Someone Please Help ME!!!!

[gormleyla]

Ok...So I am a college student from Kearney, Nebraska and it has been snowing pretty bad for the past week so I havent really been driving much. Today is wednesday and I havent driven my truck(94' s-10) since sunday afternoon...I have went out a couple times to go start it to warm it up a bit so it didnt just sit but yesterday it didnt start. It only made like one reving noise and then there was just nothing. I have a 1/4 tank of gas in, as of the last time it started. It wouldnt start today either. I had my truck last winter and sometimes it took a little effort to start it up during the winters cause it gets so cold but its never just not started like this. I need help because I have no idea about cars or what to do, so anyones advice would be appreciated but you will have to put it in simple car terms for me. What should I do?!?!

Laura

[rustbucket]

Sounds like it might be the battery. Turn on the interior lights and attempt to crank it over, do they go dim?

[OverBoardProject]

I think that the key here is that you have a 1/4 tank of gas, and when you leave a vehicle in a cold enviroment the tank forms condensation inside, which in tern mixxes with the fuel and causes it to more or less freeze in your fuel lines.

Did I loose you yet?

During the cold winters you do not want to ever let your tank get less than 1/2 full to prevent fuel system freeze up.

You can probably get some gas line antifreeze (Methol Hydrate) prro it in your tank. Let it sit for a couple of hours, and then get a boost to start it.
When I've tried this it has always worked for me, but under some conditions you might have to heat up the fuel lines.

[dugie6551]

Also ... make sure that you are not parking your truck with the front end facing the wind. I had an instance where my truck "froze" because I parked it facing the wind. It had to be thawed out and it started up fine. After which I topped up the coolant and replaced the battery for good measure !!!

[gormleyla]

I think it might be the battery but im not sure. The battery light comes on when I try to turn it on but I dont think they dim. The only problem is that my truck is parked outside of my dorm and there are always cars around mine so im not sure how I am going to be able to jump start it. Im sure I can find someone w/ cables but I dont know if Ill be able to. Will I have to get it towed? If the lights arent dimming inside does that mean its not the battery??
Thanks for your replies, I appreciate it.

Laura

[OverBoardProject]

Just borrow a set of jumper cables, and the next time that one of the people parked beside you is going to their car talk them into giving you the boost.

Even leave a note on their window.

I know that this is a pain in the butt, but it works.

Anyone with a 4wd can easily drag your truck out if needed.Unless it's right stuck in 2 or more feet of snow.
There are lots of good places underneeth to hook a tow rope

I'd still try the gas line antifreeze, it won't hurt and might really help.
Plus it's cheap, usually around a dollar Canadian for 3 small bottles... add 2 of these small bottles.

[rustbucket]

It doesnt necessarily mean the battery is bad if the lights dont dim, could be corroded connections too. Getting a jump would be the next thing to do.

[unbe]

Originally Posted by dugie6551

Also ... make sure that you are not parking your truck with the front end facing the wind. I had an instance where my truck "froze" because I parked it facing the wind. It had to be thawed out and it started up fine. After which I topped up the coolant and replaced the battery for good measure !!!

Parking facing the wind makes no difference,when it hasn't been started in awhile,only cools it down sooner but wont make it colder.Windchill only applies to the wind and cold temps effect on flesh.

[OverBoardProject]

Originally Posted by unbe

Parking facing the wind makes no difference,when it hasn't been started in awhile,only cools it down sooner but wont make it colder.Windchill only applies to the wind and cold temps effect on flesh.

That's what they say, but when your in -40 temps with a severe wind chill and you car doesn't start you question that theory.
And when your car starts every time that it isn't facing into the wind, even in the otherwise same weather conditions you doubt that the theory is correct.

[unbe]

Originally Posted by OverBoardProject

That's what they say, but when your in -40 temps with a severe wind chill and you car doesn't start you question that theory.
And when your car starts every time that it isn't facing into the wind, even in the otherwise same weather conditions you doubt that the theory is correct.

Good point,text books tell us one thing but personal experience carries alot more weight

[luminaapv3]

what kind of noise is it making? continuos clicking or is the engine actually turning over and over?