96 Silverado Starts Cuts Off

Dan Ferrell writes most practice-it-yourself car maintenance and repair. He has certifications in automation and control technology.

An engine stall status can be caused by many different systems or components.

Photograph License: CC0 Public Domain

When your car engine starts but stops afterwards, whether immediately or after a few minutes, in that location could exist 1 or more than specific systems or components behind the failure. For instance:

• the ignition or injection system
• a low idle speed in demand of aligning
• a maladjusted carburetor
• vacuum leaks
• one or more bad sensors

To make matters worse, stalling may happen under 1 or more operating conditions. For instance, the engine may:

• stall as shortly as it starts
• stall during idle
• stall when warm
• stall intermittently under any condition

The conditions associated with your stalling problem volition give you lot clues as to what systems or components are causing your problem.

So the best way to start your diagnostic is to identify, when possible, the conditions under which the stalling occurs, and focus your attention on those systems or components associated with the failure under that particular condition.

How to Investigate and Diagnose Your Problem

The following sections discuss unlike operating conditions associated with stalling, and which systems and components are most probable to cause stalling under those conditions. The last section focuses on what to practice when stalling happens intermittently and seemingly randomly.

And so, start by checking those components or systems in the section that best describes your particular engine problem, and then, if necessary, move on to systems or components described in other sections, peculiarly if you suspect these systems demand maintenance or take given you problems in the past. This approach will make it easier for you to diagnose the problem much faster and volition work in nigh cases.

Check for Codes

As well, be certain to check the computer system for any diagnostic problem codes (DTCs) that might be stored in memory, whether the "check engine" light has come on or not. 1 or more sensors may have triggered a pending code. If you lot don't take a scanner tool, you may be able to take your vehicle to a local automobile parts store to go the codes retrieved, or the store may lend you the scanner. Ameliorate yet, buy a relatively cheap but quality automotive scanner from your local auto parts store or online.

A Tip: The Anti-Theft System

If you've seen the anti-theft light blinking recently, make sure the anti-theft system is working properly. The system itself tin can be the source of the problem. Sometimes you need to reset the organization (make the system go through a re-learning process) to get the engine working right over again. If necessary, consult your vehicle repair manual.

Index
I. If Your Engine Stops Immediately After Information technology Starts
II. If the Engine Stalls at Idle
Iii. If the Engine Stalls at Idle Unless Yous Printing the Accelerator
Iv. If the Engine Starts When Common cold merely Stops When Warm
V. If the Engine Stalls Intermittently

Your engine may cease every bit soon equally you let the key return from the Showtime to the Run position. Most of the time, this condition points to a badly clogged fuel filter or an ignition switch in need of adjustment or with worn/burned contacts.

A quick test to see if yous accept a problem with the fuel organisation is past using carburetor cleaner or starting fluid:

1. Carefully disconnect the air cleaner outlet tube from the throttle body.
2. Ask an assistant to outset the engine.
3. As soon as the engine catches and the ignition key returns to the Run position, spray some carburetor cleaner into the throttle body.
4. If the engine idles momentarily with the carburetor cleaner, at that place may exist a problem with fuel delivery.

The problem can exist with the fuel filter, fuel pump, ballast resistor, or fuel pressure regulator.

Start with the fuel filter. When was the concluding time you replaced the filter? Bank check the fuel filter service interval in your car owner'due south manual or repair manual. If the fuel system uses an in-line filter:

• Remove the filter.
• Blow through the filter in the management of fuel menstruation.
• If air goes through with difficulty, or non at all, there's your problem

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When necessary, use a fuel pressure estimate to check arrangement pressure level. Follow the instructions in your vehicle repair transmission. If you don't take the transmission, you can purchase an inexpensive, aftermarket copy at your local car parts store or online.

Other components that tin cause you trouble are:

• fuel pump
• fuel injectors
• engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor (see the next section)
• fuel pressure regulator
• crankshaft position (CKP) sensor

Usually, a bad CKP volition trigger the check engine light (CEL). So browse the figurer for DTCs if you haven't washed so withal.

To do a quick check for potential CKP problems:

• While, cranking the engine, pay attention to the tachometer on your dashboard.
• If the RPMs remain at zero, this may signal to a problem with the CKP sensor.

Check your vehicle repair manual to help you lot examination the crankshaft sensor, if necessary. Fifty-fifty if the sensor itself is good, there could be an electric open or curt in the circuit.

Check the ignition switch:

If you seem to be getting adept fuel supply, and the previous tests didn't yield any clues, try checking the ignition switch. Ignition switch contacts clothing out over time.

Sometimes, you tin can detect problems with the contacts by holding the cardinal forward in the Start position when cranking the engine. The engine may take hold of in the Starting time position, merely as presently as you let the key return to the Run position, the engine dies.

1. Offset gain access to the ignition switch. Consult your vehicle repair transmission.
2. Make sure the switch is properly continued to the electrical connector.
3. Clasp the switch and electrical connector together with your mitt every bit you try to start the engine.
4. If the engine starts and remains idling while holding the switch and connector together, you need to properly connect the switch.

Even if this quick test doesn't yield results, you lot will nonetheless want to troubleshoot the ignition switch. Your vehicle repair manual may help you here.

