How to Start a Car That Has Run Out of Gas
As high as fuel prices climb, gasoline is never optional for your engine. You cannot continually procrastinate at paying the price of the pump. Sooner or later your engine will stop. Like a paramedic trying to revive a flatlined patient, you will pump your gas pedal trying to start your engine. If you are overzealous you may make the problem worse before it gets better. Flooding your engine can delay your reaching your destination even more. As simple as it may seem, restarting an engine that has run out of gas is not a no-brainer.
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Instructions
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Fill a plastic gas can with a gallon of gas. One gallon is plenty to restart your engine. Make sure the lid on the gas can is securely shut and does not leak. Transport the gas can with care, keeping it away from flames and avoid spilling. Once you arrive to the vehicle, take off the gas tank cap and insert the funnel.
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Place newspapers on the ground below to catch any gas that may spill. Use the cleaning rag to wipe up any drops of gasoline that may spill on the surface of the gas can, the sides of the car or anywhere in the area. To avoid fires and inhalation of fumes, it is important to avoid spilling the gas if at all possible.
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Attempt to start the car once you have at least 1/2 gallon of gas inside the tank . Turn off any electrical equipment such as headlights, dome lights, car stereos and air conditioning to avoid draining the battery. Turn the ignition and gently pump the gas. If the car attempts to start and fails, wait one or two minutes and pump the gas pedal again three to five times before turning the ignition. Repeat the procedure until the car starts.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid flooding the engine with gasoline by not pumping too much on the gas pedal before you start the ignition. If you smell gas and the car still wont start, wait about a half hour and attempt to start the engine again.
If the car is not on a level surface this can also impede the gasoline from reaching the engine. Let the car roll down any incline to reach a level surface before attempting to start the car.
Modern cars with fuel injection systems do not need to be "primed" by pouring gasoline directly into the carburetor.
References
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