Q: Car shakes and turns off

asked by on January 29, 2016

My car turns on, starts to shake, and then turns off.

Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. There are many factors that can cause a car to stall upon start up. You could be experiencing a fuel supply problem or a fault with a sensor in the engine management system. The first step with any drivability concern is to connect a scanner and see if there are any codes present, and check data as needed. The fuel system needs to be checked with a fuel pressure gauge, to see if it is within proper specification, and see if the fuel pressure bleeds down. The fuel pump and fuel injection system is known to have issues as it ages, and monitoring fuel pressure helps determine if it is failing. This is referred to in TSB 87-65-07. You may need the aid of a mechanic to check the vehicle with a scanner and to check fuel pressure with a proper fuel gauge to avoid a raw fuel leak. I would have a mechanic diagnose your car’s stalling issue so that they can come up with the necessary repairs.

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 tire size should I use and what pressure should I run in the tires?
Your car may have one of three different tire sizes, depending on the actual trim level and engine size. It’s important that you continue to use the OEM-specified tire size when your original tires wear out. It’s also important that...
How do I adjust the side view mirrors of a 2012 Toyota RAV4?
Like your rearview mirror, it’s important that you’re able to adjust your side view mirrors correctly. They should be adjusted so that you see almost nothing of your vehicle, and are able to see the cars behind and to the...
What climate control elements can be controlled from the touchscreen?
If your Fusion has the touchscreen navigation system installed, then it’s tied into your Automatic Climate Control system as well. You’ll find that some of the physical controls on the HVAC system are duplicated on the touchscreen (that way, if...
How do you check the engine oil?
Checking the engine oil is a vital part of being a responsible car owner. Even if you’re incredibly punctual about having your car serviced, you still need to keep an eye on the oil level to prevent potentially damaging the...
Brakes grinding
Brake noise is quite common. Most likely what you are hearing is the sound of the worn brake pads grinding against the rotors. This problem can usually be solved by a simple brake job. A trained professional will be able...
Clutch not working
If the clutch had been slipping prior to the failure and now nothing happens, it may be worn out. Once the clutch wears, the mechanical connection between the engine and transmission is broken and power cannot be delivered. Have an...
No parking light bulbs, the good fuses blew. Removed all of the parking bulbs and replaced the fuses. The fuse didn't blow till a bulb is plugged in.
Hello. You likely have a short somewhere in the circuit. This may be related to other light circuits, a terminal or connection, or by a damaged wire. You can start by performing a visual inspection. A rule of thumb is...
ESP Light and column electrical failures after a sharp turn.
That must have been one hard turn! The ESP light is for the Electronic Stability Program: a system built into your braking system to help prevent the car from going out of control in a sharp turn. You could have...
Would it be the crank sensor even if I have spark from the spark plugs
No it would not be the crankshaft sensor. It may be a camshaft sensor or another problem with the fuel system like relay for fuel pump. I recommend having a mechanic like one from YourMechanic diagnose the no start for...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe
The The Chevy Tahoe has always been one of the most popular SUVs on the market, and this trend continued in 2012. As always, the vehicle proved to be reliable and powerful, with plenty of space and features that people...
The 5 Safest Used Cars You Can Buy For Under $20,000
The Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevy Volt, and the Volvo XC60 are five of the overall safest used cars you can buy for under $20,000.
Essential Things to Know About the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Electric Car
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is the first all-electric car under $50k. The Chevy Bolt has a higher EPA rating than Tesla and gets 238 miles per charge.