car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up

car hesitates when starting, then shut car off and restart the car it will start right up

My car has 100000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there:

Sometimes when you have problems starting an engine initially it is caused by a restriction in fuel flow; caused either by clogged fuel injectors or the throttle body that needs to be cleaned. Once the fuel starts to flow and engine warms up, it’s much easier to start. However, it could also be an air filter, EGR valve or other components that causes this issue as well, which is why it’s best to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection so they can pinpoint the source of this issue.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

If the torque converter is broken, or if there is a low fluid level in the transmission, the converter will not do its job, and the car will be unable to maintain power at low speeds, which causes the engine to shut off. A defective TCS or torque converter solenoid can also cause this issue.
An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too lean. Engine`s that are running inefficiently will begin to show signs like hesitation which will only become worse over time.
Worn out or old spark plugs can cause engine sputtering and other ignition issues. Spark plugs are important to ignite the fuel once it is inside the engine. Partial ignition can lead to leftover fuel in the engine and cause misfires. If your spark plugs looks old or dirty then it might be time to get a new set.
The most common and obvious reason your car may start then die is the fuel shortage in your engine. This happens because there`s not enough fuel in the fuel rail, and there`s no fuel pressure to keep the engine alive. The reason isn`t always you forgetting to fill up your gas tank.
The most common reason your car starts then dies immediately is because of a lack of fuel in the engine. This often happens because there is a small amount of fuel in the fuel rail, which helps to start the engine. However, there is no fuel pressure to keep the engine running.
This hesitation while accelerating can be the result of a number of issues, including something like a clogged fuel filter or even a broken fuel pump. Sometimes, something could also be wrong with the transmission.
Some of the most common include transmission problems, electrical issues, and interior accessory faults. Still, none come close to the damage the worst models might sustain. If you invest in one of these models, you can feel comfortable on the road.
Usually, when your car begins to sputter and then slowly dies, it`s because it has lost fuel pressure. The most common reason is simply running out of gas. However, if you have a full tank of fuel, and your car still dies, then there is more to it than a lack of gas.
Spark Plugs

They ignite the air and gas mixture in the combustion chamber to fire up the engine and keep it running. Dirty, old, worn, or misplaced spark plugs can cause your engine to misfire – sputter – and even stall if the plugs are really bad.

A misfiring engine means the spark plug wires are not firing properly. This causes many problems, like increased exhaust emissions, reduced fuel economy, and reduced engine power.
The most common reason why the “engine power reduced” message appears for Chevy Equinox SUVs is because of a dirty throttle body. Usually, there are some signs that your car has a dirty throttle body. To avoid getting this troublesome message, keep a lookout for the following red flags: Reduced fuel economy.
Bad Sensors

One common culprit for this problem is the crankshaft position sensor, which measures the position and speed of the crankshaft. The computer uses the information from this sensor to know when to fire the spark plugs. If the sensor isn`t working, the spark plugs won`t fire, keeping the engine from starting.

This is often a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears.
One of the most common causes of a sputtering engine is an issue with the vehicle`s fuel system—the filter, pump, and injectors. These three critical components work together to ensure fuel flows smoothly from the fuel tank to your engine`s fuel injectors, and then pumps into the engine evenly.
You may find your engine idling roughly, sputtering as it tries to pick up speed, or even stalling while you`re stopped and idling or while you`re in motion. How much fuel is sent through the engine can also affect these performance issues.
Diagnosing Engine Hesitation

Start by checking the engine computer with a scan tool, for any fault codes. A code P0171 or P0174 (or both), indicate the engine is running lean. This means there is too much air and/or not enough fuel. Consequently, the air/fuel mixture, is not being properly, enriched or is going lean.

Why does my car not accelerate when I push the gas? A car not accelerating properly can be caused by a number of things. It could be due to the throttle body, gas tank, spark plugs, or the ECU. It could also be because you have a dirty air filter or a clogged fuel filter.
The accelerator pedal sensor transmits the position of the accelerator pedal to the engine control unit. Based on this information, the load requested by the driver can be implemented immediately.
Yes. While the damage may seem small initially, the longer you drive with a bad oxygen sensor, the worse the damage will become. Eventually, you may experience rough idling, poor acceleration, engine misfires, an illuminated check engine light, and failed emission tests.
Under certain conditions, an error in the vehicles` engine control module (ECM) software. can cause data used by the ECM to become corrupted. When this occurs, the ECM may. send a signal disabling the engine`s fuel injectors.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Malibu won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
Sign #3: Sputtering Performance

If the oil is too old, it will have built up high levels of particulates that may have clogged the oil filter. A clogged oil filter will not let oil pass through as it should, and this can affect the engine`s ability to maintain consistent speed.

Clogged Fuel Injectors

If you hear your car engine stuttering, then the injectors may not be providing an adequate amount of fuel. To fix this, you should clean the injectors on a regular basis. Using a fuel injector cleaning solution might eliminate the issue of the car jerking.

