New to the forums, tried doing a search but couldn't find the exact problem I am having so I figured I'd ask.

I let my brother borrow my car a few weeks back (first mistake), it only had a quarter tank of gas, and I warned him since the gas light doesn't work anymore. It was pretty cold at night, probably in the 10-20F range, and he seemingly ran out of gas, was going up a hill, started having power issues when he pushed the gas, then stalled. He walked and put 2 gallons of gas in it, and ended up killing the battery leaving the lights on while he was gone.

I came and tried to jump him, the car turns over, would start for a second or two, but once you push the gas, instant stall. I had it towed to my house thinking maybe the fuel lines froze. Got it back here, put some HEET and 5 gallons of gas in, and waited for some warmer days since I have another vehicle.

The past two days it's been in the 50s and above freezing at night, so I went out, hooked it up to my truck, and tried to jump it with the same issues. When you turn the key into the on position, and then turn it off, you can hear the fuel pump doing it's thing. If you spray starter fluid into the engine, it starts immediately, but again, push the gas and a stall. I'm starting to think it's the fuel pump, but I don't feel comfortable changing out an in tank fuel pump so I want to try anything else I can before bringing it to a mechanic to do that.

if TLDR; engine starts momentarily, stalls once you push the gas.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
-Chris

 

You must check the fuel pressure with a test gauge if you want to rule it out.

 

These are the worst cars for running out of gas. Plus a 1/4 tank of gas in mine is only a gallon or two. Just running it low is bad because the fuel keeps the pump cool. I am pretty sure its not the problem, but have you changed the fuel filter recently? It will pick up a lot of junk and more when you are running it low or running out. Fuel pressure first like mentioned above.

 

I would replace the fuel fileter then check the pressure, if the filter is too far gone it could keep you from getting a true pressure reading. If it doesnt hold 42# its prolly time to cut a trap door.