Few things are more frustrating than a car that starts and dies, leaving you stranded and scrambling to find roadside assistance.
Not only can it throw off your schedule, but it also signals that something might be seriously off under the hood.
Can’t figure out why your car keeps dying after starting?
The cause could be as simple as insufficient fuel or something more serious, like a dying battery. You’ll require an in-depth diagnosis to identify the real culprit.
Read on as we cover all possible causes, highlight the fixes, and outline the repair costs to ensure your car doesn’t stall on you again.
This Article Contains:
- 13 Critical Reasons Why Your Car Starts Then Dies
- How Do You Diagnose and Fix a Car That Starts and Then Dies?
- How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Car That Dies After Starting?
- How to Prevent Issues That Cause a Car to Start Then Stall
13 Critical Reasons Why Your Car Starts Then Dies
Here are all the possible issues that can cause your car to stall shortly after starting:
1. Dying Battery or Alternator
A fully charged battery is necessary to start your engine. However, if it has corroded terminals or damaged cables, the battery will drain quickly, preventing your vehicle from running consistently after starting.
Your car may also start and die due to a worn alternator. The alternator charges the battery when the engine is running, but loose wiring or pulley issues prevent it from doing so. So, even if your engine starts, it’ll die soon after the existing battery charge depletes.
2. Lack of Fuel
Your vehicle needs fuel for the combustion process to generate power, which then moves the pistons, rotates the crankshaft, and turns the wheels.
If you’ve almost run out of gasoline but have some leftover in the fuel rail, you’ll hear the engine cranking, and the car may start. However, your vehicle will sputter and die the second this gasoline depletes. Your fuel gauge will indicate an empty tank too.
3. Failing Fuel Pump
The pump extracts gas from the fuel tank and pressurizes it for efficient delivery to the injectors. However, contaminated fuel can wear out the pump, preventing proper fuel delivery to the engine. If there’s still gas in the fuel line, the engine will start briefly and then die.
This typically happens when the pump can’t create the necessary pressure to facilitate fuel flow. You’ll also notice an illuminated check engine light.
4. Clogged Fuel Filter
The fuel filter stops contaminants from entering the engine. Over time, it can clog with debris, preventing fuel flow to the engine. Eventually, the injectors will run out of gas, and the car will die. This fuel system issue might also trigger the check engine light.
5. Defective Fuel Injectors
The fuel injectors regulate the amount of fuel entering the combustion chamber. However, a fuel injector issue could prevent the car’s engine from receiving adequate fuel delivery. If there’s leftover gas in the combustion chamber or fuel line, the engine may start but die soon.
Problems associated with a faulty fuel injector include clogging, leaking, and faulty wiring or springs that prevent it from functioning correctly.
6. Faulty Spark Plugs
Spark plugs create the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture. However, a dirty or worn spark plug may not ignite the mixture properly. This ignition system problem can cause starting troubles, poor engine performance, misfires, and trigger the check engine light.
NOTE: A bad ignition coil can also cause a similar problem.
7. Flooded Engine
When an engine floods, excess fuel and less oxygen in the cylinders prevent the spark plugs from igniting the fuel-air mixture. This causes the engine to stall shortly after starting because it can’t sustain the combustion process.
Many reasons can cause a flooded engine, such as pumping the accelerator excessively when starting the car, cold weather, and oxygen sensor issues.
8. Damaged Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor
The MAF sensor measures the oxygen flowing into the engine, helping the ECM (Engine Control Module) provide the right amount of air and fuel for combustion.
However, a faulty MAF sensor might give incorrect air readings, throwing off the air-fuel ratio. Since a balanced air-fuel ratio is necessary for proper combustion, your engine may die after starting. This issue can also reduce engine performance and activate the check engine light.
9. Vacuum Leak
Excess air can enter the combustion chamber due to vacuum leaks, disrupting the air-fuel mixture and causing the engine to stall soon after starting. You may also experience reduced fuel efficiency and rough idle.
10. Bad Idle Air Control Valve
The throttle body regulates the engine’s airflow while driving to ensure a balanced air-fuel ratio. However, it closes when the car idles, cutting off the air supply.
The IAC valve allows air to bypass the throttle body and enter the engine to prevent stalling when the vehicle isn’t in motion. If it goes bad (from debris or electrical issues), the engine will stall as the air intake system can’t provide ample oxygen for combustion.
11. Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve (EGR)
The EGR valve redirects a portion of the exhaust air into the engine to reduce harmful emissions and improve fuel efficiency. If the EGR valve is stuck open, excessive air will enter the intake manifold, causing a lean air-fuel mixture. This can cause your car to start and then die.
12. Malfunctioning Anti-Theft System
The anti-theft systems on modern cars prevent your vehicle from getting stolen by deactivating the following:
- Fuel pump: The anti-theft feature prevents power from reaching the pump, stopping it from building pressure in the fuel rail. The engine may crank, but the car won’t keep running.
- Engine: If the security system detects an incorrect key engaging the ignition or the key fob battery is dead, the immobilizer (an electronic security device) can shut down the engine.
Sometimes, even if you use the correct key, a faulty car alarm system or immobilizer can interfere with the ignition system.
13. Bad Engine Control Unit (ECU)
The ECU controls various engine functions, including the fuel combustion process.
