Why Does My Car Start Then Dies Again Immediately?
What’s more exciting than a car whenever you start for a few seconds and then try to completely switch it off? If you ask me, it’s not that much! You definitely aren’t alone, as you need to know that it is a widespread problem, and there are some simple solutions to it.
In this article we will explain the 10 most common reasons why your car starts and dies right away. So let’s take a quick look at the most common reasons why this problem occurs. Why the car starts and continues quickly
The most common reason a car starts and dies quickly is the lack of fuel injected into the engine. It is also an illegal, immovable commitment that does not recognize the car’s key. The lack of fuel problems is mostly caused by blocked fuel filters or inadequate fuel pumps.
However, these are just some of the most common causes, and there are actually a few more. Here you will find a more detailed list of the most common reasons why your car will start up and die.
1. Fuel shortage
The most common reason your car will die after starting up is a lack of fuel in the engine. This often happens because a small amount of fuel on the fuel rail is sufficient and enough to start the engine. There is no fuel pressure that keeps the engine alive.
However, finding a lack of fuel is fairly easy. Once you connect the fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail or boost the engine to determine if there is fuel pressure, you can carefully loosen the screws there. However, make sure you don’t set anything on fire. If you find that your car has a low fuel pressure, you can check out other articles using the low fuel pressure.
2. Alarm system prevents theft
The second most common cause is a problem with the immobility or theft alarm system. This means that, as we mentioned before, the car will start for a few seconds.
- If the theft alarm system is coming from the factory, there should be an important symbol on the dashboard and switch it off a few seconds after turning the ignition.
- If not, block the car, unlock it and try again.
- If it is still illuminated, there may be a problem with the car key.
- If you have an aftermarket anti-theft alarm, there may actually be a problem with the alarm itself or with the bad remote control. You may need to program the constant hardware.
3. Dirt fuel filter
If the car continues after turning on the ignition, as we discussed before, the problem can be a lack of fuel. Fuel filters are a widespread cause of low fuel pressure. A fuel filter is a filter that needs to be replaced according to your schedule. The exact time interval depends on the car model. If you haven’t replaced it for a long time, it could actually get stuck. Fuel filters are often very easy to replace and are not very expensive. If the fuel pressure is low, it is worth replacing.
4. Inadequate tax valve for idol tax
The function of the Idol Tax Valve is to calm the idle view of the car. Modern cars control idle with throttle valves. However, if you have an older car with steel wires in the gas body, there will be an idle tax valve. This idle tax valve can often get dirty, which prevents the idle tax valve from functioning properly. You can clean this valve and see if it will improve. Otherwise, you will need to replace it or repair the cable.
5. Vacuum leakage
Throttle or idle control valves control idle by adjusting the amount of air to the intake manifold. If you have a large vacuum leak, this can actually make your car’s air fuel mix too thin, and every time you start the car after a few seconds, your car dies.
Vacuum leaks are very easy to find, as they often use evaporated smoke machines or only after the leak, leading to high sounds.
6. Incorrect spark plug
The combustion engine corresponds to an air-fuel mixture. Spark plugs provide this ignition spark. The piston moves up and down, leading to movement of the crankshaft and wheel axle.
If the spark plug fails, the ignition will break down and the car will stop moving. The car will start for a few seconds, but too many sparks of misfortune are weak, meaning the engine will die soon after the car starts.
7. Fuel Injector
The fuel is injected under high pressure into the combustion chamber with the help of the fuel injectors. The fuel injectors’ job is to regulate, so the exact amount of fuel needed will enter the combustion chamber.
You can try to feel the fuel injectors with your hand while cranking to see if they click. If they are not making any clicking sound, one of them might be faulty, and you will need to test the fuel injectors.
8. Faulty Ignition Switch
If your ignition switch is damaged, you may start the car normally, and after a few seconds, the car will come to a complete stop. If your ignition switch is defective, you must check the switch contacts for wear.
The ignition switch is located behind the car’s ignition lock. In newer cars, it is most often impossible to replace the ignition switch itself; you have to replace the whole ignition lock.
9. Faulty EGR Valve
The EGR valve controls the exhausts that should be recirculated into the engine. If the EGR valve is stuck open, it may enter too much air into the intake manifold. This can cause the mixture to get too lean, which will also, in turn, cause the car to start and then die after a couple of seconds.
10. Engine Control Unit (ECU)
The ECU is a computer system that controls various engine functions, including the fuel injection system. Since a vehicle needs fuel to move, any ECU malfunction will cause the vehicle to come to a halt after starting.
The ECU controls the engine components via a series of sensors. Over time, the sensors become faulty and pass on erroneous information to the ECU. In this case, you must take your car to a car repair shop.
What to do when your car starts then dies?
If your car starts and then dies immediately, the first thing you should check is if the immobilizer recognizes your car key. Check for the key symbol on your dashboard and make sure it disappears after a few seconds after you turn the ignition. After this, you need to check the fuel pressure. If the fuel pressure is low, you need to inspect the fuel filter and fuel pump.
Can you unclog a fuel filter?
Although you can clean the fuel filter to unclog it, it’s not worth it. Fuel filters are often quite cheap and you can run into a lot of problems and headaches if you try to clean it instead of just installing a new filter.
Can a bad battery cause a stalling engine?
A bad battery could cause stalling if it’s really bad. When your battery isn’t providing enough power to keep the engine running, it can cause all sorts of problems, including stalling.
What sensors can cause a stalling engine?
There are a few different types of sensors that can cause stalling in a car, depending on the car model. One type is the mass airflow sensor, which measures the amount of air flowing into the engine. If this sensor isn’t working properly, it can cause the engine to stall. If this sensor isn’t working correctly, it can also cause stalling. Other potential sensors are the engine temp sensor, MAP sensor, and intake air temperature sensor.
If your car starts and then dies immediately, it’s very likely due to a problem with the fuel supply system or the immobilizer. Some of the parts in the fuel supply system you want to inspect are the fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, and fuel injectors.
You also want to make sure that the key symbol on your dashboard lights up for a couple of seconds and then goes away when you turn on the ignition. If you’re still having trouble after inspecting all of the parts and tips in this article, take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis.
