My car is running fine lately, never had a problem perform routine maintenance keep it in good shape.

I drive for a bit(20 mins) and shut it off listening to the radio quietly while I ate some Mcdonalds. I go to start it back up it starts rpms jump at first like normal runs for 1 second then the rpm's dive and it shuts off.

Try to start it again same thing. Again now won't start at all, it turns over but doesn't start. I let it sit for a couple minutes, try again. It almost starts then dies again.

I popped the hood, no visible leaks or damage. I fiddled with a few hoses the battery terminals anything else I could think of. I leave the hood up, about 2 more minutes have gone by. I start it again it turns on and runs fine!! Close the hood and drove off with no more problems.

Does anyone have an idea what the problem could have been?? It was really hot and humid today, is it possible the engine was overheated and when I popped the hood I cooled it off just enough?? I just don't want this to become a regular thing.

Thanks

 

you got me on this one

 

Maybe your altenater belt is loose???

 

Doesn't sound like an eletrical problem. Wouldnt think it would be a spark problem if it runs fine. Could be a fuel problem, do an overall check of your fuel train system. But in past experiences there was a car with sorta the same problem you had, if you take off your air cleaner and check inside your throttle body, open it up an dcheck for a "gummy" residue round the "valve door" of the throttle body. If its sorta gummy, clean it out with some good old brake or parts cleaner, then start it up and see. The problem was the gummy part round the edge didnt allow enough air to get by to start the engine.

 

Is it possible your main relay didnt kick the fuel pump on? What about the ignitor, ignitors have that symptom, they work well after the car cools off. How old is the distributor?

 

Sounds like an IACV to me. on the back of your intake manifold.

 

first check your main relay under your dash. this could cause your fuel pump not to run. the next thing it would be is your ignitor in the distributor. one or the other is your problem

 

Thanks guys!

I'm going to check the car out tomorow. How can I tell if a relay or the igniter aren't working properly?

 

My car has same problem too, but only in HOT DAYS, does that has any relate to the Main Relay?

 

yes, when the main relay is heat soaked it will fail. ignitor is the same way. just when you turn your key on, listen to see if the fuel pump runs, if not, main relay is the culprit.

 

Sounds like a main relay to me- but it could also be an ignition switch or even a TW sensor.

 

Update:

It's been over a week now and the problem hasn't come back. Looks like mine was the main relay.