Check for throttle body and throttle plate buildup:

Likewise, bank check your throttle body and throttle plate for coking. Carbon buildup will preclude proper performance of the throttle valve. If the valve doesn't have free move, it can cause a crude idle and stalling with light buildup. Coking usually causes the engine to dice immediately after the engine starts.

You can utilise carburetor cleaner to remove carbon buildup from the throttle bore and valve, if necessary.

Verify that the ignition system has a skillful, stiff spark.

Photo license: CC0 Creative Commons

2. If the Engine Stalls at Idle

Various components and maintenance issues may crusade an engine to stall when idling. The source of the problem may differ with the type of engine model or configuration.

Ignition System Problems

The system may have a weak spark or the spark may fail to attain the spark plugs.

• Start by checking the service schedule for the spark plugs and spark plug wires.
• Remove and bank check ane spark plug at a fourth dimension.
• Cheque the electrodes' gap using a wire approximate and compare to specs in your vehicle repair manual.
• A plug that burns the air-fuel mixture correctly has a brownish to grayish-tan color. Other colors may indicate problems with the fuel, ignition or even mechanical problems.
• A wet plug may indicate too much fuel reaching the cylinder, or a mechanical problem that is leaking oil into the combustion chamber like worn-out rings, cylinders or valve stalk seals.
• And so, check the spark plug wires and ignition coils with the help of your vehicle repair transmission.
• If your engine uses a distributor, check the cap besides for cracks, carbon traces, and oil contagion.

Bad canister vent valve:

The evaporative emissions (EVAP) control system routes fuel vapors into a canister and then to the intake manifold where they are burned along with the air fuel mixture.

Simply a system failure, peculiarly a failure of the canister vent valve, can cause the engine to stall at idle or during acceleration. Consult your vehicle repair transmission for valve testing procedures in your detail vehicle model.

Other organisation components to check, depending on your particular model:

• purge solenoid or valve
• canister
• relief valve
• hoses

Checking the PCV Valve:

The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system purges blowby gases from the engine. Virtually PCV systems brand utilize of a small valve to route blowby gases back into the intake manifold to be re-burned. Over time, the valve may get stuck open, causing too much air to flow into the intake manifold during idle or acceleration, which can cause the engine to stall.

You can easily remove the valve and check it by shaking the valve. If the valve doesn't rattle, probably the valve is stuck. But this common test doesn't work for all models. Consult your vehicle repair transmission, if necessary.

A Bad Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

The TPS monitors the bending opening of the throttle valve and sends this data to the electronic control module (car figurer). The calculator uses this data, along with signals from other sensors, to conform air-fuel ratio, ignition timing and other outputs.

Most TPS units apply a variable resistor with several contact points that tin wear out and neglect after miles of service. When the contacts open up, information technology may cause the computer to lean the mixture too much and stall the engine. A bad TP sensor unremarkably triggers a diagnostic problem code (DTC). So you can recall the lawmaking from the computer using a scanner tool.

Whether or not you notice a trouble code for the TPS, it's a good idea to test the sensor using a digital multimeter:

1. Unplug the sensor electric connector.
2. With the engine off, measure resistance across the sensor terminals with the throttle in closed position, at half throttle, and at full throttle.
3. Compare your resistance measurements to the specifications listed in your vehicle repair transmission.

One or more than bad fuel-injection components may cause the egnine to stall.

Photo courtesy of Vegavairbob on Wikimedia

Checking the IAC (for Engines With Multiport Injection Systems, Most Modern Engines):

In well-nigh cases, the problem here is associated with the idle air control (IAC) valve.
The IAC valve is controlled by the computer and allows air to bypass the throttle valve under idle or cold temperature conditions to prevent a rough idle or keep the engine from stalling. You lot tin test the IAC valve using a digital multimeter:

1. First, unplug the IAC electrical connector.
2. Plough the ignition key to the On (run) position only don't start the engine.
3. Set your voltmeter to 20 Volts range (or in a higher place fifteen Volts) on the DC (straight electric current) scale.
4. Connect your black meter pb to footing (engine metal surface or battery negative post, for example) and with the red meter lead probe the terminals on the harness side.
5. You should become around 10 to 12 volts, approximately, from ane of the terminals. This is the incoming signal from the engine control module (car calculator). If not, in that location are problems in that side of the excursion.

At present measure the condition of the valve past measuring resistance across the IAC connector terminals.

1. Set your voltmeter to ohms for this measurement.
2. You should get anywhere from half-dozen to 13 ohms of resistance.

To cheque for a possible internal curt:

1. Bank check for resistance from each IAC connector terminal and the IAC valve body with your voltmeter.
2. You lot should become effectually x,000 ohms of resistance.

Checking the internal physical condition of the IAC valve:

A blocked IAC may cause the engine to dice every bit soon as it starts if the valve sticks close. IAC valves may fill with carbon deposits overtime, preventing the pintle from moving, or blocking valve passages.

On most vehicle models, the IAC valve is readily accessible and can be removed easily by unscrewing a couple of mounting bolts.

