Q: When I try to start the truck dies right away

asked by on October 31, 2016

Trying to start the truck and it dies right away givin it gas gets it goin for few seconds at around 1000 rpms then dies wondering if it has something to do with fuel injector or hose. Your help is much appreciated

My car has 401000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi there. From the description you have provided - your vehicle starts and dies right away - could be multiple possibilities. A fuel pressure test could help identify whether, it is a fuel delivery problem. It could be a low fuel pressure caused by a faulty fuel pump, a plugged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pressure regulator. You giving it gas and being able to keep it going for a few seconds leads me away from the ignition system. Although, anything is possible with 401,000 miles. Accessing the vehicle computer for trouble codes could help with the diagnoses. I recommend having your issue of trying to start the truck and it dying diagnosed and repaired by certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.

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

What does the Door Ajar Light mean on the dash?
Driving with a door open is never a good idea – it’s dangerous for passengers and cargo, and it can let debris, exhaust and other threats into the car. To help ensure that you don’t get on the road with...
92 Ford Ranger idles high
The first thing you'd want to do is try my video "finding engine vacuum leaks with a cigar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMok2y05jNE)." See if you can find a leak somewhere. It could be sucking air. If you can't find one, you want to...
Car shuts off at idle
Hi, thanks for writing in. This is a sign of a failing idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-idle-control-valve). This is a unit that regulates the air flow into the engine as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into...
My brake lights and head lights won't come on. It's not a blown fuse.
Hello, thanks for writing in. If all of these lights stopped working at the same time then you either have a main switch problem or a voltage issue from the fuse box. From my experience with this vehicle it is...
Car wont stay running
Hi there: Usually when a car will start then die quickly, it's caused by a vacuum leak, fuel system obstruction or faulty emissions components like the EGR valve or mass air flow sensor. Without knowing the type of vehicle you...
On cold start up it idles up to 2800 after a few min i tap the gas and it drops to normal 800 -1000 rpm idle speed
The fast idle speed on your vehicle should be 2100 rpm. The carburetor on your truck has a choke system that will increase the idle when it's cold, to help get the truck up to operating temperature a little more...
How do I install a high pressure power steering line I can't get it to twist and screw into the rack
The double flare end of the tube should be fully inserted until the flare mates with the convex sealing surface. The tube nut should then smoothly thread all the way down by hand. If the tube nut does not start...

Related articles

Can a Bad Sensor Prevent a Car From Starting?
If your car isn't starting or has a hard time starting, a faulty sensor may be to blame. Car sensors monitor data to keep your car running smoothly.
The Best Used Cars to Buy For a Graduation Gift
Your Your little bundle of joy has grown up and on the cusp of entering adulthood. Graduating is a milestone, and you want to reward their hard work and show how proud you are. Buying a used car is a...
GMC Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
Drivers Drivers in the market for a used GMC vehicle may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on to learn...