I just purchased a (2 door) 1998 Honda Civic for my son. It's my first time purchasing a used vehicle. Nevertheless, the car appeared to be fine. I test drove the car, asked lots of questions and the exterior is in excellent condition. Later, the check engine light came on and the Used care dealership replaced the noc sensor. The check engine light came off and the car drove fine. MY son has been using the vehicle for about a week, without any problems. However, just this evening my son started the car and drove two doors down. He reported the car just stopped. My son stated the car radio and lights stayed on, but the car stopped, as if he ran out of gas. I thought he ran out of gas, so I had AAA bring gas. We attempted to start the car, turning the key, the car lights (i.e. engine, oil, battery, etc) are on, but the car continues to have difficulty in starting. AAA suggested we let the car sit for awhile and attempt to start it again. Could it be that my son let the car drain all of the gas and the car is having problems with getting the gas to the fuel pump? I do not want to panic, but could anyone give me more suggestions?

. Remove and fully charge the battery--AutoZone will do this for free.

. Here's the best way to start the car. Turn the ignition switch to ON (Position II) and observe the Check Engine Light (CEL) come on for two seconds and then go out. During this interval, listen for the fuel pump, in the gas tank, run and then stop. It needs to fully pressurize the fuel rail, before the engine will start. Also, listen for the "click" of the main relay. Finally, turn the ignition switch to Start and the engine should immediately fire off. Following this procedure is second-nature for many Honda owners. Not only does the car start easier and faster, it saves the battery and starter motor. Most importantly, it tells you and the service technician a lot about the car. First, it tells you the ECM (computer) has checked out the car and it's okay, if the CEL comes on and then goes out. The CEL will not go out, if the ECM throws a code or the ECM is bad. Second, it tells you the main relay and the fuel pump work. If all of that works, and the car does not have spark, it's pretty safe to assume the problem is distributor-related. Be sure and go over this with your son.

Whenever you buy a used vehicle, it's good practice to change all of the fluids and filters; i.e. engine oil and filter, transmission fluid, brake fluid (very important), clutch fluid, coolant (50/50 recommended antifreeze and distilled water), fuel filter, and air filter. In order to play good defense, and avoid the big unexpected repair bill, I recommend that you use full-synthetic engine oil (e.g. 5W-30 Mobil 1) and a premium oil filter (e.g. Purolator PureOne). Have your son start a Maintenance Log, where he records Date, Mileage, and Work Performed, and follow the recommended maintenance in the Owner's Manual. It would be a good idea to buy a Haynes Manual.