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car occassionally dies on startup

F

FX4 Level II

New member
Hey guys, I have a 2004 GT 3.8 and occassionally on startup, it will die. I mean, it turns over, starts, and dies within 2 seconds. If I start it and give it a little gas, is doesn't die. This only happens when starting, no other time and no other issues. Anyone have a suggestion as to what this may bee? Fuel filter, etc. Thanks
 


Remove the throttle body and clean the daylights out of it. Then also use approved MAF cleaner and clean the MAF. The 04+ cars are known to gum up the TB and cause issues. Could be a sticky IAC as well.
 


04's usually don't need a TB gasket. Just give it a good cleaning and you should be fine. But just check to make sure its not flattened or rotted.
 
If in the chance that the previous advice doesn't cure this, I know the 04's have fuel pressure issues occasionally that cause a slow initial rise in fuel pressure. Cycle the key a few times before you start it and see if that helps your issue. If it does you have a few options. Get a fuel pressure regulator off of another 04 and it has to be an 04 at the junkyard. It's located on the underside of the fuel pump lid in the tank. Or a whole new fuel pump assembly.
 


Well, good news, got some mass air flow cleaner and throttle body cleaner, cleaned the hell out of them. THe throttle body literally had probably a 1/4 inch of carbon on it. Cleaned up looks like new and cured my problem! Thanks guys.
 
Yeah, funny thing was the guy at the parts store telling me that I was wasting my money on cleaners and that it won't do anything, and that the real problem is I need plugs and wires. He told me he bet I would be back the next day for them when my cleaners don't work............felt like going back and shoving it in his face cause he was dead wrong :)
 
Lol. I would have.

04+ have known issues that they build up in the throttle body. I'm sure pretty much all 04+ owners have had this issue. Glad it solved the issue, and was a easy fix.
 
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