All of a sudden today when I start my car it runs about 2-3 seconds and then dies every time. I drove it and started it several times yesterday. I've tried several times today and it never runs more than 2 to 3 seconds and then shuts off. We're stumped! Any suggestions as to what may be the problem. Thanks!
2006-09-13 15:21:16 · 19 answers · asked by melissa1983_99 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Oops, sorry for the lack of info...it is a 1994 Ford Thunderbird LX
2006-09-13 15:31:27 · update #1
OH and I don't have a car alarm...I see some answers are suggesting that, but I don't have one on the car...thanks anyway. I still welcome suggestions to run by my dad though, he has eliminated some possibilities based on what he saw under the hood. Please keep suggesting! I do appreciate it~!
2006-09-13 15:42:43 · update #2
mine did the same thing, the fuel line was clogged.
2006-09-13 15:26:50 · answer #1 · answered by Kathy C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I take it you mean it turns off before you can start the motor.
That means it's an electrical problem most likely. If you left your lights on recently of course you might need to jump start. You might also need a new battery. But it might also be the connectors. If you or someone you know knows the basics of what is under the hood you can check and fix it.
Open your hood and look at the connections on the battery, do they fit around the nuts at the positive and negative terminals tightly or do they look loose and corroded? If there is battery acid all over them then use a towel to tighten them (or tools, keep baking soda around if you are worried too much will get on you). You probably just need to tighten the connections carefully (get someone familiar if you're nervous). Then you can drive it in to a mechanic/automotive electrician and they will fix the connections.
If your battery is dead you will need to go buy another battery. You can jump your car right before you go and get someone else to put it in (the car only needs the battery to start the motor unless you leave things running w/o the motor going). Or you can go buy one and have someone you know put it in.
2006-09-13 15:37:45 · answer #2 · answered by iMi 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Distributor, points and condensers in the distributor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, clogged fuel line, dirty fuel injectors, valve lash not opening, alternator, alternator belt, battery, or better yet, change the fuses and the fusible links in any slot that concerns the alternator, fuel, engine, or charging systems. Having never owned a Ford, I couldn't really tell you anything specific (my apologies), but I hope that my suggestions can do something for you. Good luck!
2006-09-13 22:25:13 · answer #3 · answered by theoneicequeen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
since all cars made from the begining of time are exactly the same, We wont need you to tell us what kind/year model you have. It's probably just the knoedeling valve.
OK that's better.
Start the car and give it gas.
If it stays running as long as you hold the gas pedal down then you have a Idle air control valve problem. IAC valve
You can replace it yourself easily with an 8mm socket. Just buy the new one, and find the part on your engine that looks just like it.
2006-09-13 15:25:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Are you SURE the car isn't equipped with an anti-theft key device? I have a Mustang and that is EXACTLY what it does if you try to start it with the trunk key (the key without the computer chip installed). This device is NOT an alarm --- if your bird is also equipped with the 'chipped' key it could be malfunctioning (or you could be using the wrong key?)
2006-09-13 15:59:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
ok its a ford only 2 things
when the car died is the dash lights on oil alt check engine etc if no you got a bad ignition switch
if yes fuelpump relay thease are the 2 most comon things
let me know
listen for the relay to click when you turn on the ignition it will click on off in about 2 seconds find it and bypass it to know for shure
it should have a wiring map on the side of it to tell what 2 wires to jump
if its the ignition switch they can be tightend by squishing the crimps back that hold it together
2006-09-13 15:37:59 · answer #6 · answered by mobile auto repair (mr fix it) 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Could be the battery. But then again when the battery is dead, it won't even start up. Probably the plugs or you flooded the engine. Got to a mechanic and get an evaluation.
2006-09-13 15:40:46 · answer #7 · answered by Mrs. Floyd 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
start and die? security light staying On? if equipped and it is staying on then the alarm system is malfuntioning
what happens if when you start it and hold the key slightly?
Does it stay running? if so then the Ignition switch electrical has failed. ( not the key and tumbler )
Or is it a long crank then start and die?
if so you might have lost fuel pressure.
2006-09-13 15:37:11 · answer #8 · answered by Magikmann 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Defective mass air sensor. Disconnect it. If that is the problem the computer will reset itself. Should this correct the problem, replace the sensor. If not check vacuum lines for leaks or clean throttle body.
2006-09-13 15:42:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
hmmmm.... do you have an alarm system on it? If so it might be malfunctioning or something. Or it could just be electrical, in the brain (computer) of the car.
2006-09-13 15:24:46 · answer #10 · answered by silverblack12345 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well it could be a couple of things either your fuel pump or probably a crank sensor i had one replaced on my car and it cost about 110 dollars
2006-09-13 15:39:09 · answer #11 · answered by corey p 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