1. Get-go, turn the ignition key off and remove the key.
2. Unplug the IAC valve electrical connector.
3. Unscrew the valve mounting bolts and remove the valve from the vehicle.
4. Check the valve's pintle and housing for carbon buildup. If necessary, clean the valve with carburetor cleaner and a soft rag to remove deposits.
5. Also, check the valve O-ring. It should be soft and in skillful condition. Otherwise, replace it.

Consult your vehicle repair manual for the recommended testing procedures for your particular vehicle model, if necessary.

Your item fuel injection system may accept other necessary adjustments. For example, you may demand to accommodate

• the idle speed
• the throttle cable
• the throttle plate stop
• the idle air-fuel mixture

Consult your vehicle repair manual, if necessary.

Troubleshooting the ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) Sensor

The ECT measures engine operating temperature and sends this information equally electrical information to the computer. The car computer uses this data, and data from other sensors, to arrange ignition timing for better engine efficiency.

Thus, a bad ECT sensor can take a direct impact on engine performance. If the sensor causes a lean air-fuel mixture the engine may idle rough or stall.

Most ECT sensors use a thermistor to vary the voltage point sent to the calculator according to engine coolant temperature. The higher the coolant temperature, the lower the sensor resistance and higher the indicate voltage.

To exam the ECT sensor:

1. Locate the sensor. It'due south usually close to the thermostat housing.
2. With the engine turned off and cool, unplug the ECT sensor electrical connector.
3. Set your digital multimeter (DMM) to the ohms scale and measure out resistance across the sensor concluding. Make a note of the resistance value.
4. Plug in the sensor electric connector and commencement the engine. Allow the engine idle for about xv or 20 minutes and then that it reaches operating temperature.
5. Shut off the engine.
6. Unplug the ECT electrical connector and measure out resistance across the sensor terminals equally you did in pace three.
7. This time, sensor resistance should exist considerably lower. For example, depending on your particular sensor configuration and engine model, the sensor may accept 40K ohms when the engine is cold only 2K ohms when hot.
8. Compare your results to the specifications listed in your vehicle repair manual.

A failing ECT sensor can trigger the cheque engine light. If your sensor checks Okay during your tests, just the computer says there's a problem with it, bank check the sensors circuit between the ECT and the computer for bad connections or damaged wire.

Likewise, check that the computer is sending the correct reference voltage to the sensor.

• Unplug the ECT sensor electrical connector.
• Turn the ignition key to the On position, but don't start the engine.
• Mensurate the voltage at the harness connector (the ane leading to the estimator) with your voltmeter.
• Usually, yous should read about 5 volts at the connector. If non, there's a problem in the excursion.

Checking for a Stuck EGR Valve

The frazzle gas recirculation (EGR) systems reintroduces exhaust gases into the combustion chambers to reduce engine temperature and poisonous emissions.

Information technology is common for the EGR valve passages to get blocked from carbon buildup. Carbon deposits may prevent the valve from closing, causing the engine to stall at idle. Also, an EGR valve may leak through the base, causing the engine to stall at idle, at deceleration, or during a quick terminate.

If you've never checked nether the valve, or it'due south been a few years since y'all terminal checked, it might exist a good idea to take a await now. But make sure to have on hand a gasket replacement. You lot may demand to install a new one. If you can't find ane for your particular vehicle model, you withal can buy gasket paper at your local car parts store and brand the gasket yourself.

• Most EGR valves are accessible and non hard to remove. Check the EGR valve configuration for your item model, though, to make certain yous accept all the tools necessary for the job. Usually, all you demand is a couple of wrenches, a ratchet, the appropriate socket sizes and, sometimes, a pipe wrench to disconnect the valve from the exhaust pipe. Consult your vehicle repair manual, if necessary.
• Remove carbon deposits from under the valve and intake ports using carburetor cleaner. Make sure non to let carburetor cleaner to reach the valve diaphragm or any electrical circuits, depending on your particular model, or y'all may ruin the valve.
• Reinstall the valve using a new gasket, if necessary.

Checking the EGR Valve:

Depending on your detail EGR valve configuration, y'all probably tin can stick your finger through the underside of the valve and endeavor to move the internal diaphragm. If the diaphragm doesn't move, it may be stuck.

Here are a couple of culling methods to check for diaphragm move:

• Operate the accelerator linkage with your hand to increase engine speed. Y'all may be able to come across the diaphragm moving using a mirror placed under the EGR valve. If you tin see the diaphragm with the mirror, but you can't come across it moving as you operate the accelerator linkage, the diaphragm might exist stuck.
• You tin can also use a paw-held vacuum pump. You can do this exam with the engine off and using a mirror to watch diaphragm motility. Disconnect the vacuum hose form the valve and connect the vacuum pump instead. Apply near fifteen in-Hg of vacuum to the EGR valve while watching for diaphragm movement with the mirror. If the diaphragm doesn't move, it might be stuck.

Another cause for the valve diaphragm to fail is wear or impairment that causes information technology to leak frazzle gases. A quick manner to test for a leaking diaphragm is using carburetor cleaner.

• Block the wheels using wooden blocks.
• Fix your transmission to Park (automatic) or Neutral (standard).
• Start the engine and pop the hood open.
• Spray a quick flare-up of carburetor cleaner under the valve, towards the diaphragm.
• If the engine RPMs increase when you lot spray, the diaphragm is leaking and y'all need to replace the valve.

