hello folks, I had to leave my car at my parents for a year in their garage without preparing for long term storage as I took up a job overseas. My family did not use or start the car for the whole year. The battery is completely dead and I plan on replacing it. When I tried jump starting it, the dash display would flicker but nothing happened. Is there anything I need to do before replacing the battery and filling up the gas? I have heard that the gas in the tank (if any) could be stale and could cause problems for the engine. Should I just have it towed to a mechanic? Other than this, the car is in great condition with only 60,000 miles.

Thank you!

2005 Honda Accord EX - 4 cylinder

 

Check for possible problems: (just because I don't know what your parents' garage looks like)
- mice chewing on the wiring harness or on the air filter??
- corrosion inside the fuel tank in the air-space above the liquid level??
- corrosion on the shiny exposed shafts of the shock absorbers (because they haven't moved)

Here's what I would do:
- new battery, like you said
- pull some fuses to disable the fuel pump (not sure which fuse #s??)
- or unplug the wiring harnesses from the fuel injectors
- remove all 4 spark plugs
- crank the starter to circulate the oil without any compression load
- put it all back together & try to start it.
- if the fuel tank isn't completely full, fill it so *SOME* of the fuel is fresh
- if the fuel tank IS full, expect it to run a bit rough until you get fresh fuel in there
- if it runs rough from stale fuel, get new spark plugs AFTER you use up that fuel
- change the oil & filter after running it at least enough to get it nice & hot

 

Hello New Member..Thank You for joining the HAF..

Jim has got you covered on your post...But make sure you post in the correct thread when your asking about repair questions..

WheelBrokerAng

 

Thank you JimBlake.
WheelBrokerAng, n00b mistake. Will remember to post in the right forum.

thanks!

 

Thank You for your Thank You's..

WheelBrokerAng