What could possibly be preventing my car from starting?

Tiny
JESSICALYNN3862
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 VOLVO S40
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 198,000 MILES
My car ran out of oil and now after adding more oil it won't start. The fuel pump is working and the motor is not locked. I have no clue as to what could be the problem. The car sounds like its going to start up but it just won't turn over. I just want to know some possibilities to look into.
Saturday, September 10th, 2011 AT 8:27 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
PROMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 536 POSTS
Can you tell me more about it not having any oil in it? What happened?
You need to find a way to check the fuel pressure and also see if the cylinders are getting spark. This will narrow it down to a fuel system or the ignition system.
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Sunday, September 11th, 2011 AT 4:53 AM
Tiny
JESSICALYNN3862
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
While driving it killed and didn't start since then. After adding more oil it still wouldn't start. How would I check the fuel pressure?
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Sunday, September 11th, 2011 AT 4:20 PM
Tiny
PROMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 536 POSTS
You just need to use a fuel pressure gauge. You can get one at most any auto parts store, just make sure that they give you one that will work for your car.
Did the oil light come on before it died?
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Sunday, September 11th, 2011 AT 5:37 PM
Tiny
JESSICALYNN3862
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes the service light was on. When I check the fuel pressure what should I check for and what do I do once I get it.
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Monday, September 12th, 2011 AT 3:13 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 536 POSTS
Turn the key on with the gauge hooked up. Let me know what the reading is and I can tell you if it is within normal range.
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Monday, September 12th, 2011 AT 3:19 AM
Tiny
JESSICALYNN3862
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Okay thanks. I will get back to you with that, but I also would like to know if in order to use a code reader would the car have to be running or just in the on position?
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Monday, September 12th, 2011 AT 6:02 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 536 POSTS
The key just needs to be on. It does not need to be started.
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Monday, September 12th, 2011 AT 4:09 PM

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