Instant Death

[Grnarowana]

Hi Guys,

I've been noticing some differences with my car's start-ups. Every now and than when I start my car it'll instantly die without hesitation. I could gas while starting the car, but once i let go, it'll die again.

Once this happens, I would let the car sit for a few minutes and try again.

Other times it'll work fine.

I had the spark plugs changed about a year ago, timing belt about 2 years ago. Oil change every 5K. front o2 sensor recently changed.

I was thinking it might be the air filter? I have a k&n filter I wash every 10K or so - i've been using it for about 4 years now.

Any insight on what may be causing the instant death of my car?

Year: 1999
Type: V6; Manual
Mileage: 137K

Thanks!

[Ilovemylara]

how often does this happen? The only time it has ever happened to me, was when my key ring was twisted around the key itself.. Theres a chip inside our keys, that sends a signal to the ecu allowing the engine to start properly. This is a security implementaion called the "engine imobilizer system" its meant to prevent the car from being hotwired. Next time this happens, check to see that your keyring or clip or anything else metal isnt touch the ignition or the ignition key at all, as it will cause this sort of behavior.

[D-money]

when is the last time you changed your fuel filter and cleaned your throttle body? i doubt it is the air filter

[ASG14]

Any CEL?

Is it always hot outside when this happenes, in comparison to when it doesn't?

[Grnarowana]

I never cleaned the throttle body or had the fuel filter changed. Is this a DIY project? If not, what would the cost be?

I know it can't be diagnose online...but it sure helps!

The car was turning on without a problem until tonight.

I had no ideal our keys have a chip inside...But the key ring is broken. But i'm sure that's not affecting the chip

[D-money]

I never cleaned the throttle body or had the fuel filter changed. Is this a DIY project? If not, what would the cost be?

I know it can't be diagnose online...but it sure helps!

The car was turning on without a problem until tonight.

I had no ideal our keys have a chip inside...But the key ring is broken. But i'm sure that's not affecting the chip

depends on your skill level the throttle body is pretty easy but the fuel filter involves removing entire intake system to get to it and flare wrenches are required as for the price to have a shop do it i have no idea but both of those are things that should be done weither it is the cause of your problem or not.start with the easiest thing first clean the throttle body and the idle control valve those two things cause alot of the common problems with our cars

[Midias]

I would guess you are over oiling your K&N and oil has built up on your maf sensor. It probably needs a cleaning with MAF cleaner and will work much better.

[aleki2424]

I would guess you are over oiling your K&N and oil has built up on your maf sensor. It probably needs a cleaning with MAF cleaner and will work much better.

not jacking but never knew there was a safe way to clean an maf. just sprays the part with the electrode? Is there maf cleaner do you just use TB spray?

[Midias]

^ Most autoparts stores carry crc MAF cleaner buy that and follow the directions on the can.

[Mole]

surprised no one brought up IAC - idle air control valve.

[Midias]

surprised no one brought up IAC - idle air control valve.

I would have but he says he cleans his K&N often so MAF is a very likely cause.

[D-money]

surprised no one brought up IAC - idle air control valve.

I would have but he says he cleans his K&N often so MAF is a very likely cause.

thats a good idea midas i didnt even think of that ill bet thats exactly what the problem is considering how often he is cleaning that filter

[D-money]

surprised no one brought up IAC - idle air control valve.

I did

[Grnarowana]

Hmm Thanks! The MAF sounds the most close as it feels like my car isn't getting enough air sucked in and just dies.