Bad Catalytic Converter

A bad catalytic converter can also cause you problems at idle. Depending on the particular trouble, it may show other symptoms likewise:

• a scent of rotten eggs
• rattling sounds
• poor engine power

One of the nearly mutual bug with a catalytic converter is a plugged unit of measurement. The internal substrate becomes partially restricted or disintegrates.

Usually, bug with the catalytic converter trigger the check engine light (CEL). The computer may store a P0420 through P0423 code. If you discover a catalytic-converter-related lawmaking, practice troubleshoot the catalytic converter before replacing it, to confirm that the cat is in fact bad. Catalytic converters are expensive and you need to make sure that some other components is not involved in the problem. If necessary, consult your vehicle repair transmission.

Checking the IAC on Vehicle Models With Throttle Body Injection (TBI) Systems:

Many vehicles equipped with TBI systems also have an IAC valve controlled by the reckoner.

• Y'all can use the test described in the previous section, if your vehicle has an IAC valve.
• As well, some of these systems may have an idle speed adjustment (consult your repair manual),

Normally, yous can adjust idle speed by hooking up a tachometer (some digital multimeters have this characteristic) to the engine. Then, you can turn the idle speed spiral on the throttle body or carburetor until the RPMs are set according to specifications.

Carburetor worn out components tin cause the engine to die.

Photo courtesy of Uberprutser on Wikimedia

Diagnostics on Vehicles With a Carburetor

A stalling issue usually points to a maladjusted idle mixture spiral. To reset the screw:

1. Locate the idle mixture screw.
2. With the engine off, lesser the screw.
3. Back out the spiral two 1/two turns.
4. Start and idle the engine.
5. Make the final adjustments until y'all get a shine idle.

On some carburetor models, yous may also need to adjust curb idle speed. Consult your repair manual.

On carburetors in need of maintenance or worn parts, there can be several components that need attending. For instance, you may need to cheque:

• throttle dashpot adjustment
• bowl fuel level
• idle system for clogging
• carburetor flooding
• vacuum leak
• float needle valve operation
• restriction in the air cleaner

Consult your vehicle repair manual.

Sometimes, using the accelerator pedal tin keep your engine from stalling.

Photograph courtesy of ScrewsHirsch on Wikipedia

Three. If the Engine Stalls at Idle Unless You lot Printing the Accelerator

This may point bug with the fuel system. The following video shows an engine with this problem.

If your engine has a throttle body injection (TBI) system:

1. Pop the hood open and remove the air cleaner assembly then that you lot have access to the throttle trunk.
2. Turn the ignition key to the On position but don't get-go the engine.
3. Take a await at the injector(south) on top of the throttle body.
4. If the injector(southward) is leaking fuel, then you need to supplant it. The injector may have a worn or inoperative render bound or valve; or clay may have the valve stuck in the open position.

Likewise, cheque fuel arrangement force per unit area using a fuel pressure gauge. Consult your vehicle repair transmission.

If your engine has multiport fuel injection organization:

Checking fuel injectors for leakage on this blazon of system can be tricky, depending on your particular vehicle and engine model. Consult your vehicle repair manual virtually detaching the fuel injectors from their ports for inspection, if necessary.

Some other potential problem could be the fuel pressure level regulator.

1. Locate the pressure regulator on the fuel track.
2. Detach the vacuum hose from the pressure regulator
3. Closely audit the regulator port and inside the vacuum hose for signs of fuel
4. If y'all discover gasoline in either component, supersede the fuel pressure regulator.

Fuel delivery system leaking:

Although rare, the crusade of a stall may come from a leak in the fuel delivery system, specially the fuel pump. The engine may receive fuel just non plenty to continue the engine running.

The leak may be located in the fuel pump assembly, or forth the manner up to the fuel rail.

Check for strong fuel odors or wet spots effectually the fuel track, fuel hoses and tubing, around connectors. Also, you may need to cheque the fuel pump assembly.

See your repair manual for more fuel system tests, if necessary.

A bad electrical circuit in a coil or ignitino moduel may cause the engine to stall when warm.

Photograph courtesy of Cschirp on Wikimedia

Four. If the Engine Starts Simply Stops When Warm

An engine can also stall when reaching operating temperature or a few minutes subsequently a common cold start.

Sometimes, this can exist a sign of bug with an:

• ignition scroll
• ignition module (depending on your vehicle model)
• fuel pump
• crankshaft position (CKP) sensor
• camshaft position (CMP) sensor

It usually happens when an electrical "open" exists in the internal excursion of 1 of these components. Afterward a few minutes of operation, heat may cause a coil or wire to expand and loose electric contact. You may not be able to start the engine once again until the heat in the troubled component has dissipated. Later, when heat causes the open up to manifest itself again, the engine may stall over again.

Trying to find the faulty component can be hard. Just here are a few simple procedures to go you going.

When the engine dies, check to run into if you accept spark:

1. Disconnect one of the spark plug wires from its spark plug.
2. Place the tip of the wire well-nigh ii inches away from the engine surface or a metallic bracket using a pair of insulated pliers.
3. Accept an assistant crank the engine and run into if there's spark.
4. You should see a strong, blue spark between the tip of the wire and ground.
5. If there's no spark or you need to have the wire near 1/4 inch shut to ground for a spark, probably the fault is with the ignition module, ignition whorl, CKP or CMP.

