Car won't start

[FTL_Ian]

A few weeks ago, the car wouldn't start in the Lindy's parking lot.  Called for a tow and when the driver got there, it started.  Saved me the tow cost, but I took it to the shop and had it tuned up.  Days later, it wouldn't start again.  Then later it did.

Someone said that water accumulates in the fuel lines and that a product called HEET can solve this.  Purchased HEET, used on this tank of gas.

This morning, it refuses to start again.

Symptoms:  Engine turns over, but won't start. 

Is this a battery problem?  Not enough juice?

[jerry]

If the starter cranks over, then the battery is probably OK.
To determine if the problem is electrical, try pulling off a sparkplug wire and stick  a nail in the end and hold it close to metal while someone else cranks the starter.
If it sparks, then your problem is fuel.

[djbridgeland]

Sounds like a fuel delivery issue.  Probably either the fuel filter is plugged up or the fuel pump is starting to go.  Could also be overheating if it's intermittent. That happened to me a couple weeks ago, and the repair bill wasn't pretty.  We really need a porc mechanic.  With over 650 people in state one could make quiet a bit of money, in labor costs, but still be cheaper than the commercial shops.   

[FTL_Ian]

Thanks for the help.  Additional info:  The tuneup included a new fuel filter, spark plugs, and spark plug wires.

[FTL_Ian]

Sounds like a fuel delivery issue.  Probably either the fuel filter is plugged up or the fuel pump is starting to go.  Could also be overheating if it's intermittent. That happened to me a couple weeks ago, and the repair bill wasn't pretty.  We really need a porc mechanic.  With over 650 people in state one could make quiet a bit of money, in labor costs, but still be cheaper than the commercial shops.   

It is intermittent.  It starts far more often than it doesn't.  What would be overheating though?  It takes Julia two minutes to drive to work.  It started cold at the house, she drove to work, then an hour later had to go to the bank and it wouldn't start.

[djbridgeland]

The antifreeze/coolant if its low can cause the car to overheat in no time. Does the car have a temperature gauge or just a light on the dash?  I would check the coolant level, and if its low then top it off.  Then check it again after driving it again, and see if the level is low again. If so check for leaks, if you see none, then you would want to take it to a shop and have it pressure tested for leaks.  If your lucky it's just an unseen leak, or if your unlucky the head gasket is blown.     

[thinkliberty]

There could be a short in one of the spark plug wires, or the electrical connection to the fuel pump is loose.

[FTL_Ian]

There's a gauge, and it's been fine.

[WithoutAPaddle]

The tough one to diagnose is an intermittent failure of "the module".  With most domestic cars, it is cheaper to "shot gun" replace it than to pay a shop to perform an overpriced "electronic diagnostics" test.

[Kat Kanning]

I would put a new battery in, if I were you.  If they start to get weak, they don't want to start at colder temps.

[Barterer]

Here are a couple of things that won't cost anything to check:

Sometimes a fuel pump just gets a little tired with age, and requires you to pause for a few seconds with the ignition on before you start cranking. If that helps, either live with the wait period or replace the fuel pump.

Also check that the gas cap vent hasn't clogged. If it starts only after you've removed the gas cap (with a mighty whoosh) replace the cap.

[K. Darien Freeheart]

Ian, I have a 2003 Chevy Malibu that does this on occasion. I actually spent $700 having an electric sensor fixed (which sucks, since the car failed to start LITERALLY as I was on my way to the airport for a Vegas trip...) that turns out had NOTHING to do with the problem.

My problem was a faulty theft device. In fact, it still is, since it's kind of an expensive fix. The car has electronic fuel injection and when the car thinks it's being stolen, it ceases to supply fuel. This makes the car crank and then "die" immediately.

The solution for my car is to turn the key to the "ON" position for 10 minutes and after the 10 minutes, it starts right up. This might be consistant with your experience, was the key in the ON position while you were waiting for the tow?

[KBCraig]

What kind of car, and which engine does it have?

Some cars have ignition modules that flake out due to moisture, or because they've cracked.

[FTL_Ian]

The solution for my car is to turn the key to the "ON" position for 10 minutes and after the 10 minutes, it starts right up. This might be consistant with your experience, was the key in the ON position while you were waiting for the tow?

No.

[FTL_Ian]

What kind of car, and which engine does it have?

Some cars have ignition modules that flake out due to moisture, or because they've cracked.

Subaru '98 Outback and I don't know beyond it being a 4-cyl.