What does it mean if your car starts then shuts off when you go into drive?


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.

Why does my car die when I put it in gear?

An automatic car can stall when put into gear for countless reasons. It could be a result of a faulty coolant sensor, bad alternator, empty fuel tank, bad fuel pump, leaking vacuum when the filter is blocked, etc.

Why does my car die when I put it in neutral?

When coasting in neutral or the clutch pressed and over 3mph the idle goes up on purpose to help with braking since the hydroboost is run from the power steering pump. That is 100% normal. The stalling is normally IAC related but sometimes doesn’t go away.

Why does my car die when I put it in drive or reverse?

Usually when you shift into reverse and engage the brake it will cause the engine RPM to drop; as it’s creating a load against the transmission and the engine. If the engine stalls, it may be caused by a faulty idle control valve, bad O2 sensors, or clogged fuel injectors.

Why wont my car stay running unless I give it gas?

It may be likely that you have a faulty idle air control valve. The idle air control valve reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at idle.

Why does my car stall when I push the gas pedal?

The car will stall if the valve is too clogged or when it finally fails. If, while holding the accelerator pedal down, a small amount of pressure keeps the car running at a stop, the idle control valve may require attention. In most late model cars, this problem will usually trigger the Check Engine light.

What would cause my car to not stay running?

Check to make sure your spark plug wires or ignition coils are seated properly on each of the spark plugs. A detached or malfunctioning spark plug wire will cause misfires and often a stall as the engine struggles to stay running on fewer cylinders.

Why does my Chevy Cavalier stall at 70 mph?

This week on I-84 at 70 mph, car dies. Was able to coast of an exit ramp. Pulled over, opened the hood, shook the connector, it started right up. Drove it the rest of the week with no issue. Can’t figure out what the deal is, but it is either a connection in the harness, or one of the wires is loose, but it is near impossible to tell.

What’s the problem with my Chevy Cavalier Rs?

I have a 91 Chevy Cavalier RS, 2.2 L. Recently, I’ve noticed an intermittent problem when starting the car (both cold start and warm start). I thought at first it might have been the key, because the keys we had were cheap, badly made Wal-Mart copies so we had a locksmith make an exact replica from the manufacturer’s guide he had.

Why does my car die after 20 minutes?

After driving for about 20 minutes, the engine will die while driving, and will not start back up until the next day. I have sat in the car for literally 4 hours patiently waiting for it to start. I’ll turn the key and the engine will rotate, but will not start. When someone shows up to give me a jump after the battery gets low, it will not start.

Why is my Chevy Cavalier running out of gas?

I forgot it running, it ran out of gas and sat until the battery went dead with the key in the “on” position. Now it won’t start. Security light, check gauges and service lights all stay on. Gas gauge doesn’t register any gas (I put 4 gallons in). Very little gas pressure. Has power to the ICM. No power to fuel pump. Any ideas? Thanks.