Q: Car has trouble starting with the a quarter of gas left

asked by on August 30, 2016

The car has troubles starting when the gas tank is left with around a quarter of gas left in it. Then, I have to try a couple of times and it eventually starts. I had the fuel pump replaced about a month ago but still the same issue. What else might be the cause of the problem?

Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement $126.81 - $1011.90 Get a Quote
Fuel Pump Replacement $145.32 - $1299.70 Get a Quote
Car is hard to start Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. There is usually a tray inside the fuel tank located under the fuel pump. This is used to get fuel to the pump when the gas is low or if the car is on an incline. This tray could have shifted, making it difficult to start when the gas in on a quarter of a tank or less. It is also possible that the fuel pressure regulator is malfunctioning when you have low fuel. If the new fuel pump is faulty you may be experiencing the same problem. If this issue gets worse or becomes more frequent, enlist the help of a local expert, like one from YourMechanic, who can diagnose the cause of the hard start and perform needed repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Gearshift won't shift
Hi. This is a common thing that owners of your particular vehicle encounter. Usually the cause of the problem is within the shift linkage. The shift linkage is built with plastic bushings that overtime become brittle and loose it connection...
Failed smog check
Neither of these issues should cause you to fail a smog test. Smog test look at your cars emission output. The radiator might be leaking and need to be repaired but it has nothing to do with your emissions. The...
Car doesn't move when put into reverse or drive
The transmission in your Equinox (the 4L60E) is common - I replaced one recently. I suggest starting by checking your transmission fluid level: Start your vehicle, let it warm up, and with a rag, pull up the transmission dipstick tube...
rpm 1500 when driving with 80 mph
You may be driving with different size tires from the original size. If you are, then it may change what your speedometer is reading compared to road speed you are actually going. If you have a GPS or use the...
Best brand of spark plugs for a 2012 Subaru Forester
Stick with the iridium spark plugs. The car was designed to run correctly with those spark plugs. A lot of times people try to sell you the more expensive ones and it's more of a gimmick than anything else. That...
Replaced water pump (no noise before just leaky) now there's loud humming noise and I don't have heat. Haven't tried driving yet.
Hi there. From the description you have provided, you replacing the water pump and now you have a new noise and no heat, are an combination of things going on. First, the loud humming noise coming from the water pump/timing...
I have a kill switch on my car and the remote broke and I can't find how to disconnect the kill switch. It's an aftermarket
Hey there. If the system is an aftermarket type, then you would need to have the entire system removed or the system replaced with a new system. These systems all hook up a little different and only after looking at...
My honda CRV shows -28 on the screen . What does that mean?
The screen may be displaying a trouble code tied to a fault picked up by the vehicles computers. The code may stand for an item that needs to be reset or an electrical fault. Consider hiring an experienced technician like...
Car is overheating
The flapping noise may have been the serpentine belt breaking. Once the belt broke completely both the water pump and alternator stopped turning, thus accounting for both the overheating the charging light coming on. In all probability you just need...

Related articles

How Can I Keep My Fuel System Clean?
Proper Proper maintenance of the fuel system is crucial for consistent long-term performance of a vehicle. The most easily clogged parts of the fuel system are the fuel injectors themselves. There are a number of ways this can happen: Whenever...
How Long Does a Fuel Pump Usually Last?
Fuel pumps are a simple and rugged part of the fuel system. They are usually found inside of the fuel tank and are...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Fuel Pump Relay
If the engine is stalling or not starting, or the fuel pump is not making any noise when the key is on, you may need to replace the fuel pump relay.