However, faulty wiring and technical glitches can prevent the ECU from regulating the air-fuel ratio for combustion. Although some fuel may be available to start the car, it’ll stall if the ECU doesn’t regulate the right amount of gas in the combustion chamber.
Wondering which of these problems your vehicle has and how to fix them?
Let’s find out.
How Do You Diagnose and Fix a Car That Starts and Then Dies?
Diagnosing a car that stalls is complicated since it involves checking multiple parts. The best thing to do is consult an automotive mechanic.
Here’s how they’ll perform the task:
- Use an OBD-2 scan tool to look for fault codes associated with this issue. For example, a P0230 code indicates a problem with the fuel pump. If they can’t find anything conclusive, they’ll test different car systems for faults.
- Test the battery by attaching a multimeter to the positive and negative battery terminals and setting it to 15-20 volts. They’ll take the reading which should be 12.6 volts.
- Start the car and rev the engine to 2,000 RPM to draw battery power and engage the alternator. While running the engine, they’ll retest the battery. If the voltage reaches between 13 to 14.5 volts, the alternator is working properly.
- Use a fuel pressure gauge to determine if there’s low pressure or an issue with the pump and fuel pressure regulator. The fuel pressure gauge reading should range between 4 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch), depending on your engine type.
- Check for a clogged fuel filter or leaky injector, which may throw off the air-fuel ratio.
- Inspect the engine components to determine if there’s a defective MAF sensor, a worn spark plug, or a damaged vacuum line.
- Inspect the ECU’s wiring, measure its voltage, and ensure the software is up-to-date.
Once the mechanic finishes troubleshooting, they’ll perform one or more of the following fixes:
- Replace the failing alternator or battery (or both).
- Refill your gas tank until there’s an adequate fuel gauge reading.
- Replace the clogged fuel filter.
- Check and repair faulty parts such as the fuel pressure regulator and pump. In severe cases, you may need a new fuel pump.
- Fix a faulty fuel injector and also replace leaking seals between the injector and the fuel rail.
- Replace the faulty spark plugs if the electrodes are worn, and install a new ignition coil (if necessary).
- Clear the flooded engine by fully pressing the gas pedal while starting the car. If the spark plugs are heavily fouled, they may also need cleaning.
- Wipe the MAF sensor using a dedicated MAF cleaner. If it’s severely damaged, replace it.
- Change the vacuum hoses and manifold gasket to repair any leaks.
- Clean the EGR and idle air control valve with a suitable cleaning spray. If they continue to malfunction after repair, install new valves.
- Replace the faulty anti-theft system system components (wiring and sensors) or the battery in your key fob. Also, reprogram your key and repair or replace the immobilizer (if needed).
- Update the software, repair a bad engine control unit circuit, or replace the ECU (rare scenario).
Now, let’s examine how much money you require for these repairs.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Car That Dies After Starting?
Here are the estimated charges for fixing the issue (including parts and labor):
- Fuel filter replacement: $190 to $280
- Fuel injector replacement: $335 to $2,000
- Fuel pump replacement: $1,100 to $1,300
- Spark plug replacement: $100 to $500
- Vacuum leak repair: $100 to $1,500
- EGR valve replacement: $135 to $520
- IAC valve replacement: $120 to $1,070
- MAF sensor replacement: $250 to $470
- Battery replacement: $100 to $20,000+
- Alternator replacement: $200 to $1,200
- ECU replacement: $1,150 to $3,300
Want to avoid these charges in the future?
Discover some tips below to keep your engine running smoothly.
How to Prevent Issues That Cause a Car to Start Then Stall
There are 10 ways to maintain the components that cause engine stalling:
- Drive your car regularly and use a trickle charger to prevent the battery from discharging completely, as this tends to shorten the battery’s lifespan.
- Avoid idling for long periods, and use a battery charger to recharge your battery if it dies completely. This will reduce strain on the alternator.
- Use high-quality gas, keep the tank full, clean the fuel lines, and schedule fuel filter replacement regularly.
- Check the spark plug connections, use manufacturer-specific plugs, and clean the area around their central electrodes.
- Ensure the vacuum hoses and intake manifold gaskets are in good condition. Also, check whether the PCV valve is operating smoothly by cleaning its mesh filter. This prevents excess air from entering the engine during combustion when the valve is stuck open.
- Schedule regular maintenance checks, including oil changes, to prevent EGR valve issues.
- Go for long drives to prevent the IAC valve from clogging.
- Have an automotive mechanic regularly clean the MAF sensor.
- Keep your fuel tank at least one-quarter to one-third full to avoid straining the fuel pump.
- Avoid jump-starting with poor-quality jumper cables to prevent voltage spikes and maintain battery health to keep your ECU functioning properly.
Get Your Car Running Smoothly with AutoNation Mobile Service
Several issues, from a clogged fuel filter to a charging system problem, cause your car to start and die. While you can resolve a minor issue like a lack of fuel, severe problems, like engine damage, require professional solutions.
Can’t drive to a mechanic?
AutoNation Mobile Service mechanics can come to you. We’re available seven days a week, and all repairs come with a 12-month,12,000-mile warranty.
Contact us to address any car trouble you may have right from your driveway.