Does your car fire right up and immediately die? Perhaps it won’t stay running unless your foot is on the gas? Don’t fret. There are several simple things you can try that may fix the issue.
Diagnosing a no start or sudden stall condition is often difficult, as there could be many possible causes. This guide is intended to help you narrow down the problem, and possibly even fix the issue yourself.
Common Reasons a Car Starts Then Dies
There are many reasons why your car would start but shut off almost immediately. It all comes down to three essential elements (fuel, air, and a properly timed spark) to keep a car running. When any of these components become unbalanced, your car starts experiencing issues like stalling right after starting.
Note: If you’ve attempted to start the vehicle a couple times without success, you should wait a few minutes before trying again. This gives the starter a chance to rest, and may reduce the risk of flooding the engine.
1) Bad Idle Air Control Valve
An idle air control valve (IAC) regulates the air fuel mixture of a vehicle at idle. It also manages the idle under changing engine loads, like when you kick on the air conditioning, turn on the headlights, or turn up the radio.
When the idle air control valve malfunctions, you may experience a rough idle or the vehicle may stall entirely. This is especially true on cold starts.
If you have a bad idle air control valve, you can often keep the engine running by giving it gas. This is a very temporary solution, but it could mean the difference from being stranded and getting safely to your destination.
You can try cleaning the idle air control valve to see if it resolves the problem. Sometimes there is an electrical issue inside the idle air control valve that prevents the valve from operating properly.
You can use a multimeter along with a factory manual’s wiring diagram to test the idle air control valve. If the root cause is an electrical problem within the idle air control valve itself, you will likely have to replace the IAC.
2) Bad Vacuum Leak
A vacuum leak is a hole in a vehicle’s air intake system behind the mass air flow (MAF) sensor that allows unmetered air into the engine. This throws off the expected air fuel ratio and causes the vehicle to run lean (in other words, too much air for the amount of fuel that has been injected).
An excessively lean air-fuel mixture could cause the vehicle to shake when starting, and then die shortly after.
Normally a car will still run with minor vacuum leaks. If the leak is severe, the fuel injectors may not be able to keep up with all the extra unmetered air in the system for a proper burn in the combustion chamber.
You may be able to pop the hood and find something that’s noticeably out of place, such as a vacuum line that has torn or disconnected. If you don’t have any immediately apparent leaks, you can perform a smoke test to find the exact source of the leak.
During a smoke test, a mechanic pumps smoke into the intake system. This smoke will seep out from any holes in the intake system and tell you very quickly if air is able to enter the intake system where it should not be.
A vehicle that uses a speed-density system for engine management will have a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor instead of a MAF sensor. These vehicles will raise the idle as if the throttle plate were open when they have a vacuum leak, and are unlikely to stall.
3) Dirty or Faulty MAF Sensor
A mass air flow (MAF) sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of air entering the engine on most vehicles. A MAF sensor is very sensitive. Dirt and oil buildup that has blown past the engine air filter can easily foul the sensor. A dirty sensor will often read incorrect air measurements, throwing off the air fuel ratio.
Cleaning this sensor with a dedicated MAF sensor cleaner may solve the issue. If not, test the MAF sensor to see if it’s gone bad and replace if necessary.
If you use an aftermarket air intake, make sure you don’t apply too much oil on the air filter. Excessive oil may blow past the filter and gum up the MAF sensor.
Note: Only use MAF sensor cleaner to clean a MAF sensor. Do not touch the sensor directly or clean it with other methods.
4) Ignition Issue
The ignition system is responsible for generating the spark that ignites the mixture of air and fuel in the internal combustion chamber.
If you were to have any issues in your ignition system, like with the spark plugs or even the car battery, then the spark might not be sufficient enough to achieve complete combustion in the combustion chamber. This could cause the car to die, if it starts at all.
Make sure you have a solid connection at the battery with no corrosion on the terminals. If there is excessive corrosion, try cleaning the terminals. A battery terminal cleaner is made specifically for this purpose and makes the job easier.
Check to make sure your spark plug wires or ignition coils are seated properly on each of the spark plugs. A detached or malfunctioning spark plug wire will cause misfires and often a stall as the engine struggles to stay running on fewer cylinders.
Next, check your spark plugs to make sure they look healthy, and replace them if necessary.
5) Bad Camshaft/Crankshaft Position Sensor
Crankshaft and camshaft position sensors are designed to inform the ECU where the crankshaft and/or camshafts are at all times. This allows the ECU to coordinate the firing of the spark plugs (ignition timing) with the position of the rotating assembly.
If the ECU can’t get a clear signal, the engine may fail to start or die immediately after starting.
Your ECU should throw a check engine light if there is no signal from the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors. Get this code read if you can, as it may tell you the exact wire that is causing the issue.
