SUV that has been sitting for a month with little gas?

Question

We haven't driven our Pontiac SUV in over a month. It had very little gas in it at that time. It is a huge gas hog. Any idea why it wouldn't start after adding a gallon of gas? Is this not enough or another possible problem? We have tapped on the gas pedal (although not too much) Thought maybe their were some car experts out there. Thanks...

Answer 1

Yes it should start. You may have to try several times before it starts.

Answer 2

Adding extra fuel would be my first thing to try but there is something else to consider.  Fuel tanks stored for extended periods should always be kept completely full for several reasons.  With ethanol becoming more prevelant in fuel as the mandatory switch over is made fuel is suffering from a shorter shelf life.  Ethanol can also strip deposits and clog fuel filters, fuel pumps, injectors, the fuel itself can sludge up as it goes stale.  But, I doubt this is your problem.  If you live in a humid area you very likely have developed some water in your tank.  With that much air space in the tank rain and temp changes will cause condensation to form in your fuel tank and settle to the bottom.  As a result, the first thing your engine will pick up is water tainted fuel.  I would try adding at least 5 gallons of fuel mixed with iso-heat.  Once you get the engine cranked you will probably have to keep some pressure on the accelerator pedal to keep the engine running until the water in the fuel lines runs through.  Good luck.

Answer 3

Assuming your battery is okay, try pumping the gas pedal several times(fully depress the pedal and let it back up). Then fully depress the pedal and try starting the vehicle. If that fails add more gas to the tank, sometimes the fuel pump needs a little more head pressure to get rolling again.

Good luck!  Keep me abreast...  

Answer 4

You might not have enough gas in the tank. Try adding some more to make sure level is above the fuel pump pickup. It might be sucking air. Also since you left it without much gas the fuel filter may be clogged from the gunk in the bottom of your fuel tank. Try putting a new fuel filter on and put more gas in. You'll burn up your fuel pump running it with very little gas in the tank since gas cools the pump. Never let it go less than a quarter of a tank of gas.

Answer 5

You should make sure your fuel pump kicks on before trying anything. Maybe not getting power or somthing.

Answer 6

I don't see why it wouldn't start after putting a gallon of gas in it, unless you ran it absolutely bone dry before parking it.

Does it just keep turning over? Does it sound like it's not getting any power?

Try giving it a jump?