When there'south spark, cheque for the presence of fuel:

1. If you have a fuel pressure gauge or can infringe one from your local motorcar parts store, connect the gauge and idle the engine.
2. Monitor the guess and see if the fuel organisation looses force per unit area when it stalls. If information technology does, you may have bug with the fuel pump or a arrangement component.

You tin can also bank check for weak fuel pressure using this elementary method:

1. When the engine stalls, remove the air cleaner assembly and spray some carburetor cleaner or starting fluid at the throttle and try to start the engine or take an banana creepo the engine while you spray a burst of carburetor cleaner into the throttle body.
2. If the engine catches or starts for one or two seconds when you spray the fluid, then yous may have a problem with the fuel pump or another organisation component.

Check the fuel organisation with the help of your vehicle repair transmission.

A bad circuit in a CMP tin prevent the engine from idling.

Photograph courtesy of Teresa Trimm on Flickr

5. If the Engine Stalls Intermittently

If your engine stalls intermittently, under a variety of weather condition, doubtable these components:

A Bad Camshaft Position Sensor

A bad camshaft position (CMP) sensor can produce different types of symptoms and cause the engine to stall immediately after starting or intermittently.

A bad camshaft sensor is probable to trigger the check engine light (CEL). Even if you don't see the CEL illuminate, scan the computer memory for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Common bad camshaft DTCs range from P0340 to P0344.

Consult your vehicle repair transmission to locate and exam the camshaft sensor, if necessary.

Misfires

Engine misfires are another cause for an engine to stall. Misfires make popping sounds and tin cause engine to jerk or vibrate. Other symptoms include:

• increased emissions
• increased fuel consumption
• difficulty starting
• stalling

If you've noticed engine misfires, this might be the cause for the engine to stall. Check this other commodity to help you lot diagnose the source of the misfire.

Clogged air filter

You tin remove the air filter and check it. Air filters trap dirt and dust from the stream of air flowing into the intake manifold. To check the filter:

1. Remove it from its housing.
2. Place the filter against the sun or a good source of light.
3. If the lite can barely get through the filter element, or not at all, the filter is chock-full and preventing proper air catamenia into the engine, causing it to stall.

Vacuum Leaks

An engine stalling result can also come from a vacuum leak problem.

A vacuum leak can upset sensors or actuators that depend on vacuum for performance: for example, the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve or mass air menses (MAF) sensor. The leak tin happen because of loose or damaged hoses or gaskets.

Testing one of these sensors requires checking the vacuum hose, electrical connexion and wires, and testing the sensor itself. Consult your vehicle repair manual. On a MAF sensor, check for a muddy sensing element. You can clean the sensing element using MAF sensor cleaner or electrical contact cleaner. Follow the production instructions when using this type of cleaner.

Vacuum leaks normally make a hissing sound just yous may need a mechanics stethoscope or a length of hose to listen and locate potential vacuum leaks.

• Cheque that all vacuum hoses are properly connected.
• Bank check the condition of each hose.
• Use the stethoscope or length of hose to listen for leaks along the vacuum hose and connections.
• Trace each hose with your paw to feel for potential impairment: soften, harden or irregular spots.
• Check for vacuum leaks around the intake manifold gasket and throttle torso likewise.

It'due south Worth Trying to Diagnose An Engine That Shuts Off

If your engine starts just won't stay running, y'all desire to brand an accurate diagnosis as soon every bit possible. Making a diagnosis tin be hard, especially when you don't have much experience in car repair and the source of the problem can be in one of several systems. Apply the strategies outlined in this guide. They'll assistance you lot repair your car faster by having yous concentrate on those systems more likely to give y'all trouble.

This content is accurate and truthful to the all-time of the writer's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: Where is the problem when, after driving, I end and it doesn't outset until I give some time. How would you diagnose my auto's trouble if my car volition starting time again subsequently some time?

Answer: If the engine cranks just won't start, check for spark and fuel pressure. If information technology doesn't crank at all, check the bombardment condition.

Check for DTCs codes, fifty-fifty if you haven't seen the check engine low-cal come on. There might exist a pending code. Usually, when the engine warms upwards then stops, information technology is an indication of a trouble with an ignition coil, ignition module or fifty-fifty the fuel pump. Allowing time to absurd, the component will function once again. Try some of the tests described in section IV of the postal service.

Question: What does it hateful when the machine gets started when it is cold but not when information technology is hot?

Respond: Check the connections, wires and cables in the staring excursion. They should be clean and tight.

Question: Why does my car close off when I let get of the key?

Answer: There could exist a problem with the ignition switch. Gain access to the ignition switch and see if the harness connector is getting loose. Push the connector and switch together and effort to start the engine and encounter if it stays running. If and then, you may desire to use a large plastic tie to secure the connexion. Or you may demand to replace the switch.

Question: My truck starts and within six seconds it dies. I cannot provide more gas to keep it running. If I unplug the Air Flow sensor information technology will start and idle just again if I requite it gas information technology dies. I as well started with irresolute out the fuel filter. No difference. Whatever thoughts?