Inspect the connectors on the crankshaft/camshaft position sensors to ensure there is no corrosion or bare metal on the wires, particularly behind the connector on the engine harness side.
On some vehicles, excessive signal noise or interference could cause issues with the crankshaft position sensor. Spark plug wires are a source of electromagnetic interference (EMF), but this is usually only a problem on some aftermarket setups when this interference isn’t taken into account.
6) Slipped Timing Belt/Timing Chain
A timing belt or chain that has skipped a tooth will throw off the cam timing, causing the intake and/or exhaust valves to open at the wrong time. Incorrect cam timing may lead to a rough idle, misfires, or a stalled engine.
A skipped tooth could be caused by a belt that was too loose, either due to a failed tensioner or incorrect tensioning procedures during a timing belt replacement.
A camshaft gear that has slipped on the camshaft may exhibit similar symptoms, but is harder to diagnose. This is because a slipped gear will still allow the timing marks to line up, despite the timing being off.
If you know the correct angle of the cam lobes, you will know something is off by the angle of the cam lobes with respect to the cam gear timing marks.
Correcting either of these issues usually requires about as much effort as replacing the timing belt, though some cams are accessible to experienced mechanics without doing the full timing belt teardown.
If your vehicle has an “interference engine”, the piston or valves could contact each other if the timing isn’t lined up correctly. On these engines, it is imperative to correct the issue as soon as possible to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
7) Fuel Pump Leak
If there is any kind of leak in your fuel pump or fuel injection system, it will create problems for the internal combustion process. The engine requires the right amount of air and fuel to mix together for ignition.
If there is a fuel leak somewhere, then the correct amount of fuel may not make it to the combustion chamber. This might be enough to allow the engine to start, but not keep running.
8) Fuel Injection Sensor Issue
The fuel injectors require a certain amount of pressure so that they can inject the right amount of fuel into the internal combustion chamber. The engine control unit communicates with the fuel injector through the sensor that is attached to it.
The sensor keeps track of the amount of pressure in the fuel injector and then transmits this information to the engine control unit. From there, this computer modifies the pressure accordingly.
However, if there is a problem or issue with the fuel injector sensor, the engine will not receive the right amount of fuel for a proper combustion. This could lead to a starting car that dies right away.
Fuel injectors can also clog, which would affect their spray pattern and ability to inject the correct amount of fuel.
9) Bad Carburetor
Carburetors are used on older vehicles that do not use electronic fuel injection. They are responsible for properly adjusting the air fuel ratio to achieve efficient combustion.
If you have a bad carburetor that is malfunctioning for some reason, it will likely throw off the ratio of air and fuel.
10) Bad Ground Strap
A bad ground strap can cause all sorts of nasty electrical issues. You may experience multiple seemingly unrelated codes. Certain systems may work intermittently or behave erratically. In some cases, your vehicle can stall randomly.
If your car starts, immediately dies, and then the battery light comes on, the battery light may be a symptom, not the cause. Try checking that all major grounds are clean and tight.
Fixing a bad ground is usually very cheap and easy. The difficulty often lies in the electrical diagnostics. An engine wiring diagram and a multimeter will be your best friends if you are trying to locate and replace a bad ground.
11) Engine Control Unit Issue
An engine control unit, engine control module, or powertrain control module (ECU, ECM, or PCM respectively) is the computer that manages the main engine parameters and programming for the vehicle.
Although a failing ECU is far less common than a problem with the wiring harness or a ground strap, it is possible for the ECU to malfunction and cause a stall. Generally, an ECU failure will be accompanied with several electrical systems malfunctions, such as missing or invalid sensor readings.
One potential problem that could arise is the inability to control the fuel injection system correctly. This might cause problems keeping the car running after you start it up.
12) Insufficient Fuel Pressure
Low fuel pressure can cause a car to start but die suddenly because the engine is not receiving enough fuel to maintain proper combustion.
When the fuel pressure is low, the fuel injectors may not be able to deliver the necessary amount of fuel to the engine. Your car may start, but as soon as the fuel supply runs out, the engine will die suddenly.
Preventive Maintenance
To lessen your chances of your car dying immediately after starting, performing regular preventive maintenance is needed. Here are a few things you can do:
- Check Your Fuel System – Make sure your fuel filter, fuel pump, and injectors are clean and functioning properly. Regularly replacing the fuel filter can help prevent clogging and ensure proper fuel delivery.
- Inspect the Ignition System – Keep an eye on your spark plugs, ignition coils, and distributor cap (if your car has one). Replace them as recommended in your owner’s manual or whenever you notice any wear and tear.
