running out of gas...now won't start

[chuckG]

Have a 1995 Chevy Lumina Van. Car was icy this morning so I started up..no problem. Let car run so all doors would open. Came inside for 30 minutes. When I got back to my car it was nice and toasty but had stalled. I know it had to have run for a good while because all the ice was now melted and car was toasty warm. But apparantly it ran out of gas.

I poured in 3 gallons of gasoline and attempted to start the car...wouldn't start. After work, I went to buy some Starter Spray (fluid?) and sprayed into the air filter and that chamber area. Still nothing...not even a fire and sputter.

starter is cranking just fine..battery is just fine...just won't go.

Any suggestions?

[nymorey]

Check your fuel pressure.
Maybe you burned out the fuel pump or blew a fuse.

[chuckG]

If fuel pump is bad...is it a difficult change? I'm handy and can do most jobs as long as they aren't too overly complicated. Do you have to drop the tank?

[cadgear]

Try removing the filter and intake hose and spray directly into the (open) throttle body, then try to start. The air filter may be trapping too much spray, plus you can screw up the MAF sensor with too much.

As far as replacing the pump, you'll need to drop the tank, get some snap-rings off, and swap the $300 pump out for a new one. But when you turn the key to ON do you hear a hum that lasts maybe 2 seconds and then stops? If not, then your pump is out. If so, you might have a different problem.

[chuckG]

Where is the fuse located for the fuel pump?

[nymorey]

Originally Posted by chuckG

Where is the fuse located for the fuel pump?

If it's not in the fuse box, there is usually a distribution panel under the hood. In it is the fuel pump relay and a fuse

[fopu]

Originally Posted by chuckG

If fuel pump is bad...is it a difficult change? I'm handy and can do most jobs as long as they aren't too overly complicated. Do you have to drop the tank?

It's not that complicated if you have enough room to work under the car. The gas tank is held in place by two metal straps. All you have to do is to unscrew two bolts then the gas tank comes out. The fuel pump is on top. If you don't have a Haynes manual yet, go buy one. It says everything about replacing fuel pumps. Make sure the gas tank is empty. Just for your own safety, ground it while working on it.