Answer: If yous are able to start the engine right afterwards it stalls with the MAF sensor disconnected, probably this sensor is dirty or faulty or some other sensor is not sending the correct indicate the computer expects, probably the throttle position sensor. Download trouble codes even if you don't see the bank check engine low-cal on. There could exist a pending lawmaking that can help you lot.

Question: I take a 1993 Caprice Archetype. And almost 4 months ago, I mistakenly put the wrong grade of gas in. Since and then, I've had bug as far equally when upon starting it idles very low and then too high until information technology does normally later on about 30 or so seconds. Once I drive it, I tin can go so far, and once I come to a calorie-free or stop sign it somewhen cuts off but starts back up immediately. I've heard that it could be a number of things including bad fuel injectors. What's your expert opinion on this?

Respond: It seems like an electrical problem. Try downloading problem codes, even if the engine lite doesn't come up on. There could exist a problem with a sensor.

Question: My car starts and the check engine light disappears. As the engine temperature rises, the check engine calorie-free appears and my auto dies. What'southward the answer?

Reply: Check the computer for trouble codes. If a sensor is faulty, most probable it's triggered a code. With temperature-related issues, an ignition coil, fuel pump motor or sensors like camshaft and crankshaft are common.

Question: 90 Chevy. I replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pump relay and throttle control position sensor. Truck dies at random. If watching the throttle body when running, fuel just stops. I bike the key and it works again. If I don't cycle the key, no fuel comes out. Any ideas?

Answer: If the engine dies as if turning off the ignition key, near probable the problem is a loose wire or bad connection either on the fuel pump circuit or throttle position sensor circuit. Double-bank check those circuits, including wiring harness and connectors. Cycling the cardinal may signal to corroded or loose wire(s) that accept too much resistance and are getting hot. Visually check for corrosion and tug at the wires on the connectors to make sure they are not loose or dingy.

Question: May machine engine stalls while idle unless you lot press the accelerator. This indicates problems with the fuel system. How do you fix the fuel system?

Answer: If you know the problem is in the fuel system, beginning make certain you have replaced the fuel filter. And so kickoff past testing for fuel pressure at idle. This other post can help:

https://axleaddict.com/automobile-repair/How-to-Test-a-F...

This could pb to a bad pressure regulator or fuel pump or bad injector(s).

Question: When I try to start my Mazda, information technology takes several times of it trying to turn over then it starts. But sometimes it shakes and makes loud noises and cuts off unless y'all printing the gas a picayune bit. So information technology'due south skillful. The fuel force per unit area was checked and it is adept. Why would my Mazda accept trouble starting?

Answer: Seems like there is a trouble with a sensor or the starting excursion. Try downloading any possible trouble codes, even if the check engine lite is not on. This other post may assistance likewise:

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/How-to-Apply-Volt...

Question: I have a 2005 Park Artery that keeps stalling randomly. At first, it would but stall while warming upward but ran fine after it was restarted. Now, it starts and will stall while driving. Sometimes I can drive beyond town before it stalls, and sometimes I can only make it a few blocks. After it stalls, I accept to wait well-nigh an hour before I can proceed information technology running. Should I start with the crank position sensor?

Answer: Cheque your camshaft position sensor. There are other items yous need to bank check as well like misfires, vacuum leaks, and a blocked air filter.

This other mail service on vacuum leaks diagnosis may help.

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/How-to-Discover-and...

Make sure to browse your computer memory for problem codes, even if the check engine calorie-free is not on. At that place could be pending codes that may guide you hither.

If the engine stalls subsequently it reaches operating temperature (about 15 to twenty minutes), there could be a problem with the fuel pump or an ignition module.

Question: My car won't turn over. I used starting fluid and it started up, then immediately cut off. What can be the reason for that?

Respond: If the engine doesn't turn over, in that location could exist something wrong with the starter motor or the engine is seized. Only, if the engine fires up with starting fluid, then check for fuel pressure level. Probably not enough fuel is getting to the cylinders.

Question: My machine runs fine for a few minutes, then starts sputtering and loses a lot of horsepower. Information technology doesn't stall but the engine sounds rough like an old 80s automobile. A night of rest lets the auto become drivable once more for a few minutes but then the issues testify up again. I've changed the spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, air filter, cleaned the maf sensor and changed the throttle position sensor. What else could be the trouble?

Answer: The trouble seems to be temperature related. This usually happens with a faulty ignition coil, ignition module or fuel pump motor'due south coil. The ringlet device or temperature sensitive electronics volition begin to fail from an electrical open up. Have the ignition coil, ignition module and/or fuel pump checked.

Question: Why does my car kickoff and idle for 3-five minutes before dying? The spark plugs and fuel filter were replaced. The carburetor was taken off, checked and cleaned. The distributor was taken off and cleaned as well. It still does not want to idle entirely after starting, so it cannot drive at all. Please assist as the mechanic can't seem to effigy out whats incorrect with my automobile.

Answer: There could be several causes for this, so endeavor the post-obit:

Have the ignition organisation checked to brand sure information technology has a expert spark.

Check the fuel arrangement- fuel force per unit area

Check the canister vent valve, PCV valve, TPS sensor, and IAC valve.