- Monitor the Air Intake System – The idle air control valve (IAC) and mass airflow sensor (MAF) play important roles in regulating the air-fuel mixture. Keep these components clean and replace them as needed to prevent any issues.
- Examine the Timing Belt or Chain – A slipped timing belt or chain can cause the engine to stall (among other things). Regularly inspect it for wear and replace as necessary or according to the manufacturer’s recommended interval.
- Check for Vacuum Leaks – Leaks in the vacuum system can trigger engine stalling. Be sure to inspect hoses and connections for any sign of wear or damage.
- Stay Up-to-Date With ECU Updates – Keep your ECU software updated, as manufacturers often release updates to improve engine performance and fix potential issues.
- Test Your Battery and Charging System – Ensure your battery is in good condition, as a weak battery can cause starting issues. Additionally, make sure your alternator is keeping the battery charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Weather Affect My Car Starting and Dying?
Cold weather can impact your car’s starting performance and may cause it to die immediately after starting.
Low temperatures can cause the engine oil to become thicker, making it harder for the engine to turn over. Additionally, the battery’s efficiency can decrease in cold weather, reducing its ability to provide the necessary power to start the engine.
In hot weather, your engine may experience vapor lock, a condition where the fuel turns into vapor before reaching the combustion chamber, leading to the engine dying.
What Causes My Car to Shake When Starting and Then Die?
It’s common for a vehicle to shake right before dying. This all relates to the engine’s combustion chamber either not getting enough fuel or air.
It could be a bad idle air control valve, faulty mass airflow sensor, a bad camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, or a vacuum leak among other things. All of these can cause imbalances in the engine, leading to shaking and stalling.
Can a Faulty Alternator Make My Car Start and Then Die?
Yes, a faulty alternator can make your car start and then die. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator is not working correctly, it may not provide adequate power to keep the engine running or recharge the battery.
A good example of this is if you get a jump-start from another vehicle and then your car dies shortly after. This often indicates an alternator issue.
Does Smelling Gas Indicate a Problem When My Car Starts and Dies?
Yes, smelling gas when your car starts and dies could indicate a problem with the fuel system. The issue could be a leaking fuel injector, a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator, or a damaged fuel line.
You’ll need to address this issue immediately, as it can at best, lead to poor performance or at worst, start a fire. If you notice a strong gasoline smell, you’ll want to get a professional mechanic to diagnose the issue (once you’ve ruled out a faulty or missing gas cap).
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I also had the same problem if only being able to go 30 mph.
Turned out to be oxygen sensor and map sensor
I have Nissan wingroad Y11. When you start the engine after it has stayed for more than 1hr without running it starts and then goes off immediately. You need to try starting like 4 to 5 times then it starts after which if you switch it if and start it then starts well without any problem. But if you switch the off the engine again for more than an hour it behaves the same again. What could be the problem
Sounds like a fuel system problem to me, possibly the fuel pump. It’s almost like the fuel lines aren’t being pressured unless you’ve driven recently, or you do that little dance with the ignition key.
Can you hear the fuel pump prime? Not all fuel pumps are audible in the cabin, but this can be a sign to help you diagnose the problem in some cases.
I’ve got a 2015 chevy sonic that idles very rough, kills itself during said rough idle, and has a misfire. I hooked up an OBD2 and a code for the 02 sensor popped. So upon further inspection we noticed they added spacers between the sensor and manifold in an attempt to trick the sensor. But Cleary wasn’t working. So I took out the spacer. And put the sensor in the correct way. Now the sonic is still idling rough, dieing from the idle. And slight misfire.
I have a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu and sometimes when I stop at a red light or stop sign it will go dead and when I try to crank it, the car will jerk and it will go dead unless I give it a lot of gas and then it’ll keep running
I have replaced the oxygen sensor, oil control valve, mass air flow sensor, air filter, and solenoid sensor.
I change a crankshaft in a Toyota engine. The car starred and was steaming. The next the it start and was also steaming on the process it off itself and since then anytime I start the engine it start and off immediately
I have a 2000 GMC 3/4 ton 2500 V8 Vortec it starts and then immediately dies I put a fuel pump. fuel filter. fuel pressure regulator . a new mass air flow and it is still doing the exact same thing what is my problem
Hi, I reinstalled Honda Accord 204 uk spec Engine. Work normal on the first day and the next day tried to run it then it will on and off in next 2/3sec… please what could be the issue??
Sounds like there may be a wiring issue. Check to see if any grounds or engine harness connectors worked themselves loose after the initial test drive.
97 ram 1500 5.9L/360ci
Replaced plastic fuel rail with OEM metal. Started up and ran fine. Shut her off, cleaned up, and she wouldn’t start for a test run. The whole upper half above the cam is rebuilt, new gears and chains, gaskets and seals. Any idea’s?
