Why does my car engine start and die right after?
By
Vroomouk
This blog post will answer the question, ‘Why does my car engine start and die right after?’, and cover topics like what does a car engine starting and dying right after look like, the causes behind a car engine starting and dying right after, and what to do in case of a car engine starting and dying right after.
Why does my car engine start and die right after?
These are the primary reasons that cause a car engine to start and die right after:
- Issues with the car’s anti-theft alarm system
- Vacuum leaks
- Defective mass airflow sensor(MAF)
- Defective idle air control valve
- Defective exhaust gas recirculation valve(EGR)
- Problems with the car ignition system
- Problems with the car fuel system
- Issues with the fuel injector
- Defective spark plugs
- Low fuel levels
What does a car engine starting and dying right after look like?
A car engine starting and dying right after occurs when the ignition key is turned on to start the car, but it shuts down after running for a few seconds.
It is important to be noted that the car engine must not be started repeatedly in the event of it shutting down right after being started, as doing so will damage the car engine starter motor and other associated components.
Causes behind a car engine starting and dying right after
These are the following causes that are responsible for a car engine starting and dying right after.
Issues with the car’s anti-theft alarm system
Modern-day cars are equipped with anti-theft alarm systems that prevent criminals from accessing the vital components in a car. These systems are made up of a transponder and an integrated chip module.
When the system faces issues, it can block certain components of the car or cut off the fuel supply from the fuel pump to the engine, thus shutting the car off right after starting it.
Vacuum leaks
The engine intake manifold regulates the air flowing through it towards the engine for mixing with the fuel in an optimum ratio by creating a vacuum.
Sometimes there can be leaks in these channels that can cause the vacuum to be open to allow air inside, creating vacuum leaks as a result. This condition results in a lean mixture and causes improper combustion of the air-fuel mixture.
Defective mass airflow sensor(MAF)
A mass airflow sensor(MAF), helps in monitoring the amount of air being sent to the engine combustion chamber for optimum mixing of the air-fuel mixture.
The mass airflow sensor often gets dirty or clogged, in some cases it might even fail to work, thus sending erroneous signals to the engine control module and hindering the production of power to move the car.
Defective idle air control valve
The idle air control valve helps to regulate the intake of air traveling towards the engine. If this valve undergoes a problem, the car can suffer from shaking motions while idling or misfires when the engine is started.
Defective engine recirculation valve(EGR)
The engine recirculation valve or the EGR valve helps the car to abide by the emission norms set by the government and reduce the hazardous pollutants present in the exhaust gases by recirculating these fumes back to the engine combustion chamber for burning again.
A defective EGR valve recirculates the gases even when the engine is cool. The faults can be identified by noticing carbon fouling traces, that cause the engine to stop all of a sudden.
Problems with the car ignition system
A problem in the car’s ignition system will prevent it from starting or generating power to move and it is usually related to faults in the battery terminals, alternator, defective spark plugs, faulty ignition switches or plugs, etc.
Problems with the car’s fuel system
Having a faulty car fuel system is one of the primary reasons behind a car engine stopping right after it is started. This is usually due to a faulty fuel pump, a defective fuel relay switch, faulty fuel injectors, etc. It can also be due to the presence of low fuel in the tank.
What to do in case a car engine dies right after it is started?
These are the following steps to take in case a car engine dies right after it has been started:
- In case of a faulty anti-theft system in the car, inspect the transponder or get the entire system replaced and reinstalled.
- Locate the vacuum leaks and plug them, or either change the hose pipes. The leaks can be located by listening carefully for a high-pitched sound.
- In case of a faulty mass airflow sensor(MAF), or an exhaust gas recirculation valve(EGR), consider replacing it immediately.
- Keep the fluid levels in the car intact, so that enough fuel is present in the tank for optimum mixing ratio in the combustion chamber.
- Make sure to replace the defective spark plugs immediately.
- Clean the fuel filter thoroughly if it appears dirty or clogged.
Research shows how a slipped timing chain or belt can disrupt the timing of the crankshaft and the camshaft.
Other articles about Mercedes Benz you may be interested in
Why is my car engine hot but not overheating?
What keeps a car engine running?
Conclusion
This blog post addressed the question, ‘Why does my car engine start and die right after?’
We understood what a car engine stopping right after starting actually looks like and also came across the various reasons that contribute to a car engine dying right after it has been started. Furthermore, the steps to take in case of a car engine dying right after starting have also been discussed. Please feel free to comment on the content or ask any questions in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Why does my car engine start and die right after?
How can you tell if your alternator is bad?
A bad alternator can be identified by dimming car lights, a dead battery, starting issues, a whining noise, and the battery warning light on the dashboard.
What is the average lifespan of a fuel pump?
The average lifespan of a fuel pump in a car is roughly 100000-200000 miles.
What are the signs that your fuel pump is going out?
The telltale signs of a defective or faulty fuel pump include a sputtering car engine, inadequate fuel pressure, a sudden drop in engine mileage, and an overheating engine.
