Q: Car died while driving. I can start it but it will die after 2-3 seconds. 2004 Honda Civic.

asked by on November 06, 2017

I pulled off the freeway and my 2004 Honda Civic DX died while I was driving. I pulled over and tried starting it again. It starts as often as I try to start it, but will only last for 2-3 seconds and then stall once more. I tried 9-10 times. I can even raise the rpms during those two seconds but it stalls. I had it towed to my place and the next day I had the same results. Thinking back now, I seem to remember maybe my car hesitating to start before I left the house (20 minutes before it died) but it was almost unnoticeable and I shrugged it off. Just wondering what a possible list of solutions might be, and curious also if running a diagnostic would give any results although I have no CEL? I only have a required maintenance light which appears to illuminate every some determined amount of miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

If the car is starting but immediately stalling typical causes for such immediate stalling are a faulty mass airflow sensor, faulty engine coolant temperature switch/sensor (typically at cold start only), faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensors, worn spark plugs, wires or defective ignition coil(s), inadequate fuel delivery or pressure (clogged fuel filter, injectors, faulty fuel pump or pump circuit), contaminated or old gasoline, defective throttle position sensor, faulty idle air control valve, leaks in the EGR system, intake vacuum leaks, and so forth. If you request an engine stalling diagnostic the responding certified mechanic will pinpoint the issue and get this resolved for you promptly, right at your location. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Need help with brake lines.
Hi, I wouldn't drive this car until a certified mechanic has verified the brakes are in a safe operable condition (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-safety-inspection-inspection), either have it towed to a mechanic or call a mobile mechanic. The brake lines provide a path for...
Car sluggish and hearing noises from engine
Hello. The most common causes of low power and noise on this engine are either a failing catalytic converter, or more commonly, a failing timing chain or variable timing actuator. Both of these are very common problems with this engine....
The car makes loud shaking/jarring noise when the steering wheel is only slight turned rightward. There is no noise when turning left.
Hi there. From the description you have provided, the noise you are hearing from the rear of the vehicle and the feeling your vehicle has while driving, should be looked at sooner than later. The swaying (fish-tail) action, could be...
Car keeps stalling car, I think it's the fuel pump
Hello - I applaud your diagnostic skills! You have certainly identified a classic failure mode of a fuel pump with extended mileage such as yours. Your fuel pump is located in the tank and is cooled by the gasoline there....
Can a gps/tracking device placed on my vehicle cause my car alarm to malfunction?
Hi there. Its no possible for a GPS unit to set off the car alarm unless the ground wire to the GPS unit is wired into the same ground as the alarm system. If the alarm is all of a...
my car is rumbling at idle
It depends on the origin of the noise and/or problem. If the rumbling is due, say, to an exhaust leak and the leak is, say, in the exhaust manifold you risk carbon monoxide poisoning by driving the car. If the...
I was driving down the road and car died and will not start it sound like it wants when I check radiator fluid it was empty
Hello, thank you for writing in. You will want to find out why the coolant is empty. However for the moment, you need to treat the stall and no start situation separately from the lack of coolant issue. Chances are...
Truck wont shift into third gear after going over 25 mph 2005 Ford Expedition
Hello - most likely the direct clutch in your transmission (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/does-an-automatic-transmission-have-a-clutch) has failed, and a transmission rebuild is in order. Less likely, but possible - is a throttle position sensor failure. I would recommend a transmission inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/gears-slipping-when-accelerating-inspection) by a...
Why do I hear a squeak on the upper front side of my car when I go over driveways for example?
Hi Fabian. Thanks for contacting us today. There are several front end and steering components that depend on proper lubrication of bearings or bushings that could be causing the noise you are hearing. Some of the common culprits of these...

Related articles

2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Ford Focus: Which One Should I Buy?
One of the best ways to cope with pain at the gas pump is to look at downsizing your vehicle, and today’s compact cars are a great option that allow you to keep the space that you need to move...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Realtor or Real Estate Agent
If If you make your living as a realtor or real estate agent, you may have a number of considerations when it comes to purchasing a used vehicle. The most common considerations are budget, ability to transport people, and comfort....
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Alaska in 2012
Alaska Alaska requires a different kind of vehicle to handle both the terrain and the wintery conditions. While some of the most popular options for the Alaskan terrain in previous years included options such as the Subaru Forester and the...