Check for codes, maybe an electrical connector wiggled loose (such as the crankshaft sensor). That would cause a no start condition.
Could the engine have flooded after the first start? Try cranking the engine for several seconds with the injectors shut off. Some vehicles will let you do this by holding down the gas pedal while you crank. If yours doesn’t allow this, you can also pull the fuel pump relay, then crank the engine.
Is the fuel pump still priming?
Check for fuel leaks, if the engine bay smells strongly of gas after that initial startup, you may have a fuel leak.
I have a 2003 Infiniti G35 I started my car one day and the rpms shot up then my car shut off now it won’t start. What does this sound like?
Could be a vacuum leak, could be an issue with the throttle. You’ll have to do some diagnostic work to narrow down the problem.
My Volkswagen Vento car 1996 model starts well but revs up and then stalls. Can you help?
Check for vacuum leaks. You may need to do a smoke test for this, but if the vacuum leak is bad enough you may see a torn vacuum hose under the hood or something like that.
I have a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. I started my vehicle to go home from work. It started ok. after I got home, I had to go to my granddaughter’s concert. I went out to my truck and it started and then died. I started it three times and it died all three times.
I’m not sure, that could be caused by any number of things. Did you do a visual inspection of the engine bay? Were there any check engine lights?
I have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2 V8, with about 235k miles on it. My Jeep usually runs great, but recently it started dying right after startup.
I can crank it and the engine starts up fine, but about 1 to 2 seconds later, it suddenly dies. It will not start.
Any codes? A no start condition or instant stall could be caused by a great number of unrelated things.
I would check for vacuum leaks and see if the idle air control valve is working correctly. Turning on the A/C or high beams should make it stall easier if you’re having IAC issues.
Let’s go Brandon!
My cadillac2011 srx starts n dies then after while it starts n u hear it trying to start while its started i turn it off n try hours later then it starts .the next day it will do the same thing
Sounds like your starter is on its way out.
Hi please, I need your help on this, my car starts normal and I drive, but after some hours of Driving, probably when I’m in the traffic or hold up, definitely I have to slow down yea, so when I slow down completely it will go off, and it won’t start not until I Tuttle up with the starting and it will then start. So why should I Tuttle up during starting up my car before it starts, and why does it goes off when I slow down completely. In fact it’s usually like this when the engine is hot after driven some miles. Thank you
I don’t understand. Can you describe what you mean by “Tuttle up”?
I have a 2011 Suzuki swift (button start) recently when I started it it was trying to start but jus went to the on position and when switched back off it would either start slow and sluggish or normal..most times the numbers on the digital dashboard would reset and go from displaying the amount of Kms in gas I have to just showing a dash for a day or few hours and it will also display a other set of numbers after
I just bought a new engine for 2009 Honda Accord. after fixing the engine. Then will start and when the check light on the engine will die off.
What’s responsible for that? Is the the engine is bad?
What codes are stored?
I have a 2011 Nissan Versa. While we were on a road trip it started jerking on the highway and my speed dropped to about 30 mph. Earlier it had gone through a huge amount of fuel, but we also had a lot of stuff on top of the car so I thought it might be that. When it began to jerk on the highway, I pulled over for awhile, and then was able to drive to our hotel. The next day I had the spark plugs replaced because I knew they were due and I thought that was the problem. The car drove great all the way from FL to MA. But yesterday it started doing the same thing. I was able to get home, but today every time I try to start it it dies immediately. Any idea what the problem could be?
No idea. Were there any stored codes that could narrow down the problem?
I have a Toyota Yaris 2017 model. It just stalled while on the road. I bought a new starter and it starts but still not running!
You or your mechanic will have to do some troubleshooting to narrow down the problem. Remember a car needs air, fuel, spark, and compression to run.
I have a ford fiesta 1.6 tdci, it starts and dies immediately when i pump the diesel using a hand pump it starts and then dies again and the bubbles in the fuel lines dont go away, initialy it had a vacuum leak the hose that connects to the turbo and a cut, i sorted that out but now i have been trying to deal with the bubbles that i see everytime i prime the car.
Very good info.I replaced a timing belt on a 1997 avalon.Afterward car starts runs for a minute or two then dies.IT would not start immediately after.Next day it would start normally and then dies suddenly about a minute or two after start.Before replacing timing belt car was running great.Changing timing belt was preventative maintenance.
Check to make sure your timing marks are all aligned correctly, and check belt tension. Sounds like something went wrong during the install.
2001 bounder 8.1 liter starts then die after about,5 to10 seconds new fuel pump new fuel filter new fuel pump relay I can not figure it out what should I do next
Can you keep it running if you give it throttle?
