Car shuts off when trying to start.
My car went into anti left lock when i attempted to start it. It has done this previously so i knew the drill (so i thought). I unplugged the battery for 30 minutes hooked it up. I turn the key to the acc/on all the running lights headlight windshield wipers all the dash light are on. The dash does the bulb check everything is per usual and then yoi turn the key forward into start with the clutch pressed to the floor everything shuts off. When you release the the key back to acc/on position everything lights back up. I work at a parts store and am very handy when it comes to car. Always done a
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Your key is a transponder key. The transponder in the key works together with the theft deterrent module that is attached to the ignition lock cylinder. The only good way to test this system is with a shop level scanner such as what Snap On sells. Whatever scanner you use must be able to communicate with the BCM in order to receive data about the alarm system. The module on the ignition lock cylinder can develop intermittent connections.
Something else to consider is as follows. The anti-theft system relies heavily on the position of the door locks and door switches to know the state of your car. Testing this can be very simple. With the key on, begin with all the doors closed and open and close them one at a time. Watch the door ajar light on the dash to see if it turns on when each door is opened. Be sure to close each door after you open it. In addition, if the light is on with all the doors closed, you know there is a problem with the door ajar system. If this is the case, you will need a scanner to pinpoint which switch is the problem. Keep in mind the anti-theft module also monitors the trunk lid.
As for resetting the alarm when it goes off, there are three ways to do this that I know of. The first is fairly obvious, use the key fob. The next method is similar to what you have already attempted. Disconnect the battery, turn the key to the run position and reconnect the battery with the key in the run position. If that doesn’t work, use the key to lock and unlock the doors three times in a row, including the trunk lid, one at a time until one of them resets the alarm. I have had luck with the last two on almost every car.
Of course that is just to reset the alarm. If the door switch and lock system all check out good, meaning you have checked their operation with a scanner, I would be looking for codes in the anti-theft module.
If you need further assistance with this, I recommend contacting customer service to see if there is a technician in your area with the tools to address your issue.
1-844-249-6752 · [email protected]
Good luck!
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Common reasons for this to happen:
An issue with the mass airflow sensor may manifest itself when a car starts and then stalls soon after starting. Fuel Pump Relay: The fuel pump relay functions much like a fuse for an electric fuel pump. The fuel pump relay engages as the vehicle is started and starts the fuel pump.
Low fuel pressure, dirty or defective fuel injectors, or broken fuel pump: The fuel pump is responsible for transferring fuel from the tank to the engine.
Sounds like your Cobalt has gone in to “Limp Mode.” When the OBD detects a fault, certain faults anywhere in the drive train including the transmission it goes in to Limp Mode and reduces engine power, CEL come on and it lets you get to a safe place but with reduced power to prevent further damage.
A classic reason why your car starts for a second then dies is battery depletion. The car needs electricity from the battery to start. However, if your car starts then dies immediately, then the fault could be a lack of charging or damaged battery.
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 reasons a Chevrolet Cobalt won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The most common sensor which can lead to your car stalling is the manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP) or the mass air flow sensor (MAF). Most cars typically have one or the other.
Also known as `limp home mode`, limp mode is a security feature in cars which activates when the engine or transmission control unit picks up a fault. Once it detects a problem, limp mode will cause the less important parts of the car, such as air conditioning, to switch off, and the speed of the car will be reduced.
Disconnect the battery.
If your car still goes into limp mode, disconnect the battery and wait for about a half hour to reset your car`s computer. After a half hour, reconnect your battery and shift gears to see if you are still in limp mode.
A failing fuel pump is one of the faults that can cause this. Other likely problems would be the battery, alternator, battery cable, wiring harness fault, crank or camshaft position sensor. The fuel pump may have been replaced because it was not turning on.
The most common reason a Chevy car (or any car) won`t start is a dead battery. If you have a battery tester, check your charge to see if it`s low. A dead battery can also be jumpstarted with jumper cables.
The most common reason a car cranks too long is due to poor circulation of fuel. If there isn`t enough fuel reaching over for combustion, the engine will not be able to generate sufficient energy to turn over as normal.
The most common reason a Chevy car (or any car) won`t start is a dead battery. If you have a battery tester, check your charge to see if it`s low. A dead battery can also be jumpstarted with jumper cables.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
My car shut off while at a stoplight. I got it started only for it to shut off agin. It starts then shuts off.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is stalling due to an electrical issue (typically pertaining to power supply or a sensor), a lack of fuel, or a failure with the ignition (spark) system. You will want to start by scanning the vehicle for diagnostic troubleshooting codes. Use any information found there to help guide you to the system or component that is failing. Without that information, you will want to test the fuel pump, ignition cables, spark plugs, and alternator function. Further testing may need to be done based on those results. For more help with diagnostics, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
