Verify with official recall databases, service records, a mechanic inspection, and local market data before relying on this summary.
At a glance
Symptom triage summary
The engine fires and runs for a second or two, then cuts out. The engine clearly has enough fuel and spark to start, so something is interrupting the run condition immediately after it does.
UrgencyUrgency not yet verifiedSeverityModerateEvidenceSource notes available
What it may indicate
The engine fires and runs for a second or two, then cuts out. The engine clearly has enough fuel and spark to start, so something is interrupting the run condition immediately after it does.
Possible system
Engine
Urgency
Urgency not yet verified
Can I drive?
Drive with caution
Evidence/confidence
Source notes available
See source & evidence notes below
Short answer
The engine fires and runs for a second or two, then cuts out. The engine clearly has enough fuel and spark to start, so something is interrupting the run condition immediately after it does.
SeverityModerateDrive?Drive with caution
Can I still drive with this?
Drive with caution
Limit trips; avoid heavy loads and long highway runs.
SeverityModerate
Moderate
Troubleshooting at a glance
UrgencyModerate
Check firstWatch the security or immobiliser telltale — a light that flashes as the engine dies points at the key, not the fuel system
Can you drive?Drive with caution
Stop driving ifNot a safety issue while stationary, but do not rely on the…
It starts then dies straight away
The engine fires and runs for a second or two, then cuts out. The engine clearly has enough fuel and spark to start, so something is interrupting the run condition immediately after it does.
What can cause it
An immobiliser or security system cutting fuel once it fails to authenticate the key
A fuel delivery fault that supplies enough to fire but not enough to keep running
An idle-control or major vacuum leak preventing a stable idle
What to check first
Watch the security or immobiliser telltale — a light that flashes as the engine dies points at the key, not the fuel system
Note whether it runs longer with light throttle applied, which suggests idle control or a vacuum leak
Listen for the fuel pump priming for a couple of seconds when the ignition is first switched on
Have the vehicle scanned; this pattern usually stores a code
What this symptom does not tell you
An observation narrows the search; it does not identify which of the possible causes applies to your vehicle. Confirm the cause before any part is replaced — several of the causes above produce an identical symptom.
Possible causes
An immobiliser or security system cutting fuel once it fails to authenticate the key
A fuel delivery fault that supplies enough to fire but not enough to keep running
An idle-control or major vacuum leak preventing a stable idle
What to check first
Watch the security or immobiliser telltale — a light that flashes as the engine dies points at the key, not the fuel system
Note whether it runs longer with light throttle applied, which suggests idle control or a vacuum leak
Listen for the fuel pump priming for a couple of seconds when the ignition is first switched on
Have the vehicle scanned; this pattern usually stores a code
When to stop driving / seek help
Not a safety issue while stationary, but do not rely on the vehicle until the cause is identified — a fault that stalls on start can also stall in traffic.
Listed in the CarFaultIQ structured symptom vocabulary as "starts_then_stalls". Cause ordering reflects documented diagnostic practice, not measured field statistics.