Car ran outta gas. I put half a gallon into it and turn it over, sounds like it 'wants' to start, it 'grabs' for a sec then nothing

I tried so many times my battery wore out (old battery). Would could be the problem? No carburetor so its not 'flooded', what to do? Ford focus 2007

Damaged fuel pump.

Probably still not enough gas in it…

If it's getting gas and air, and it has compression, it will run. Probably still not getting gas.

Running out of gas is a great way to destroy a fuel pump.

A half gallon is barely enough to wet the bottom of the tank

When you run out of gas you need a good 4 to 5 gallons in order to prime the fuel pump. Instead of just cranking the motor over forever just turn the key to the on position for ten seconds (with out cranking the motor over) and then off. Repeat this three times and it helps pressurize the fuel lines. Try starting it then. Pull out the battery and take it somewhere to charge it if it's dead form you jagging around.

I vote for probable bad fuel pump.

In any car made in the last 30 years letting it run out of gas is like letting an unconscious swimmer stay underwater for 5 minutes. It may not be fatal, but don't bet on it.

1/2 gallon barely wet the bottom of the tank. Also, if you're on an incline, the gas all went to one side. Get a couple of gallons, a fresh battery to jump it and pray you didn't burn out the fuel pump.

A half a gallon? = not enough