What causes a car to stall immediately after starting?
2 Answers
The reasons why a car stalls immediately after starting are: 1. The vehicle's anti-theft system is triggered, locking the engine; 2. Ignition switch failure, caused by poor contact of internal contacts in the ignition switch, where the ignition line has power during startup but loses power when the key is released; 3. Damage to the ignition module or the ignition reference signal line from the ignition module to the engine computer; 4. Too low fuel system pressure, such as low fuel pump pressure, fuel line leakage, small supply current, or damaged fuel pressure regulator; 5. Additionally, if the fuel pump does not pump fuel, the same phenomenon occurs during the first dozen or so startups—the car can start but stalls immediately afterward.
My car starts but immediately stalls. I have experience with this issue, which is often caused by a faulty fuel pump that fails to provide sufficient fuel during startup, leading to engine starvation. Another common culprit is the air system, such as a clogged or dirty mass airflow sensor, which sends incorrect signals to the computer, making it think there's either too much or too little air, resulting in the engine shutting down. Worn-out ignition coils or spark plugs can also cause this—if the spark isn't consistent, the engine stalls. A weak battery might have enough power to start the car but not enough to keep it running. Additionally, sensor errors, like those from the crankshaft position sensor, can mislead the computer into shutting off the engine. I recommend first checking if the fuel pump makes a humming sound and ensuring there's enough fuel. As a temporary fix, try adding a bottle of fuel cleaner, but ultimately, take it to a professional shop to read the diagnostic trouble codes. Don't delay, as you might end up stranded on the road. Safety first! Regular maintenance, such as replacing the air filter and spark plugs, can help prevent this issue.