Am also experiencing the some problems with Daihatsu hc-ej engine
I have a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer. It has acceleration issues where it’s not immediately responsive to accelerating and at night the headlights dim while I drive. Today I went to start it and then it died out parter a second so I tried again a few times and had the same result every time. When I turn it on and rev the engine it gets real shakes and the dashboard lights dim and get like flashy and when I stop revving it dies again. Any idea what might be wrong
I’m not sure. You’re probably going to have to run it by a mechanic in your area for a diagnosis.
That’s parasidic draw, you have something draining the battery of the car, or you could have a bad alternator.
O have a 1994 camaro z-28 lt1 5.7 liter it was runni g then it started and wiuld run for a bit then it would die i have replaced maf sensor map sensor new coil new opti 3 months ago i got spark and the fuel pump is working i can hear it i had some wires near coil that i stripped and replaced my map sensor looked like it had gotten hot and a new fuel filter all my fuses are good and now it has stopped and will not start at all…
I have a 2011 Kia Sportage that just had a new turbo done, flushed oil to clean out old carbon, new synthetic oil change, VVT sillinoids replaced and valve cover gasket replaced. Ran great short while now rough idle and won’t stay running and still using oil. Could this possibly be caused by faulty turbo? Periodically engine bogs down then puffs white smoke than continues to run great.
I’m not sure. Why was the work done on the turbo initially?
I have a mits 2001 eclipse, It starts then dies as soon as I let off the gas petal. It only stays alive by staying on the gas. Once off the gas the rpm drop right away and stalls. The code that shows is for an ERG sillinoid but when tested it seems to be working. whats your thoughts on this. Spark plugs could be mis firing?
I would test again, or test a different way. If the EGR valve were stuck open, exhaust gas would constantly enter the combustion chamber which could cause issues with your idle.
You may also want to check for vacuum leaks while you’re in there; it’s possible you have a couple unrelated problems that is causing the stall. Wouldn’t hurt to check the spark plugs as well. The spark plugs may even give you a better idea about what’s going on.
I have a Nissan Micra diesel the car is cranking but does not start it is only starting with quick start spray. The engine light is always on. The technician told me is the computer box I take it for repare now the key like does not go off the fan is running none stop the the engine is not turning.
What could the problem please.
i have a 1991 chevy sportvan, it ran out of gas and put 9 gallons in and i primed it, will run for a few seconds, then die, the fuel pump sound comes on before i turn the car over. i unhooked both fuel lines slightly at the carburetor and one was empty the other full. i tried turning the key before it turns over to run the fuel pump and empty the air. primed it and ran for only 3 sec, i tried this twice.
anyone have any idea what else i could try?
car seemed to be idling fine and ran alright before i parked it and then idled for like 5 min with almost no gas.
I have a 2001 Crown Victorian police interceptor 4.6 L and I’m having problems with it it keeps throwing misfire codes even after I changed all the plugs and coils when Factory Parts nothing aftermarket and now I’m having trouble starting it will start but then dies right after unless I keep giving it gas but as soon as I let go of the gas it dies and I can’t figure out what would be the problem before it would run and it would cut in and out at the power car had no horsepower after I change the plugs and coils it was fine for a day or two and then went right back to doing the same thing does anyone knows what could be the problem please let me know
I have a 2007 Chrysler town and country. It will start, then die immediately. Go to try again, and then it won’t even start. Dashboard lights won’t turn on, but everything else will, radio, lights, windows will roll down. Any thoughts?
Start with the basics. Check to make sure you have a solid connection to the battery. The terminals need to be snug and free of corrosion. If everything checks out there, have the battery tested.
Hi.
I’ve a Vauxhall Astra G with Z14XEP petrol engine.
For 6 month, at 1st start in the morning, engine starts, then dies right after starting, but after 2nd start everything is fine & I can drive hundreds of miles. The engine always starts until the first start of the next day.
At beginning, it occurd rarely, but it is more & more common. Nowadays, after 2nd start, idle is a bit unstable for 15 sec, but then ok.
I checked with OBD reader, no fault code, fuel trimm & consumption ok, no vacum leak, inlat air & coolant temp ok, O2 sensors ok, MAF sensor cleaned & ok.
When I start, I always have Good RPM indication (crankshaft pos sensor). Fuel consumption is 6.2 L / 100 km & engine is strong, never hesitate.
Could you give me any idea?
Thanks
Hi.
I’ve got some idea for my problem.
Nowadays, my engine starts only after 4..5 failed starts. After the failed starts, the engine is weak for 30 seconds, then everything seems ok.
The only bad data is the fuel trimm, right after start it goes to +26, then it decreases gradually to 0 during 1..2 minutes.
