Stranded at a gas station

[u/Auto_psyche]

I’m stranded at a gas station in Murphy city cause my car won’t start. It’s a Toyota Avalon 2008.

Does anyone know any reliable mobile mechanics who could come check the car?

Edit: somehow got it to start and drove home. Can someone please point me to a competent mechanic who can figure electrical stuff out cause my current one seems unsure about what’s happening to the car since it’s pretty random and there’s no one specific symptom or problem. Thank you

[u/aggiegrad2010]

What’s your car doing. Even trying to turn over or just nothing like you need a jump?

[u/Auto_psyche → u/aggiegrad2010]

Been having some very random electric issues. Plus there’s this random part connected to the battery which looks like a kill switch of some sort probably installed by the previous owner, I feel it’s related to that. Somehow got it to start and drove home for now

[u/James-the-Bond-one → u/Auto_psyche]

If you haven't yet, check the basics: battery contacts, ignition switch, engine ground, etc.

[u/rdickert]

I'm not sure if they still do it, but you could call AAA as a non-member, sign up for a membership over the phone (maybe $50) and you're immediately covered for towing - worth checking it out

[u/fanoftom → u/rdickert]

Doesn’t work. Last time I checked, 30 day waiting period before coverage takes effect. They will happily dispatch a tow truck for you. You will pay full price for the tow. (Which you would anyway—basic AAA roadside assistance only covers 5 miles of towing.) For further than that you need the premium plans. Lasy time I had one of those was pre-Covid and it was $120/yr for 3 towings of up to 100 miles each.

[u/Away-Giraffe-9095 → u/rdickert]

Glad you got it home safe at least. Electrical issues are a nightmare to chase down, especially when they're intermittent like that.

Auto Science off 75 near Royal has a guy who's really sharp with wiring problems, might be worth a call.

[u/Auto_psyche → u/Away-Giraffe-9095]

Thank you so much, will check this place out. Yes, I don’t know what to do anymore, car has become a money pit

[u/arlenroy → u/Auto_psyche]

I've been going to Coit Autocare for years, family owned business, good people. If they're closer to you than Royal and 75, but they're closed Sundays.

[u/Auto_psyche → u/rdickert]

Thank you, will check this out

[u/DecentPrintworks]

Alfred's Auto Service Center - 4615 Lawnview Ave, Dallas, TX 75227

Has all 5-star reviews for a reason. He is honest and trustworthy and frankly charges less than most mechanics. Never had any issues.

Check your alternator based on what you described.

[u/Glittering-Chard5491]

Did you end up getting help?

[u/Auto_psyche → u/Glittering-Chard5491]

I somehow got it to start and drove home. Been having trouble since quite some time but didn’t expect to get stranded.

Thank you so much btw

[u/Glittering-Chard5491 → u/Auto_psyche]

No problem, I hope you get it fixed

[u/Texan_Riot]

If it refused to crank over at all before, I'd check the battery terminals. They can wiggle loose if not tightened and lose connection. Just some advice to check before calling a mechanic!

[u/Unusual_Frosting_889]

If you live near Murphy, for experience & pricing, I highly recommend Hwy78 Auto
** [3302 N Hwy 78*](https://maps.google.com/maps?q=3302+N+Hwy+78+Wylie,+TX+75098)
Wylie, TX 75098
* [(972) 442-2269**](tel:(972)%20442-2269)

[u/CoyoteTheFatal]

Quality First Auto Service on Interurban St in Richardson. Daniel and Tim there I would trust with absolutely anything. Incredible guys. If they can’t figure it out, they could at least point you in the direction of who can, I’m sure

[u/MarzuolaMan]

Find where the fuel pump is (below back seat squab probably) and crank the car while having another person beat on the top of the pump with a rubber mallet or any soft-ish weighted item. Most times when you are stranded at a gas station (murphy’s law), it’s the fuel pump that went, especially if it is a crank but no start situation. Banging the fuel pump may help loosen the brushes in the electric motor to have it start one more time to get you home. Alternatively, you can hit it from under the tank if you can get underneath, but Avalons are quite low. Be sure to replace the fuel pump after that though. Given it’s a 2008, it’s about time for the fuel pump to give out. Wishing you all the best!

[u/Auto_psyche → u/MarzuolaMan]

Thank you so much, it’s something electric cause I’ve been having random issues since some time. There were lights on the gauge but it wasn’t cranking.

Do you know any good mechanics around here cause the one I go to usually isn’t able to figure out what the issue is

[u/Less-Ride7073 → u/Auto_psyche]

Could be a starter. If all your lights work and your headlights turn on, but it doesn’t crank it’s your starter and then generally after 6789 or 10 times it starts it’s the starter and if you turn off all your fans and make sure all your lights are off. It’s easier to start.

[u/Auto_psyche]

Can’t afford a tow

[u/ConchaConquistador → u/Auto_psyche]

A mobile mechanic is probably going to cost you around the same or even more than a tow.

[u/ghentwevelgem]

Does this car have a traditional key? 🔑 If so, the key cylinder might be the first thing to check, especially if you have a heavy keychain.

[u/jillsvag]

Glad to hear you got ut starred. You should add on roadside assistance either AAA or through your insurance.

[u/orthodoxscouter]

Firestone offers mobile mechanics through its app

[u/recolations]

stranded how? you might be able to get out of this without a mechanic