When a Chevrolet Mailbu displays its engine power-reduced message, it can mean that there is a problem with the car`s engine. The message also means that the Mailbu has reduced power in the engine to compensate for this issue. If this happens, there is no need to panic, as your Malibu will still be able to run.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up
ANSWER : Hi there:

Sometimes when you have problems starting an engine initially it is caused by a restriction in fuel flow; caused either by clogged fuel injectors or the throttle body that needs to be cleaned. Once the fuel starts to flow and engine warms up, it’s much easier to start. However, it could also be an air filter, EGR valve or other components that causes this issue as well, which is why it’s best to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection so they can pinpoint the source of this issue.

Read Full Q/A … : car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up

Charging warning light comes on when i turn the key and try to start the car and the car want start but when someone tried to give
ANSWER : Hi there:

If you recently replaced your battery, the issue may be caused by a malfunctioning alternator or other electrical component that comprises the charging system on your Nissan Sentra. The best way to find out which item specifically is faulty, is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection. This will allow the mechanic to determine the precise source of what’s going on with your Sentra and recommend or complete the right repairs.

Read Full Q/A … : car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up

My car will not start Intermittently. I purchased a new battery 2 weeks ago and yesterday the car wouldn’t start. Got a jump and
ANSWER : The issue you are having is probably due to an intermittent fault in the starter motor itself or a deficiency in the starter electrical circuit, for example a large voltage drop due to a poor ground or a high resistance connection. These issues can be readily diagnosed and resolved on a mobile basis if you request a hard starting diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. Based on Toyota’s Factory Service Manual, the battery should not be disconnected if the vehicle engine is running. The battery acts as a large resistive voltage sink and consequently taking the battery out of the circuit, while the alternator is still running, can create a voltage spike on the car’s electrical system which is not good for voltage sensitive components such as the engine computer. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Read Full Q/A … : car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up

2005 Chrysler 300C changed battery and alternator. Car started, ran, and then battery light came on. Shut car off and wouldn’t start.
ANSWER : Hi. There is a couple of things that could be wrong here. The battery or alternator that was just installed could be defective. Theses parts need to be tested for proper operation. There also could be a fuse, fusible link, or wiring for the battery or charging system that is blown or broken causing the battery light to come on.

The codes that you have will cause the car to shut down, run rough, or not start at all. The crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor should be replaced. I suggest having a certified technician from YourMechanic come diagnose the charging system and check engine codes to help you proceed with correct repairs.

Read Full Q/A … : car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up

Battery and oil light come on when trying to start car, take keys out try again car starts no problem and lights go away
ANSWER : Of course, don’t switch gears without being fully stopped, unless your Owner’s Manual or the manufacturer has alternative advice. However, the gear shift issue has no relation to the no-start problem you are describing. Inasmuch as you only have 6,000 miles on the car, the "constant on and off" that you believe has occurred is meaningless in comparison to the expected total vehicle service life. That is, assume what you perceive as "constant on and off", during merely 6,000 miles, might be equivalent to using the car "normally" for three years. A new car should be trouble free for at least 5 years, unless there is a defect, so your "constant on and off" is not a causal factor for any fault on the vehicle. What you might have is a defect in the ignition switch, or perhaps the immobilizer system, but if the problem is not in the switch itself, clearly there is an electrical problem.

If your vehicle is under warranty, by law the dealer MUST repair the issue you are describing within a prescribed time frame and number of "attempts", otherwise the dealer will run afoul of Federal and state Lemon Laws that give you very specific rights, and recourse (contact an Attorney; we are Mechanics, NOT attorneys). Consequently, if the vehicle is still under warranty, to save yourself money do be sure to seek a resolution from the dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, obviously a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could identify the electrical fault and resolve this for you. If you want to go that route, please simply request a no start diagnostic -electrical system and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Read Full Q/A … : car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up

I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it’s the computer but…
ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you

Read Full Q/A … : car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up

Fuel pump engages. Batery good, alternator good volts, jump start helps when wont start. Temp does not matter. Intermittent?
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. There are several reasons your vehicle may only start when jump starting. The first and most common is a build up of resistance that is causing you to need a boost of voltage to get the engine started. This may be due to poor battery cables, a bad ground connection, a poor starter solenoid, and a couple of other issues. The first thing you want to do is perform a visual inspection of the starting system. Make sure there is no corrosion build up in the battery cables. You can also check the resistance across these wires and make sure you have a solid connection between components. You then want to make sure the starter solenoid is doing its job. It is responsible for taking the small amount of electricity sent by the ignition and turning it into a huge electrical charge that is strong enough to push over the engine with the help of some gear ratios in its favor. Do some more testing, and stick to the basics before assuming its something seriously complicated.

Read Full Q/A … : car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up

I put a penny in place of a fuse, tried to start my car and now it wont start and makes a grinding sound when i try to start it
ANSWER : Hi there. Putting a penny in place of a fuse, not recommended, replace with the correct fuse. The fuse is there, to protect the circuit. If the fuse blows, there is a short to ground. The grinding sound, when you try to start your vehicle, could be the starter. The starter drive could be at fault or the flywheel has a problem. I recommend having your vehicle’s no start be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician from YourMechanic.

Read Full Q/A … : car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up

Eric smoalih

I am a certified master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and I have been working as an auto mechanic for over 15 years. I am passionate about my work, and I take great pride in helping people keep their cars running smoothly.