This morning:
I sprayed some cold starting fluid in the air intake after the MAF, and I turned the key.
The engine started immediately, then as the cold start fluid was burnt, the rpm started to decrease and the engine almost stopped, but suddenly the fuel pump started to work and the rpm went up to a normal 1000, and it was perfectly stable.
After 20 seconds, I stopped the engine & restarted 3 times without any problem.
So it is surely a fuel problem. Maybe it is the fuel pump. I don’t have pressure gauge to prove it, but this week I’ll exchange the fuel filter, then the pump & I’ll see.
( The pump is 15 years old and worked over 150.000 kilometers.)
Well even if it isnt the fuel pump it cant have much life left on it , I would chang pump an filter an I bet that does the trick. If not you havent lost nothing
Hi,
I have a toyota camry 2011, when i start it comes up and immediately dies, what could be the probable cause ?
Honestly it could be so many things I couldn’t venture a guess. Does it have any check engine lights?
Im having a Toyota runex ‘morning time when I starting my car it’s just start and then go off.. and using too much petrol. what’s the problem?
Could be many things. First check for codes, that may point you in the right direction. If you give it a bit of gas, does it stay running?
I have a 2011 Chevy Cruze and randomly maybe once or twice a week it acts like it doesn’t want to start and almost stalls. It’s like it’s struggling to turn on for some reason. New battery, oil change yesterday. No idea what’s going on??
It could be so many things. Your best bet is to take it to a trustworthy mechanic for a diagnosis of the issue.
I would bet the starter is dragging being a 2011 if you havent ever replaced it
2009 Camry starts and runs then when I get to location and shut off car won’t start. I let it sit for awhile. So far it cranks back up, but I know there’s a problem. What causes this?
Any check engine lights? Some cars have a solenoid that regulates fuel pressure differently when you start the car warm vs cold. if you have an issue with this solenoid, it may cause host starting issues.
My car keeps stalling everytime I hit the breaks starts right up with no issues and drives fine but when I go to stop it stalls everytime
It sounds like an electrical issue, perhaps a bad ground somewhere. Start by making sure the battery terminals are tight and free of corrosion. Check ground straps around the engine bay as well.
Hi. Probably there is a vacum leak at the brake booster.
You may disconnect the vacum tube from the booster and close it with a plug, then check whether the engine dies or not. Of course, you’ll have to push the brake pedal harder, as the booster does not operate, s9 be carefull
My car goes off while driving every few kilometres. If you start immediately it goes on for 5seconds and goes off. After 10 to 15 minutes stop it starts again without any repair done.
Sounds like it’s struggling on cold start, which could indicate an issue with the idle air control valve or maybe a vacuum leak. Hard to say without some testing.
We have a 1980 Fiat Spyder.
The vehicle starts with no issue. It then dies randomly. It can be started again easily. it can run for a number of miles before it cuts, or it can shut down after immediately starting. Very random and we are unable to find out what causes it. We were advised that the TPS was broken, but others have said this would not cause it to have this problem. We has the relay replaced, but this didn’t fix it. We have a new battery. The car idles fine. There is no warning that it will cut out. Looking for ideas on what this could be. – our local mechanic can’t find the problem
Remember that a car needs air, fuel, and spark to run. If any of those resources cut out intermittently, it could cause a stall.
Start with the ignition system. Take a look under the distributor cap. Does it look clean? Any noticeable wear? How old are the plug wires? You can check for spark with an inductive pickup like you’d find on a timing light. How are the spark plugs? Does the gap look good or are they pretty worn out?
For air, check to make sure you don’t have any vacuum leaks by performing a smoke test. For fuel, consider performing a fuel pressure test.
My Honda CR-V 2002 has a unique stalling issue.
Engine stalls about 5 seconds after starting (cold or hot).
In order to overcome this, I place my foot on the throttle pedal to maintain 1500rpm. When it gets to the time the engine tries to stall, the rpm reduces to about 1200 (my foot still at the same position). It stutters for about 4 seconds, then rpm rises to 1600, and I’m good to go. It NEVER stalls again until the next engine start.
Two interesting discoveries.
1. A repairer decided to disconnect the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. The engine no longer stalled, but I discovered with my OBD II dongle that the ECU was measuring a water temperature of -40 degrees Celsius (same as -40 Fahrenheit), and the app cautioned me of “icy conditions”. Funny in a hot weather of close to 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit).
I ended up connecting the ECT sensor as it wasn’t faulty.
2. Another repairer, after various checks, disconnected the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. That also stopped the stalling issue, while also deceiving the ECU to believe the air temperature is -40 degrees Celsius.
Connecting the IAT sensor caused the stalling issue to resume.
