Shut off while driving, starts but shuts off immediately?

Hello, it could certainly be a fuel or air issue with the car. Do you have a scanner to scan the CAN system for codes? It may give a direction for what may be wrong. You can get one for about $20 on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/6K9nyfD

See our thread on scanning the system here: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

If you look under the hood, on the driver's side you can find the air intake hoses, make sure all of those are attached and with no holes. Take note if you smell anything like raw fuel or something that has been burnt, like an electrical issue.

If you are fairly sure you might have a fuel issue, find which side the gas tank is on and use something plastic or your hand to hit the gas tank from the bottom, this might agitate the fuel pump enough to get it going. This would point to a worn-out fuel pump.

If you have any other information or possibly send us a video, that would be great!

Hope this helps,
William

Thank you, William, for taking time to help me. I really appreciate it. I'm attaching a short video so you can see what happens at startup.
Hope your day is good. Thanks again. God's blessings to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Betty Bright

Sounds like it starts good. See if you can keep the car running by using the gas pedal. If so, at least we know the fuel pump and injectors are working properly.

William

I've used the gas pedal each time it turns over. I don't feel any fuel pressure at all when pressing on the pedal at that time.

Thank you again for your help.

Hello, judging from how strong the engine starts, I don't think there is an issue with the fuel, but there is an issue with "maintaining" the fuel pressure. Whether this is electrical or mechanical, is the question. It could be as simple as a blown fuse or a loose connection. Were you able to obtain a code reader? It would help us out a lot if the memory could be scanned for any clues.

Thanks,
William

Unfortunately, without my permission, someone unhooked the battery cable before any codes were scanned.

You're exactly right about "maintaining" the fuel pressure. It's enough to get started for just a few seconds, but even pushing the gas pedal to the floor won't keep it going.

I would unplug the MAF sensor and see if the car will run. Looking at the battery there is a black box behind it. Attached to that box is a thick black hose. There will be a sensor/wire going to that hose, let's unplug it and see if the car starts.

Thanks,
William

Will do. I'll let you know what happens. Thank you.

You're welcome, please let us know.

William

It started!

Can I drive it?

Hello, I guess it depends on how well it drives. If it can start with the MAF unplugged, let's replace the MAF and see if that fixes it. Please let us know.

William

I'll need to order the sensor. It takes 2-3 days for delivery. I really appreciate your patience and expertise. You've been a big help. I'll keep you posted. Thank you.

Betty Bright

Not a problem. Please keep us informed.

William

Hi William, hope your day has been good so far. Please forgive me for involving work on the Lord's Day.
Just want to let you know I was able to use a scanner, resulting in two codes:
P0102 and P0113, in which both go along with your diagnosis.

Hello, if you scanned this while the sensor is unplugged it would explain the P0102. Otherwise, it may point to a bad MAF yes. The other code is for an Intake Air Temperature sensor (IAT).

Let's see if the car starts and drives well after replacing the MAF as described, and we can go from there.

Thanks,
William

Will do and will let you know. Thanks again. Have a good evening.