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What's wrong with my car if it won't stay "started"?

This morning I started my car as usual, but instead of staying on, it automatically shut off. I put my keys in the ignition again -- I heard the usual "ding" telling me my keys were in, my clock came on, my radio came on, the car started, but then it promptly died. What's wrong with it?

I did this about 4 more times, then prayed for my car to start. The 5th time I kinda gave it some gas after turning the key and "gassed" it for a few minutes. Then I just let go and it was ok. I was able to get where I needed to go. But what is it that keeps the car "started" after putting your key in the ignition? What should I have fixed about it?

Update:

Thanks for the advice so far! Yes, this is only the 2nd time it's happened. The first time was about a month ago. Of course, I had to drive myself home and it started with no problem...

3 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Throttle position sensor, fuel pump, fule filter, engine coolant temp sensor, vacuum lines are all possibilities that come to mind.

    It woudl be difficult to diagnosse if it isnt a recurring problem, just ignore it untill it happens everytime you start the car, then a shop will be able to diagnose it for you, untill then you will waste your money paying them to look for a problem that they wont find.

  • 1 decade ago

    your idle air control valve....is what keeps it from stalling when its running lets say your car is in park and is useing less gas so the iac opens to give it more air so it doesnt stall while your just sitting at a light

  • 1 decade ago

    Your fuel pump might be going out or your fuel filter might be bad.

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