I’m still confused on what could be the cause, and why it always disappeared after overcoming the first “attempt to stall” until another engine start, and why deceiving the ECU kind of solves the problem.
How strange. Those temperature sensors typically output a higher voltage for colder temperatures. Have you noticed any codes relating to temperature sensor voltage?
I would start with the easy stuff – check for vacuum leaks, make sure the idle air control valve is good, see if any codes point you in the right direction.
I got a 2001 Montana, it starts, drive 2 blocks and dies, I can restart it but again, 2 blocks and dies, and so on and so on. It doesn’t sputter or anything, it just dies. Has a new battery, I am going to change the fuel filter but I do not think that is the problem, any ideas?
See if there are any codes. It could be an electrical issue where it is having a hard time receiving a signal from the crank position sensor, for instance.
Thanks, I was kinda thinking the same but hoping something else sense I do not have a code reader. I did look for one and was very surprised to see there are several code readers that are between $20-$50, so I am going to research them a little and try to pick the best one. I am an old shade tree mechanic and last time I checked, a couple of decades ago, they where very expensive.
hi
I got problem in my Toyota AE100. start in morning and after 3 mins engine off.
but all red light still on. when start again it start and keep going. but it has been doing this nearly 5 days. i can feel the sound of a car is change and while driving seems very heavy .
hope i got some help.
Sorry, I’m not sure I understand the issue. I’d take it to a shop to have them check it out.
I have a 2001 Dodge Ram Van 1500. Haven’t had any issues until recently I went out to start it up and all the power worked, radio and everything but when I turn the key to actually start it, it starts up and dies unless I rev it up. I can rev and it will stay on but dies as soon as I stop. Never had this issue in the 3 years I’ve owned it. Again, the power/radio will work but if I try to turn the heat on, everything dies. Had no issues driving it last week. Wondering if it might be an electrical issue? How can I find a mechanic in my area to come to me? Thanks for any help.
I suspect it’s an issue with the idle air control valve. The IAC is most important on startup when the engine is cold. I’ve updated the article today with some more information on the topic. Hope it helps.
00 civic si starts up but dies immediately, but if I keep my foot on the throttle it will continue running. idle will remain rough and low for a while after that. After the car has reached operating temp the idle goes up and has no issue starting, what could be my issue?
I would start by testing the idle air control (IAC) valve, especially if the issue only occurs on cold start idle. If you search “6th gen civic si test iac” you will get some pretty helpful results if you want to test it yourself. Think about grabbing a multimeter if you don’t have one already.
Hey Josh. did you fix the issue? i have the same exact issue with my Fiat Panda 4×4 1989 Classic. Mostly at cold starts, i have to throttle it like 6 times, then ignition will work & car starts, but with still low Idle/rpm mode. then at operating temp?, idle goes up & seems stable. Starting the car at this point is very ok, even when after 5-7 hours, will still fireup/ignite well. problems comes back after days of not starting it up again.
Our 2010 CRV just won’t start. Drove it back from work. Parked it in the drive way and 10 mins later we started the car and it won’t start. Dead
If your vehicle has been sitting for a long time (as many have been during the quarantine), a short trip to work might not be enough to charge the battery for a second start. If your dash lights illuminate but the vehicle struggles to crank, you could try jump starting it to see if this is the problem. Once started, let the engine run for at least 30 minutes to give the alternator a chance to charge the battery.
Alternatively, you could buy a battery tender and charge the battery without jump starting the car. Some newer cars are not supposed to be jump started. Consult your owner’s manual to know for sure.
If the battery is 10 years old, it’s probably time for a replacement. Batteries usually come with a month/year sticker that will tell you how old it is.
I have a honda civic 2005, 150i. The timing belt broke, den it affected de valve and grank sensor, I replace all of that, but now it start den immediate wend off, what could be de course? De engine only runs for a couple of seconds and goes off.
Your engine is likely an interference engine (most Hondas are), which means it is possible for the piston to contact the valves if the timing belt were to break.
I would do a compression test to ensure you’re still making good compression on all cylinders. If one or more cylinders come back low, do a leak down test to determine where the leak is coming from. You could have bent valves or scored pistons from the failure. Bent valves will not seat properly and would cause low compression in the cylinder(s) where the piston smashed into the valves.
When I try to start my car in the morning I have to press the gas for some seconds to keep it running. Otherwise it dies within one second. Rest of the day things work just as they should. What could be the cause of morning stalling?
There are many reasons why a car might be hard to start. In the morning it is colder, so the battery may be struggling if it’s getting old. You may have an issue with the idle air control (IAC) valve, the mass airflow (MAF) sensor may need to be cleaned, or you may be due for a new fuel filter, to name a few things.
