When I start my car, the engine fires up, but then the RPMs begin to stutter, then dies right away. Then when I start it up, engine won't die if I rev it a bit, but still ends up dying after a few seconds. Idling is extremely rough and it's obvious that it's struggling to keep running. RPMs bounce up and down without me on the pedal.

SOURCE: Engine will start and rough idle but dies when either the brakes are applied or the lights are turned on!

have you checked out your fuel filter? I had my 2003 denali do the same type of problem and it turned out to be a very dirty fuel filter.

SOURCE: Truck losing power and service engine soon light on

Like to other guy said, give it a tuneup. Also try SEAFOAM to clean carb up of slug. Also check to make sure the butter fly for the choke has not come loose, causing it the choke it down. Failed choke pull-off.

Todd Bradshaw

• 141 Answers
• Posted on Feb 17, 2009

SOURCE: Car starts, runs a few seconds then stops.

did you spray the maf sensor or intake hole ?if you didnt spray maf then probly not! have some one turn the key why you listen in the fill gas hole for pump noise ? sould here somthing for 2 seconds at least besure you ear is there before key is turned , also check you ecu fuse to see if it may be blown .? also you could try unhooking battery cable for 20 minutes neg side only then rehook it and try to start it! good luck