WHY MY CAR STARTS THEN DIES AFTER A SECOND (Possible Fixes)

HAVE EVER WONDERED WHY YOUR CAR START, THEN AFTER A WHILE IT GOES OFF? 

If your car engine dies a few seconds after it starts, it can be due to a number of different reasons. Anything from the electrical system to the fuel system can cause this problem. In most cases, the problem isn’t hard to fix and you can get the engine running with little effort. However, it is also important to make sure the underlying cause is identified and resolved for a permanent solution.

In this article,I will discuss some of the common reasons why your car starts for a second then dies immediately. 

WHY MY CAR STARTS THEN DIES AFTER A SECOND

There could be several reasons why your car starts then shuts off immediately. Some of them include: 

🔧Faulty battery

🔧Lack of fuel

🔧Faulty spark plugs

🔧Anti-theft alarm system

🔧Faulty fuel injector

🔧Clogged fuel filter

🔧Faulty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve

🔧Bad engine control unit (ECU)

🔧Dirty or faulty MAF sensor

🔧Vacuum leak

🔧Bad idle air control valve (IAC)

🔧: FAULTY BATTERY:

A classic reason why your car starts for a second then dies is battery depletion. The car needs electricity from the battery to start. However, if your car starts then sputters and shuts off immediately, then the fault could be a lack of charging or a damaged battery. It may happen when the battery has enough power to start and an alternator generates a minimum of electricity to keep the car running. 

FIXES:

A battery change might fix the problem. Have assistance or the workshop check whether or not the battery has power and, if not, replacing it will resolve the fault. Keep a car maintenance checklist to avoid getting stuck while driving.

🔧: LACK OF FUEL:

The most common reason your car starts but then dies immediately is because of a lack of fuel in the engine. This often happens because there is a small amount of fuel in the fuel rail, which helps to start the engine. However, there is no fuel pressure to keep the engine running.

FIXES:

The lack of fuel is however quite easy to locate. You can connect a fuel pressure gauge to identify the pressure. You can also use some fuel-saving devices to improve fuel economy.

🔧: FAULTY SPARK PLUGS:

Spark plugs create the spark that allows the vehicle to burn fuel. Dirty or worn spark plugs are one of the most common reasons why a car starts but won’t stay running. As the electrode wears, the voltage required to create the spark and ignite the fuel increases. This may require you to crank the engine long before it starts.

If the spark plugs are faulty, the ignition will fail and the car starts then shuts off after a few seconds. This is why it is important to know the symptoms of a bad spark plug. 

FIXES:

Here is what to do when your car starts then dies due to faulty spark plugs. Simply, replace the worn-out spark plugs with new ones as they play a significant role in combustion.

🔧: ANTI-THEFT ALARM SYSTEM:

Another common reason that a car runs a few minutes then dies can be a problem with a theft alarm system. When the anti-theft system is activated, the car doesn’t send power to the fuel pump, which creates fuel pressure in the fuel rail. This will start the car for a few seconds but not for a longer period.

FIXES:

Turn on the ignition to switch off the anti-theft alarm system. Doing so should turn off the key symbol on your car dashboard warning light. If not, then lock your car again and unlock it to start again. If it’s still on, there may be a problem with your car key.

🔧: FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR

Fuel is injected under high pressure into the combustion chamber using fuel injectors. The job of the fuel injectors is to regulate the exact amount of fuel that enters the combustion chamber.

If a fuel injector fails, it can cause the engine to run with fewer cylinders and also lower fuel pressure if one is stuck open.