Start with the simple stuff: I would have the battery tested at a local parts store. Typically they do this test for free and if your battery is bad, simply replacing it may resolve the issue. Good luck.
I replaced the distributor on a 350 SMB Chevy. Turn the key, car starts. Release key, car stops. What could cause that? Thank you! If you know, please let me know. The car ran fine before.
I’m starting to have the same issue on my 350, is your fuel injected
If it is old enough t have breaker points (pre 1980) you may just need a ballast resistor.
I’m having the same issue with my 98 chevy silverado I replaced the dash and the wiring harness now it starts but as soon as you release the key it dies can’t figure it out
My 2014 Suburban either starts correctly but then almost immediately dies (rpm drops to 0 and everything locks) or everything turns on but the car itself won’t start. After 4-5 tries, I am able to get it on and running. Any ideas?
I always start my troubleshooting at the battery in cases like this. Go to a local parts store to have the battery and alternator tested to make sure they are good. I would have them check for codes while you’re there, since many places will do all of this for free.
Combustion engines need fuel, spark, and air to run. It sounds to me like it’s either not getting enough fuel or spark at the right time, but unfortunately I can only make a guess without knowing more information.
I have a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis v8. It has sat for almost a year so I bought a new battery and put it in there. It fired right up but died 5 or 6 seconds later. It started once or twice more only staying on for a second or so then it wouldnt start again only turning over. I stopped at that point to keep from damaging the starter or ignition. What gives?
Pliz help,I own an opel corsa 1.4i 2007which starts but not revs.
I have a 08 Chrysler 200. When I start it, it dies rite away, it does this about 4 out of 10 starts. When it doesn’t die it runs great and has no check engine light on or anything. It seems like it looses connection or something because it just shuts clean off, no sputtering or noises at all, just stalls. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Did you find the cause of your issue and and a solution? I’m having the same situation currently.
I just bought a 1996 VW Golf Cabrio with 224K km, 5 speed manual 1.6L. Just noticed yesterday after the car was sitting for a few days that when I went to start it, it would crank and start and then immediately shut off. It has an engine immobilized installed by one of the previous owners, so I tried it again and made sure to wait for the second set of flashing lights indicating it’s ok to start and that worked once. I also once tried as another user here did, stepping on the gas as i was starting the engine and that prevented the shutdown. Finally, after all was said and done, I drove around the parking garage for 3 minutes to make sure it was going to drive ok, parked it, turned it off and then turned it back on again to make sure it would still start. I noticed thick white smoke coming from the exhaust. Searches I just did on YouTube and Google say it’s a blown head gasket. Smoke was very white and very thick. Could it have blown as a result of this issue? THe car drives fine otherwise, no issues at all. It’s currently still parked in the parking garage, and of course now with the coronavirus issue I can’t have anyone come to look at it for a while. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. I have a sinking feeling that it’s bad news.
Since you were starting and stopping it several times, I wouldn’t necessarily blame the head gasket just yet. My 1994 Mazda Miata, which has a perfectly fine head gasket, will smoke white on startup occasionally, especially when it’s been sitting for a while or when it’s cold outside.
Just make sure the smoke goes away as the car warms up. It shouldn’t be there at normal operating temperature. If your car still blows thick white clouds at operating temperature, that’s when I’d start digging a little deeper to diagnose a possible head gasket failure.
blown head gasket or cracked head
I have the Exact same problem with my 2008 Mazda 3 1.6 diesel .. it happens on the first start up every day .. the cat starts cuts out and takes about 30 seconds of turning to start up again .. there is also white smoke on the start up .. revving it initially can sometimes stop it .. I can’t seem to diagnose the problem..
Same here, except for the thick white exhaust smoke I have now too (that’s new, only started since yesterday; I’ve only had the car for a week).
I have a 2008 Ford ranger 4×4 that will starts when you jump it then it dies a few minutes later. Could it be the alternator or what could it be? The alternator is 4 yrs.old.
The alternator is almost always the cause in this scenario but check to make sure all connections on the battery are good and free of corrosion. A voltage test should be done to confirm the issue.
i have a ford type product aswell 1997 recently started acting up when it was low on fuel after a long drive 4.6l dohc lincoln tried to start the car it ran then stalled out hit the key again it fired stalled right out after 3 times of this i decided to press the gas while starting kept the engine reving around 2500 rpm let off press the petal down repeated a few times seemed like it ran after that. Hard not to run the tank low on these old fords they eat gas in town and over 60
I have a 1997 Mercury Cougar with a V8 and it’s had electrical problems such as the wipers not starting immediately or the trunk light not working. I just dealt with the starting and then stalling immediately. I tried to start it twice and on the third try I kept my foot on the gas at 800 RPM to no avail. I’ll let you know what I find out tomorrow.
Ok