Ran the tank dry and now won t start..

Fuel pumps rely on the gas in the tank for cooling and lubrication. They soon wear out seals running dry. Check that the fuel pressure within factory specs using a gauge.

https://www.google.com/search?q=96+sable+fuel+pump+pressure+spec

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If there was ice blocking the fuel pump when you first started the car, it would have been running dry, overheating and probably failing. Ice in the tank is really not normal, since there must have been a lot of water in the tank. Depending on where you are located, most reputable gasoline manufacturers add small amounts of gas line antifreeze to their product in the winter to absorb any water and prevent this.

Pump the tank dry of the fuel using the electric fuel pump, just jump the fuel pump relay to get the pump to run and remove the supply line to the injectors and attach a hose. Use extreme caution around gasoline, no sparks, ground the container to the truck.

Your problem may be one of the following:
First check or just replace the fuel filter. Usually located under the car in front of the rear axle, drivers side.
Next, the fuel pump may be worn out. Usually they get loud or stop working (running).
Next, check the fuel pressure regulator. Usually located on the front fuel rail, drivers side.
Is the vacuum line attached? Not leaking or rotted?
Also, do you smell a strong fuel odor when it won't start? May be one or more stuck-open injectors, or the coil pack is bad.
Checking these in the order listed will more than likely fix your problem.
The clicking noise indicates the battery can no longer run the starter, which also means the fuel pump won't run either.
It could be a fuel issue. How old is the fuel filter? Can you hear the pump run for a few seconds when you turn the key on? Try turning the key to ON without trying to start engine three times waiting for the pump to stop running each time. Then try to start the engine. If it starts, Its a form of Vapor lock caused by the extreme heat we have had lately, and a weak fuel pump.

If none of this works, try a new fuel filter first. From there have someone check the fuel pressure regulator and then the pump. If you are in need of a new pump, take my word for it and spend the money to get one from a Dealer, and not from your favorite parts store. Most parts store parts are made in China and they are JUNK.

The filter is found under the vehicle along the right side frame rail....

sounds like when you ran out of gas, you clogged your fuel filter. Change your fuel filter and put a little bit more gas in it and she should fire right up. Hope this helps, James Booth. :)

Possible that there is an AIR LOCK and so you will need to bleed off the air within for the fuel to flow into the pump. So remove the fuel line and allow fuel to flow or blow into the fuel tank.( must **** out the fuel )
once the fuel comes over the pump will hold on.
Next time make sure that the tank does not run dry.

the fuel pump uses the fuel as a lubricant. when the fuel tank runs dry the fuel pump can overheat and sieze up. If you have power to your fuel pump plug then you may need to replace the fuel pump. check fuses and relays for the fuel pump circuit. Listen for the fuel pump to come on when you turn the key to the "run" position. Some people have luck by banging on the fuel tank while turning on the key to unstick the pump. don't count on this though.

many times after a vehicle runs out of gas the fuel filter has picked up all the **** in the tank and is clogged check to see if this is the problem or you might possibly have vapor lock due to air in the line when the tank ran dry

if you have high milieage you may have sucked in the gunk on the botton of your tank when you ran out of fuel check if you can hear the fuel pump running for about 2 sec with key on engine off if you hear nothing the problem is with your pump as they will burn out if they run dry for too long,if you hear the pump check for fuel pressure if pressure low check fuel filter to see if clogged by gunk from bottom of tank.