a crucial step, but it is important to remember that other steps, such as priming the gas pedal and ensuring the vehicle is level, may also be necessary to successfully restart your car after running out of fuel.
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Reset the pump switch
Resetting the pump switch is a crucial step to get your car running again after running out of fuel. Here are the detailed steps to reset the pump switch:
Locate the Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch: The fuel pump shut-off switch is usually located either under the dashboard on the driver's side or under the driver or passenger seat. You may need to move the seat forward and pull back the carpet to access it. In some vehicles, it might be behind an access panel in the right-rear quarter trim panel.
Identify the Reset Button: The reset button is typically marked in a prominent colour, such as red, yellow, or white, to make it easily identifiable. It is usually located on top of the fuel pump shut-off switch.
Press and Hold the Reset Button: To reset the fuel pump shut-off switch, press and hold the reset button for about 20 seconds. In some cases, you might need to gently push the button 20-30 times to loosen it if it's stuck before pushing it all the way down.
Attempt to Start the Engine: After resetting the switch, turn the key to the "run" position and try to start the engine. If the switch was the issue, the engine should start. If the engine doesn't start, there might be another problem, and it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician.
It is important to note that resetting the pump switch should be done after ensuring that the vehicle is parked on a flat, hard surface and that there are no fuel leaks. Additionally, the fuel pump shut-off switch is designed to activate in the event of a collision or sudden stop to prevent fuel leaks, so it is essential to check for any damage to the fuel lines before resetting the switch.
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Listen for the pump to buzz
Once you have refuelled your car, you will need to reset the pump switch. This is because modern cars are often designed with provisions to shut down the fuel pump using a standalone circuit breaker to prevent fire in the event of an accident. The engine computer may also trip the breaker when it detects a loss of fuel pressure. Therefore, you will need to locate the pump reset button and press it. You can refer to your car's owner manual to find the exact location of the button.
After refuelling and resetting the pump switch, you can then turn the ignition key to the "on" position and listen for the pump. You should be able to hear it buzzing or humming very distinctly at first. However, this sound will quickly drop to a quieter hum as the pump fills up with fuel. It is important not to let the pump whir away for more than a few seconds at a time, as the lack of fuel pressure may trigger another pump shutdown. Repeat this process three to four times to pressurize the system, then attempt to start the car.
If your car does not start after a couple of tries, you may need to prime the gas pedal a few times before turning the engine on again. This will create an easier path for the fuel to fill the system. It is crucial to be patient and not turn the engine on before the fuel has reached where it needs to be. If you do so, the engine may not turn on, and you risk draining the battery.
If your car still does not start, you may need to check the fuel pressure. You can borrow a fuel pressure gauge from most chain parts stores or consult a mechanic for assistance. If the pump is not producing any pressure, check for power and ground at the fuel pump. If you have power and ground, then the pump may be damaged.
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Disconnect the battery to reset the ASD system
Disconnecting the battery for at least 5 minutes is a good way to reset the ASD system and get your car started. This is a simple and effective way to get your car moving again after running out of fuel.
The ASD, or Auto Shutdown, system is an important safety feature in modern cars, designed to shut down the fuel pump in the event of an accident, preventing further damage or a potential fire. This system can sometimes be triggered when you run out of fuel, and the engine computer detects a loss of fuel pressure.
By disconnecting the battery, you are essentially resetting this system, and this can often be enough to get the car started again. It is a quick and easy fix, and one that any driver can attempt themselves.
Firstly, locate the battery. This is usually found under the hood, in an easily accessible spot. It is a large, rectangular block, often with two large terminals protruding from the top. Before you disconnect the battery, ensure that you have the necessary tools to do so. You will need a wrench or a pair of pliers to loosen the negative battery cable terminal. This is usually marked with a '-' symbol. Loosen this connection and carefully move the cable away from the battery terminal.
Leave the battery disconnected for at least 5 minutes. This will ensure that the ASD system is reset. After this time, carefully reconnect the battery cable, tightening the terminal with your wrench or pliers. Once the battery is connected, attempt to start your car as normal.
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If the car still won't start, try a fuel pressure test
If your car still won't start, you can try a fuel pressure test. This will help you determine if there is an issue with the fuel pump or if the pump is getting enough power.
First, park your car and apply the parking brake. Then, turn off the engine and let it cool down. Locate the fuel pressure test port, which is usually found near the fuel tank. Place a rag under the test port to catch any fuel that may be released during the test. Install the pressure tester onto the port.
Turn on the ignition and run the engine at a specific RPM. Check your manufacturer's manual for the required pressure specifications. If the fuel pump does not meet the required pressure, it may be failing to pump fuel to the engine.
If there is no pressure, check for power and ground at the fuel pump. If you have power and ground, then the pump is likely bad and may need to be replaced. You can also try spraying starting fluid into the air intake to see if the car runs on that temporarily. If it does, then you definitely need a new pump.
It's important to note that running a vehicle completely out of gas can potentially damage the fuel pump. The pump needs fuel as a lubricant and coolant, and if it runs dry, it can be damaged.
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Frequently asked questions
First, put some fuel in the tank. You don't need to fill the tank up all the way, just add a couple of gallons to get the car to the nearest fuel station. If your car still won't start, try pressing the pump reset button. Once you have the gas tank filled and the pump switch reset, turn your ignition key to the "on" position and listen for the pump. If you can't hear the pump, it may be damaged or blown a fuse.
If you have power and ground, then the pump is damaged. You can borrow a fuel pressure gauge from most chain parts stores to check for this.
If your car still won't start, you may have to replace the fuel filter or the fuel pump. Running your vehicle completely out of gas can potentially damage the fuel pump.
If your car is stranded on a slope, do your best to push the vehicle to a level spot. This will allow fuel to reach the engine more easily.
If your car still won't start, you may need to get it towed to a mechanic.
