CRASH - is this why it wont start?

I am a single mom and am now without a car and I just bought it 2 months ago!! It is a Nissan Sentra 1998, one owner 85,000 miles so thought I got a good deal. Now engine turns over but wont start. I was told there is no gas smell when you push the gas pedal so they think it is not getting gas to engine. It almost catches at times but just wont do it. What could it possibly be? How much am I looking at if I buy parts and do I need a mechanic?

Side note: It snowed and I am not used to snow so crashed into someone!!! I broke the right headlight and blinker and pushed in the bumper slightly on impact. Is there anything on that side that could be making it not start?

I really would appreciate any help. Please let me know if you need more details!

Thank you!

Forgot to say, car had driven fine for a week since crash. Gas was nearing empty, but not on "e" yet. Car sat for 2 days not being used until I tried today and hood is slightly open due to impact. Has not been overly cold - maybe 26 degrees at coldest.

Forgot to say, car had driven fine for a week since crash. Gas was nearing empty, but not on "e" yet. Car sat for 2 days not being used until I tried today and hood is slightly open due to impact. Has not been overly cold - maybe 26 degrees at coldest.

Have you tried adding a gallon or two of gas to make sure tank is not empty???? Also check fuel pressure with a gauge to to make sure you have the proper fuel pressure. Also use a rubber hammer or 2X4 and bang on the gas tank some times this will get a fuel pump to work again, if this does work you will need to replace pump in the tank.

good luck

Have you tried adding a gallon or two of gas to make sure tank is not empty???? Also check fuel pressure with a gauge to to make sure you have the proper fuel pressure. Also use a rubber hammer or 2X4 and bang on the gas tank some times this will get a fuel pump to work again, if this does work you will need to replace pump in the tank.

good luck

Hi. thanks for reply. Yes we did add 2 gallons and still does not start. Could the impact have caused this at all? Where is the gas tank to bang on it? How do I check fuel pressure?

I have been reading about this issue and a few things have come up as cause like possibly a frozen fuel line. It has only dropped to about 26 degrees at night and much warmer during day (41). Could this temperature affect my fuel line? Fuel was nearing empty but not on empty. The car turns over and tries to almost catch (sometimes) but just won't catch all the way if that makes sense.....

Hi. thanks for reply. Yes we did add 2 gallons and still does not start. Could the impact have caused this at all? Where is the gas tank to bang on it? How do I check fuel pressure?

Here is a link to the online serrvice manual for the sentra,
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Sentra/1998_Sentra_SR/ec.pdf

Section ec has info on testing fuel pressure and fuses.

Have you tried turning the key to the on position without starting the engine to listen if the fuel pump is working? Once you turn the igniton to on the fuel pump should run for 5 seconds then stop, listen by the fuel tank in the rear of the vehicle in the trunk area. Also check the fuel pump relay and fuel pump fuse in the fuse box.

Here is a link to the online serrvice manual for the sentra,
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Sentra/1998_Sentra_SR/ec.pdf

Section ec has info on testing fuel pressure and fuses.

Have you tried turning the key to the on position without starting the engine to listen if the fuel pump is working? Once you turn the ignition to on the fuel pump should run for 5 seconds then stop, listen by the fuel tank in the rear of the vehicle in the trunk area. Also check the fuel pump relay and fuel pump fuse in the fuse box.

Thank you so much for all of your help. My little boy and I checked the fuel pump and heard a slight hum sound from back of car when key turned. Is this the fuel pump? I also checked as far I know how, the relays and fuses. This morning on the first turnover, the car almost started. Better than it had done before. Will I kill my battery by trying to start over and over? Should I pour gas into carburetor? If so, where is it and how do I do this?

Thank you so much for all of your help. My little boy and I checked the fuel pump and heard a slight hum sound from back of car when key turned. Is this the fuel pump? I also checked as far I know how, the relays and fuses. This morning on the first turnover, the car almost started. Better than it had done before. Will I kill my battery by trying to start over and over? Should I pour gas into carburetor? If so, where is it and how do I do this?

Yes that should be the sound of the fuel pump. Which engine is it??? Yes if you keep on attempting to start the engine without recharging the battery the battery will die. ALso check for spark by taking a spark plug wire off of a spark plug and put a screwdriver in the end of the spark plug wire and lay it against some metal and try starting the engine and watch for a spark at the screwdriver. If no spark you will need to find the source of the problem for no spark.