Q: Van starts and then dies

asked by on February 09, 2016

The van will crank up but dies within seconds of being cranked.

Car starts and then dies Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

There are several issues that can keep a vehicle from starting, such as mechanical issues like off timing, bent valves, lack of airflow in the intake system, lack of fuel pressure from a failing fuel pump, or possibly a lack of spark from a failing ignition coil. Also, large vacuum leaks can cause a vehicle not to start. A proper diagnostic can be done to figure out why your car starts then dies by a qualified technician in order to quickly find and fix the source of your concern.

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

Brakes get locked briefly
Hi there. Thanks for writing in about your 2003 Lexus SC430. Another brake component that may cause the brakes to stick are the front and rear calipers (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-caliper-replacement). The calipers are what presses the brake pads against the rotors. If...
Check engine light
The problem with the code that the mechanic is getting is that it says the evaporative system has a small leak. This is why it takes a few days to come up. The leak can be from any of the...
Won't start
Hi there. I'm assuming this is a Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor. Chances are, when the vehicle was parked, the carburetor was not run dry. This means the carburetor may need to be rebuilt or replaced. The float needle is probably stuck...
Car won't start and makes a beeping/clicking noise.
There is a possibility that your battery has a bad cell and/or is discharged such that the amps available are not sufficient to run the starter motor. The battery should be load tested (free at most battery stores or a...
My car has possible alternator problems
Replacing the battery was a good first move, but it may not be the end of your problems. The alternator may not be charging up to it's capacity. You might not notice a problem for a while with a new...
Makes a clicking sound
A clicking or ticking sound can be coming from lots of components. Lack of engine oil, low oil level, or poor oil pressure can cause the engine to make a loud clicking or ticking sound. If it were the engine...
Nissan 08 Altima won't start up when I press on the brake and push the start button.
Hi there. It sounds like the brake switch on the brake pedal is not working. There are two circuits on the brake switch, one for the brake lights and the other for the starter circuit. Some vehicles require the brakes...
Car keeps idling down and shutting off when I drive it.
Hello there and thanks for writing in. Generally belts will squeak when they are loose or not aligned correctly. Occasionally, they may need to have a bit of belt dressing put on them to lubricate them. Your idle issue may...
Advance tracking light is staying on
The Advance Trac system relates to the traction control system in your vehicle. The traction control system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/traction-control-light-is-on-inspection) monitors the steering and stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford F-150
The The best-selling pickup truck in the US for over 30 years, the Ford F-150 has a lot to offer in reliability, durability, and the features that buyers want in a truck. The 2012 F-150 is not only a tough...
2012 Nissan Rogue vs. 2012 Ford Escape: Which One Should I Buy?
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) use the chassis of a truck to provide superior structure, with a larger size and often poor gas mileage. While that isn’t always true, SUVs have a raised ground clearance and are generally meant to haul...
The Top 10 Most Problematic Cars
All cars have issues, from grinding brakes to gasket leaks. The Ford Explorer's and Honda Civic's bad transmissions rank them as the most problematic.