Q: My car dies while driving and now it won't even crank. The lights still come on though.
My grand prix has an after market remote start. I lost the remote start so my dad wired a toggle switch strait from the battery to the starter. It worked at first. The next morning I started my car, drove about 10 miles then my car dies without warning. Won't crank at all. I figured it had something to do with what my dad installed so I tried to arc the starter with a screwdriver to get it home but it doesnt work. The starter starts smoking really bad. I'm confused because the starter can't cause the car to die while driving it right? Please help.
My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
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
What others are asking
Fuel pump fuse keeps blowing
Looking at the wiring diagram for you vehicle, I see the fuel pump is circuit it protected by a 10 amp fuse. The fuel pump is then switched on and off via a relay that is controlled by the engine...
Air cleaner housing clamp
The best solution be to get the other clip back on the air box, so that the box will fully seal. Unfortunately since the air box is made of molded plastic, and a piece of it has broken off, it...
What is a P013C code
This code signals an oxygen sensor slow response from rich-to-lean on bank 2 sensor 2. This indicates that when the computer cuts the fuel to test sensor output, it does not respond quick enough and the code is set. This...
Step by step troubleshooting of DTC fault codes
Each of these codes are for different components and since you swapped the motor with a different size motor than what the car had may be a big problem. You would need to have each code diagnosed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/warning-light-is-on-inspection) separately to...
Car started stalling after being stopped in traffic - 2015 Infiniti Q50
Hello. There are a few things that can cause this, but the most common cause of this is a failing throttle body (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-body-replacement). I have changed a number of these for similar problems. If the throttle body is fine, then...
Clicking noise from steering wheel
Hello, thanks for writing in. Most of the time this clicking noise is from the column covers rubbing on the steering wheel. I usually remove the covers and drive the vehicle to see if it goes away. If it does...
Truck won't start in morning. 2nd day now. Battery seems good.
Since the symptoms changed when you touched the battery terminal, it leads me to believe you may have a poor connection and the main battery terminals. If they are badly corroded or have any small cracks, the terminal may be...
Idle in drive then died now won't crank or start
Hi there. Sounds like the engine gas recirculation valve (EGR) is coming on when the engine is at an idle. Check the EGR and see if its plugged in and working. If so, then remove the EGR valve and clean...
2001 Ford Taurus automatic transmission wont change into 2nd
The function of transmission fluid is to not only lubricate the internal moving parts and get the car moving, but to keep the transmission in it's proper temperature range. Constant driving with a low fluid level will cause the transmission...
Related articles
How Does a Distributor Work?
In In older cars, a distributor is one of the central parts of the ignition system. Since the early 1990's, many automakers have moved to using ignition systems without distributors. Though the number of cars with distributors has declined over...
What Is a Reprogrammable ECU?
The The ECU, or engine control unit, is part of your car’s computerized brain and is responsible for monitoring and managing all aspects of engine operation. For anyone who isn’t interested in upgrading their car for higher performance, the stock...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ignition Trigger
If your car is hard to start, not starting at all, or its Check Engine Light comes on, you may need to replace the ignition trigger.
Browse other content
Cities
Estimates