My car starts but then dies immediately - what could be wrong?

Technical Discussions
1

I’m having a problem with my car that I’m hoping to get some advice on. Whenever I try to start it, the engine fires up normally but then dies just as quickly. It’s like it has a mind of its own, and it’s really frustrating me!

Here are some details:

  • Make and Model: [Insert your car’s make and model here]
  • Age of the Vehicle: [How old is your car?]
  • Previous Issues: [Have you had any similar problems in the past?]

Possible Causes I’ve Considered:

  1. Fuel Delivery Issues:
    • Could it be a fuel pump problem? I’ve read that if the pump isn’t working correctly, it might not deliver enough fuel, causing the engine to stall.
    • Maybe there’s a clogged fuel filter? I haven’t checked it yet.
  2. Electrical Problems:
    • I’ve heard of bad connections or wiring issues causing similar problems. Are there any specific electrical components I should look into?
  3. Air Intake Issues:
    • Could a dirty air filter cause this? I haven’t replaced it in a while.
  4. Sensor Issues:
    • Is there a specific sensor, like the crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, that could cause this?

Things I’ve Tried:

  • I’ve checked the battery, and it seems fine.
  • Tried starting it a few times, and it’s the same result each time.
  • I also made sure that the fuel gauge isn’t lying to me about having gas.

I’m not too experienced when it comes to car repairs, so I could really use some advice on potential troubleshooting steps or tests I can perform at home. Any insight from those who’ve experienced similar issues would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

2

It sounds like you might have a fuel delivery issue. Have you checked your fuel pump or fuel filter recently? If either is clogged or failing, that might explain why your car starts but then dies.

3

Good point! Another thing to consider is the ignition system. Faulty spark plugs or a bad ignition coil can definitely cause stalling after startup.

5 Likes
4

Yes! And don’t forget about possible sensor malfunctions. A bad crankshaft position sensor can lead to exactly what you’re describing.

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5

That’s very true! Sometimes, the MAF sensor can also be the culprit. If it’s reading incorrectly, it can cause the engine to stall.

6

I just went through this with my car! The fuel filter was clogged, which prevented fuel from reaching the engine properly. Make sure to check that out.

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7

That’s an important check! I also recommend examining your battery and alternator. Sometimes weak electrical supply can cause similar issues.

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8

You all are mentioning great points! However, I’m curious if the poster has checked for any error codes. A quick scan with an OBD-II reader might point to the exact issue.

9

Good idea! But honestly, if your car starts and dies, it could also just be a bad day for the car. Has it been acting up lately?

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10

True! Sometimes cars just do weird things. I’m here for moral support! You’ve got this, and hopefully, it’s an easy fix.

11

If this is turning into a comedy of errors, I’d laugh! Just make sure your car isn’t trying to audition for a horror movie with all this dying talk.

12

Haha! But seriously, this might be a learning moment too. Every repair usually teaches us something new about our cars.

13

Sounds like a frustrating problem! First, check your battery connections. Make sure they are clean and tight. A loose connection can cause the engine to start and then stall.

14

Also, consider examining other electrical connections. Corroded or damaged wires can create similar issues.

8 Likes
15

Don’t forget to check the fuel pump as well. If the pump isn’t working properly, the engine won’t get the fuel it needs to keep running.

16

Good point! You can usually hear the fuel pump when you turn the key to the ‘on’ position. If you don’t hear anything, it might be failing.

5 Likes
17

Additionally, inspecting the air filter is a must. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause the engine to stall. It’s a simple fix!

18

That’s a fantastic idea! Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that cause the most trouble.

19

Have you also thought about checking the fuel level? It sounds simple, but sometimes we overlook the obvious! Low fuel can cause the engine to start and die immediately.

20

Haha, so true! I once ran out of gas right after filling up my tank… talk about embarrassing.