Car starts up but only for a second and then shuts off?

2007 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT
270,000 MILES • 2.5L • 5 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
ATOMICDR
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Car has always started and run just fine. Needed a new ignition switch, the old one just quit one day. Didn't need the car for everyday use so let it sit for a couple of months. Finally got the new switch. Put it in. Works proper. Half tank of gas. Car starts up but only for a second and then just dies like you turned the key off or? Once managed to get it up to about 2,000 RPMs. That time I had the car started for maybe 3 seconds or so, then just died like before... Tried numerous times since but never again has it gotten up in the RPMs again.
What's causing this?
Jan 7, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
It sounds like the MAF sensor is not working correctly. If it does not see air flow it will shut the fuel pump down. We should run the codes to see if any are stored, this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

You might want to try to just unplug the sensor to see if anything changes, here is the location. When it stalls, we need to know if the problem is fuel or the ignition system, also is the security light flashing? Please go over this video as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE&t

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Jan 9, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Avatar
ATOMICDR
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Final result: had to have a locksmith come and reset something to do with the new ignition switch.
Feb 12, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Thanks for getting back to us, was it the security system reset?
Feb 13, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Avatar
ATOMICDR
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
I believe that is what he said it was $75.00.
Feb 13, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Feb 14, 2025 at 10:01 AM