The car shut off, cannot be started

Hi. While I was driving my truck, it just started slowing down out of the blue. The gas pedal became unresponsive and the engine shut off without any noise. I'm trying to start it up again and it sounds as if it would and there is cranking, but it cannot be started. Before this issue, I noticed rattling sounds on the startup only. What part could be worn? Do you have some advice what I should check? Thank you.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The crankshaft damper may have a loose bolt and is what’s causing the lower timing chain gear to be loose. The gear pin may shear and cause the no start or loss of power. However, if this is not the case, then the computer should be scanned to see if there are various codes that could lead to wiring repairs due to loose or corroded pins in the various modules of the vehicle. If you need help with this, feel free to contact a certified mechanic who can diagnose your starting issue and fix what caused this problem to begin with.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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

The most common reasons a Chevrolet Colorado engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
Any unusual shaking or vibrating forces coming from the engine is cause for concern. It could be something as simple as old spark plugs producing an uneven power delivery, it could be something serious like worn or broken engine mounts, or it could be even more serious in the case of internal engine damage.
The main reasons why your Chevy truck might be losing power when accelerating are low engine compression, clogged fuel or air filter, faulty fuel pump, and so on.
Some of the most common sensors that lead to engine stalling include the mass airflow sensor (MAF), engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) and manifold absolute pressure sesnsor (MAP). The idle air control valve (IAC) and exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR) are also well known for causing engine stalling.
There are three major causes for a stalled engine: A lack of fuel, a lack of air flow and improper ignition. Running out of fuel is one of the most common causes of engine stalling, but dirty fuel injectors or a plugged fuel filter can also be the culprit. Your engine needs air to run properly as well.
Any unusual shaking or vibrating forces coming from the engine is cause for concern. It could be something as simple as old spark plugs producing an uneven power delivery, it could be something serious like worn or broken engine mounts, or it could be even more serious in the case of internal engine damage.
The source of the problem could be from tires that are not balanced or a worn-out spark plug. It could also be loose lug nuts. A car also vibrates for a number of reasons when you accelerate. Typically it`s from a damaged inner CV joint.
A 2.8-liter, four-cylinder engine is standard on all models and is rated at 175 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.5-liter inline-five engine offers 220 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but a four-speed automatic is also available on all models.
Proper maintenance plays a big role in longevity, but the Colorado can be expected to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. 200,000 seems to be the general life expectancy for the engine, however, some Colorado owners say their truck is still going strong well after 300,000 miles.
Fault in the Transmission

If it is cracked or damaged, or the fluid level in the transmission becomes low, the vehicle will die at the time of idling. A broken torque converter solenoid can also be the culprit. Defective auto transmission can cause this problem.

Fuses – If the car dies while idling but restarts, there`s a possibility that there might be an issue with the fuses of the car. It`s conceivable that one of the fuses has blown. Take each fuse from the box and hold it up to the light.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Map sensor car won’t start up good ?
ANSWER : Your MAP sensor is an important input for your computer. It helps determine the load on the engine to calculate the correct amount of fuel to inject. It sometimes takes a few seconds for the vehicle to realize that the sensor is not producing a good signal.

At that point, it will use other methods to determine the fuel rate, such as pre-programmed fuel maps, throttle position, etc. I would suggest replacing the MAP sensor and retesting. If you would like to have it checked first, a certified technician from YourMechanic will be able to scan your vehicle and test components to determine the root cause of your starting issue before making a repair.

My car shuts off while driving and then turns back on multiple times or shuts off after driving and car turns off.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the alternator and make sure that the wiring it connected tight. Check the battery cables and make sure that they are tight and clean. Look for any loose ground wires to the chassis on the vehicle. If everything checks out to be working correctly, then the PCM may need to be replaced as it may have a battery disconnect condition. If you need further assistance with multiple functions shutting off, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

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.