Question: My VW T4 runs completely fine, but when it's been in hot weather, or indeed damp weather, it starts and instantly dies. This is intermittent. Sometimes afterwards information technology dies, if yous try once more it tin can start straight abroad, or you tin can be waiting for half an hour before you can start it. Once started it runs fine. Practise you have whatsoever ideas?

Respond: Usually, when a car struggles to run in clammy weather, the problem is with the ignition organisation. A whorl or cable in the organisation is probably leaking the spark to footing.

Question: My car was diagnosed equally having a bad fuel pump. Afterward a new fuel pump was put in, information technology got 4 miles down the route, idled out, and died again. The auto will not crank until near 15 minutes after information technology happens. What practice y'all call back could exist the cause of this problem?

Reply: If you mean the engine will not plough over, the problem seems to be in the starting system excursion. This other post may assist:

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/bad_starter_sym...

If the engine cranks but won't start after the car has been driven about four miles (engine turns over but won't commencement), and so peradventure the ignition whorl or ignition module is bad. In this case, the coil reaches operating temperature, gyre breaks open and the car stops. Once the scroll cools, the broken wire makes contact and yous are able to start the engine, and the cycle repeats.

This other post may aid you lot test the ignition coil:

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/How-to-Exam-an-...

If your machine has a roll on plug configuration, check the repair manual for your particular model to examination the coils. You can likewise check for spark right later the engine refuses to start. If there'due south no spark, yous know the problem is in the ignition organization (or crankshaft-camshaft position sensor) and you are on the correct runway.

Question: I have a 2013 Chevy Sonic. For the last 5 months, my auto has stalled during driving and when in idle or when I stop at red light and stop signs. Also, it fails to turn over after putting gas. It will turn over fine, but it won't stay on. I've had my fuel injector cleaned and inspected. I've had my O2 sensor replaced as well. Exercise you lot accept any ideas what this could be?

Respond: You may be dealing with a vacuum leak or a faulty sensor like a MAP or MAF sensor. You may also have a problem in the fuel organisation or with the fuel pump. Have the pump checked before replacing it.

Question: What can make a car just switch off and the battery light to go on in the instrument console? I have tested the bombardment and it is good.

Answer: The well-nigh mutual reason for this is a bad alternator. Have the charging system tested.

Question: Why does my motorcar only showtime in the morning time?

Reply: Check for any DTCs in the computer retention start. You lot may need to take a look at fuel pressure or ignition spark after the car has warmed up. Possibly in that location's a problem with the fuel pump or an ignition coil.

Question: What would be the problem if the engine dies at intersections when reverting to offset gear? I replaced the carburetor.

Reply: The carburetor may demand an idle aligning. Check the transmission, if it came with it. Or look for it online.

Question: 2 days ago my truck close off immediately after starting it up. The truck will accelerate past itself then close off. Information technology fails to restart after a few tries then information technology will start and run. Two months ago, it close off while driving, so I replaced the battery and alternator and no problems for two months. What could cause my truck to shut off afterward starting upward?

Respond: It seems like a faulty sensor. Intermittent faults can be hard to diagnose, though. But y'all may want to check the battery cables, engine grounds, ignition switch connector, and wiring, and faulty wiring in a critical sensor the computer relies on to operate the fuel injectors, crankshaft, throttle position sensor or camshaft sensor, for example. If the engine shuts off every bit if turning the ignition switch off, almost likely the problem is in a circuit. A voltage drop test might aid:

https://axleaddict.com/motorcar-repair/Automotive-Volt...

Question: When I terminate the car and then come back to it after just a brief menses of fourth dimension, it will only stay on if I think the engine. Merely once I tin get information technology going for a piffling bit, it stays on and runs great and idles better than it has in years, but no one touched annihilation on the engine. Is information technology the fuel commitment or something more sinister?

Respond: Doesn't seem similar a fuel system issue. Probably an issue with the idle air command (valve or solenoid) or a sensor, possibly the throttle position sensor, that is not sending the right betoken to the computer. Try downloading trouble codes, fifty-fifty if the check engine is not on. At that place could be a pending lawmaking. You may as well be dealing with a bad wire or connector.

Question: Why does my engine crank but won't stay running?

Answer: In that location could be a fault in the injection or ignition arrangement, a vacuum leak or another fault. Check for trouble codes, even if you don't see the cheque engine low-cal on. A sensor might be faulty besides.

Question: I had the fuel injectors cleaned, fuel pump checked, relay checked, new MAF sensor, new Crank and camshaft sensors, new ignition switch, and cleaned the throttle body with a carb cleaner. The alternator is good. New starter. It difficult starts with starter fluid; I pushed the gas pedal a good 10 times with null reaction from the rpms. And so the machine died seconds later. I cannot figure it out. What could it be?

Answer: Information technology seems like a bad sensor. Endeavour downloading problem codes and see if y'all become a pending code, even if the check engine light is not on. There could be a problem with the throttle position sensor (TPS). If the computer doesn't get a betoken from this sensor, it may not fire upwards the engine.

Question: With the auto on jacks on an incline, the engine was running fine. I tried to bulldoze it to a shop the next day. It started fine, but within a infinitesimal it simply close off. No alert or sputter, merely dead. I pushed it back to the inclined driveway and then information technology started fine. Could it be that what piddling oil was at that place pooled upward towards the back of the engine and wasn't getting to the pump?

