What could be wrong with this car that it doesn't start?

Question

We have a 97 Dodge Intrepid that sat through the winter. Before winter it started fine... but now it won't start. It turns over and sounds like it will but it just keeps going like its out of gas... but we put gas in it to be sure its not that. What are the possibilities it could be?

Answer 1

bad gas check fuel filter also

Answer 2

transmission could be shot- very expensive problem

Answer 3

possibly bad fuel. Sitting that long could have picked up water in the line causing your problem. If it is like my neon there is a locking clip holding the fuel line on. Remove the clip and line and turn on the ign switch to on position and let some of the fuel run into a cup to see what is looks like. Check for spark the old fasioned way pull out a plug and put it back into the wire holding the boot put it the bottom of the plug where the spark is on the alt bracket and turn the car over. before doing this make sure you hook the fuel line back up and there is no spilled fuel around. You should see spark. If no spark thats ur prob have to seek out further. If the fuel has water in it drain the line by purging it like i said before until it is clear fuel running out. It make take a few tries after hooking the fuel line back up to get the water clear from the injectors. But give that a try.

Answer 4

If you left the car without starting it for a long period the battery has probably discharged.

You will have to 'jump start' the car with jumper leads connected to someone elses car battery. Run the car for a while, then turn it off. If it doesn't start again you need a new battery.

In future never let a battery fully discharge...start the car once a week an run it for a few minutes or disconnect the negative (black) cable then the battery won't die.

Answer 5

Could be water in the fuel.  Add a container of Sea Foam to absorb any water. Pull the plugs, clean them and reset the gap.  Did you add Stabil to the fuel last winter?  Fuel pump working?  Turn on the ignition key and listed for the fuel pump to kick in. Could be a lot of things.

Answer 6

Try the battery. Something could have been left on in the winter that killed the battery or something.

I don't know. Try jumpstarting it.