Why Men shouldn't write advice columns...
 

She might also check for water in the fuel tank...

This is obvious. She should check the gauges behind the photo of her dog.

ethanol is to blame...

. . . she said it stalled, then it broke down? Does this mean she was able to get it running after it stalled? I'm thinking it might just be out of gas, because the implication is, as I read it, the car is still getting spark. . .

My advice - join in.

Like a woman would be able to provide better automotive advice? Sheesh.

Sorry. Not believable, it has to be made up.

No woman would walk a mile for help. She might phone her husband who could be 100 miles away, and would be expected to repair the car with an hour. But she would never walk.

Actually, the advice isn't really that good, especially for a non-car person...

When you have someone who knows nothing about cars tell you their car stopped running, the first thing you should do is ask them if they can smell anthing burning or smell fuel. If no, then have them turn on their headlamps.

If the lamps are extremely dim, the charging system is likely the issue (battery/cables and/or alt). If the lights are bright, crank the engine. Engine cranks normally indicates good battery charge, acceptable cable condition. Ask if they smell gas now (if yes - good chance fuel system is working but ignition becomes a likely suspect - they can't fix it either way, you're only satisfying your curiosity).

This is really all the further most inexperienced drivers can be safely expected to help you diagnose a repair over the phone. After this, have them turn on their four ways and start walking because most real beginners can't tell a vacuum line from an air conditioning line or an intake manifold from a brake reservoir.

angela

"can't tell .... an intake manifold from a brake reservoir"

I have this line in my head "can't tell a camshaft from a quick-change (rear end).
Jim

+1
The columnist didn't even ask for pics of the neighbors daughter!