i ran out of petrol on the way home and filled up some in the tank with a can. My friend in the car...while i was absent rang me to say the car had lost power and will not light up on lights or anything. Many attempts at jump starting and bump starting have not worked and i am at loss to why it has suddenly done it. i get faint reply from dashboard up to the second notch...but when trying to ignite all dashboard lights go out and i have no reply. Please can someone help. I have just bought the car 2 days ago and only have a little money to my name. Is there any quick fixes i can do to get it going so i can sell it asap as i hate it. many thanks nathan

nathan douglas-pryer, May 2008

Hi,
at a rough guess I would guess that the earth lead, which is the black negative lead from the battery is either not making a good connection at the battery, or where it goes to the body it is not making a good connection there. Or if the batt has gone below 9 volts it wont matter how many jump starts you give it you will still not get 12 volts, make sure the battery reads 12 volts on a volt meter,or pinch ur mates battery to try.The fact you run out of petrol you have probably flattened it trying to get the fuel up to the carb,a tow start would probably get you going.

Paul Bale, May 2008