My friend said that he could replace the thermostat in my car. He got in there and disconnected alot of things, but he couldn't get the old thermostat out. We tried to start the car back up and it cut off. Everytime I start it it runs for about 3 seconds and cuts off. What could be the problem. I really can't afford to buy a new vehicle. I need to fix this problem.
2006-06-14 10:06:29 · 13 answers · asked by katy_zpb 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
My car is a 1993 Buick Century, V6. When I let go of the key the car runs for a couple of seconds. I don't thinks is the battery, I just got one a few weeks ago. Thanks
2006-06-15 02:22:42 · update #1
The engine perhaps? Or you have a low battery. Try changing the battery and see what happens.
2006-06-14 10:09:26 · answer #1 · answered by MOTHERRR SOUP 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If i knew what kind of car we were talking about, it would be a lot easier for me to help. But we can start at a few ideas. A bad ignition switch will do what you have described. Try to hold the key in the "ON" position when you start the engine. If the engine keeps running and then stalls when you let go of the key, then you have a bad switch. If you are not getting a ny gas to the engine, you may have a bad fuel pump or pump relay. Usually the relay gives you an extended cranking before the car starts. So the fuel pump may be bad here. The other thing to look for, if this is a newer car , the engine has a temp switch in the engine block. If this switch thinks the engine is hot, and it is really cold, then temp sensor will tell the computer to run lean and cause you to have very little fuel to run the engine.
If you get me more info, i may be able to help...e-mail me....Ron
2006-06-14 17:16:09 · answer #2 · answered by mailbox1024 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't say what type of car or year it is or what engine. You said it runs about 3 seconds. Dose it run only when the ignition switch is in the start position and engine dies when you let go of the key? Need more info?
2006-06-14 17:22:12 · answer #3 · answered by tcase205 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check that the coolant sensor is plugged back in. Your vehicle may think it is overheating. It could also be a slew of other diagnostics. Best bet, get a Code Reader. You can borrow them from Murrays or AutoZone. Read the codes. It's probably a sensor unplugged.
2006-06-14 17:19:33 · answer #4 · answered by EngineNick 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure but sounds like he disconnected the wires to the alternator. If that has happened then your battery will not charge and won't stay running. If you know what the alternator looks like then check the wires. It should look like a plug in but plastic.
2006-06-14 17:13:41 · answer #5 · answered by twentyeight7 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it was the battery it wouldnt start, if it was the thermostate it would just overheat or not get warm enough,, not knowing what type of car it is cant really help ya, but if it has a chip ignition like grand prix for example, you would need to check that first
2006-06-14 17:16:57 · answer #6 · answered by bjboyd5618 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this could be a number of things:
if it is a fuel injected motor:
fuel filter, fuel re-start button, vaccum hose not connct. proper., i sugg. getting the shiltons owners repair manual and going through the troubleshooting section... good luck!
2006-06-14 17:18:10 · answer #7 · answered by goraiders 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wel i no mine did the same thing a couple of times and the problem is that your spark plugs arnt getting any fire to them 4 it to stay running causing it to stay cutting off
2006-06-14 17:16:19 · answer #8 · answered by anthony r 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely you need to check the fuel filter. I don't think it is getting gas.
2006-06-14 17:11:46 · answer #9 · answered by geo1985 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may need to check your baterry. Sounds like it may not be holding a charge. Have that tested.
2006-06-14 17:13:44 · answer #10 · answered by Steel Metal Man 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