Answer: Some models will close off the engine if in that location'south not plenty oil force per unit area. This is a safety mensurate to prevent severe engine damage. If in that location's not plenty oil, add some and try once again. If y'all think there'southward a problem with oil pressure, this other post may aid:

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/What-Causes-Depression...

Question: I have a 2012 Ford Focus. After getting gas and nigh x miles (xvi.09 km) down the route, the car started to lose power and and so stalled. Got it started, collection a little and it did the same affair. Finally, I made it home. It stalled again and now won't start at all. I never had a trouble until I put gas in it. My Ford mechanic said I need a new computer system. Could my Ford Focus' loss of power be something other than the calculator system?

Respond: Starting time, make sure you got fuel pressure (bad fuel pump or fuel force per unit area regulator, clogged fuel filter). Download trouble codes, even if the engine light is not on. At that place could be a pending code on the computer'southward memory. A bad sensor can prevent the engine from starting, similar a faulty crankshaft, camshaft or throttle position sensor.

Question: My engine starts, then afterwards a few seconds engine is off by itself. And then the dashboard displays an auto protection alert. What could be the cause of this remark?

Answer: The message comes from the car's computer. It's trying to protect the engine because of a serious error it has detected. Download the trouble codes from the computer retentivity. They should give you an indication of the problem.

Question: My engine is a Toyota 5A Iron and has no problem starting at home (outdoor Street parking) even on a very cold morning. Still, it cranks and instantly stalls when I endeavour to beginning it at piece of work and simply when I'm at work (Covered Parking). Whatever reason why that might exist?

Reply: Information technology's possible the EGR or PCV valve is sticking open up.

https://axleaddict.com/automobile-repair/Bad-EGR-Valve-S...

https://axleaddict.com/machine-repair/How-to-practise-a-PCV...

Download problem codes, fifty-fifty if you don't run across the bank check engine light on. At that place could exist a problem with a sensor as well. Promise this helps.

Question: When, after driving, I cease, it doesn't outset and the engine calorie-free comes on until I give some time. How would you lot diagnose my car'south problem if my car will start again after some time?

Respond: Outset past downloading trouble codes. If the check engine low-cal is coming on, there could be a faulty sensor triggering the lite. Make sure to test the system or sensor indicated past the lawmaking before replacing any components. Hope this helps.

Question: My gear shift lights are non indicating on the gear later changing the gearbox and mechatronics. And we are failing to start the car Golf v 1.9 TDI. What could be the problem?

Answer: If the engine is not cranking, there could be a trouble in the starting circuit, perhaps at the ignition switch. That could also explain why you lot are not getting the indicator lights. This other mail may help:

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/How-to-Use-Volt...

it'll be a practiced idea to have the diagram for your detail model. If you lot don't take the repair manual, you can get one at your local car parts shop or online.

Question: My engine starts and runs at high idle, Simply will not idle once warmed up. The only way I can keep it running is to up the rpm to effectually 1200 or more. I accept checked plugs, wires, vacuum lines, replaced coil. I removed the gas line from carburetor and I can fill a bottle slowly as I plow the engine over - mechanical pump. Should I supersede the carburetor? It is a iv barrel Rochester Quadrajet.

Answer: If the engine starts at loftier idle so dies while it gets warmed, it's possible there is a vacuum leak. If y'all notice a drop in RPM before it dies, the choke may need adjustment (too tight), the carburetor may exist flooding, or the float level is very high.

Question: My BMW ane series cuts off while driving, the engine will start and cutting off subsequently few minutes, what could be the problem?

Answer: This other postal service may assist:

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/Car-Dies-While-...

Question: Hyundai ix35 2013 automobile. The car starts and dies. I took out one of the airflow sensors and started the car. It remains on but as soon equally I put the sensor back, the car dies. Please advise?

Respond: About probable the air flow sensor is faulty. Try testing the sensor and, if necessary, the excursion, to make sure it's bad. This other post may help:

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/How-to-Test-a-1000...

Question: My car does not stay running until information technology comes upwards to operating temperature, what could exist the trouble?

Answer: There could be a problem with the MAF sensor non sending the correct signal to the computer.

https://axleaddict.com/motorcar-repair/How-to-Exam-a-M...

Ordinarily, cleaning the sensor element solves the problem, using a MAF sensor cleaner. Other times the sensor itself has failed and needs replacement.

Other sources of problem are the throttle position sensor,

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/How-Practice-You-Know...

bad fuel pressure level

https://axleaddict.com/car-repair/How-to-Test-a-F...

engine coolant temperature sensor

https://axleaddict.com/motorcar-repair/Coolant-Tempera...

stuck open thermostat

https://axleaddict.com/car-repair/auto-thermostat-...

Question: Would a speed sensor crusade stalling?

Respond: Usually, y'all'll notice bug with the transmission, brakes, speedometer, and check engine light. Try downloading trouble codes from the estimator, even if yous don't run across the check engine light on. If there are no codes, this other post may help:

https://axleaddict.com/automobile-repair/No-Problem-Code...

© 2018 Dan Ferrell

curtisounded.blogspot.com

Source: https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/Why-My-Engine-Starts-But-Stops

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