Car starts up but only for a second and then shuts off?

Tiny
ATOMICDR
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 270,000 MILES
Car has always started and run just fine. Needed a new ignition switch, the old one just quit one day. Didn't need the car for everyday use so let it sit for a couple of months. Finally got the new switch. Put it in. Works proper. Half tank of gas. Car starts up but only for a second and then just dies like you turned the key off or? Once managed to get it up to about 2,000 RPMs. That time I had the car started for maybe 3 seconds or so, then just died like before. Tried numerous times since but never again has it gotten up in the RPMs again.
What's causing this?
Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 AT 9:03 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,256 POSTS
It sounds like the MAF sensor is not working correctly. If it does not see air flow it will shut the fuel pump down. We should run the codes to see if any are stored, this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

You might want to try to just unplug the sensor to see if anything changes, here is the location. When it stalls, we need to know if the problem is fuel or the ignition system, also is the security light flashing? Please go over this video as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE&t

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, January 9th, 2025 AT 11:17 AM
Tiny
ATOMICDR
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Final result: had to have a locksmith come and reset something to do with the new ignition switch.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,256 POSTS
Thanks for getting back to us, was it the security system reset?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 13th, 2025 AT 9:12 AM
Tiny
ATOMICDR
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
I believe that is what he said it was $75.00.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 13th, 2025 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,256 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, February 14th, 2025 AT 10:01 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Stall While Driving Content

Is it Safe to Drive Check Engine Light?
VIDEO
Is it Safe to Drive Check Engine Light?
In­struc­tional re­pair video
Engine Stalls While Driving
GUIDE
Engine Stalls While Driving
An en­gine that stalls while dri­ving and then starts back up again, ei­ther im­me­di­ately or af­ter a short time is dif­fer­ent from an en­gine that just wont start or if the...
VIEW MORE