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96 Won't Start when Fuel is at or below Quarter Tank

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Old 04-21-2010, 12:03 PM
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Default 96 Won't Start when Fuel is at or below Quarter Tank

I have a 1996 Bonneville and when the fuel indicates at or below a quarter of a tank the car won't start after sitting for a prolonged period of time (overnight or several hours). I have to spray starting fluid into the air intake to get it started. Any suggestions?

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Old 04-21-2010, 12:07 PM
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When you have below a quarter tank have you tried turning the car to the ON posistion, waiting a few seconds for the fuel pump to finish building pressure then try to crank the car?
Old 04-21-2010, 12:13 PM
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No, I just turn the key. The engines turns over but no start. I usually try not to go below a quarter of a tank of gas.
Old 04-21-2010, 12:16 PM
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If you have a time where it won't start try to leave the key in ON for a few seconds until you hear the fuel pump turn off then try to start the car, this way fuel pressure builds up and we can see if it is a pressure problem because I haven't heard of this happening before
Old 04-21-2010, 12:20 PM
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OK, I will try that should it happen again. Thanks
Old 04-21-2010, 12:51 PM
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Maybe it'* just a weak fuel pump? Or a clog somewhere?
Old 04-21-2010, 08:56 PM
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I'd say the fuel pump "sock" filter is clogged.

My 92 SSE when it had 117k miles on it, would stall in turns when it was at 1/4 tank. When the tank was dropped, you couldn't see thru the mesh in the sock. It was coated with a brown material, maybe from bad/old fuel.
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