My 2006 tC Automatic (55,000 miles) will immediately shut off after starting.

It doesn't make any sounds, grinding, pops, nothing. It will start up normally and just die. After about 3 attempts of starting the car and hoping that it will stay on, the car will stay on, but it will shake. The shaking you can feel and if you have a drink in the car you can see the liquid moving. It feels like the car is trying to cut out.

I recently replaced the battery (solved problem for about a week). The alternator and starter are good. I have no check engine lights or sounds coming from the engine.

What could this possibly be?

 

Hell if I know, never heard of that before. Hope you find out what it is, post up when you do find it out so we know in the future.

 

Sounds like your MAF is dirty or broken

 

If there is no CEL it has to be MAF senosr... Clean it and that should do it

 

you should check the throttle plate (in the throttle body). most likely it's gummed up with carbon. the computer cannot adjust the plate when it's dirty, so the computer can't get the response it needs then the car dies. and no.. the check engine light doesn't come on when this happens.

spray some crc (yes i like this brand) throttle body cleaner on a clean shop rag then clean the plate, both sides (will have to have someone turn the car to the on position without starting it and hit the gas to open up the plate). don't force the plate open, electric motors don't like that.

also when you're done with that. go ahead and like everyone else said clean the MAF sensor. (mass air flow) this sensor is right by the air cleaner box, held in my two screws. again crc makes a great MAF sensor cleaner. gently spray down the tube where you'll see two dental floss looking wires. do not touch them.. just spray the cleaner about 5-7 times (i think the can says 10 times) onto there. also clean the amber bulb on the side of the sensor, that's the idle air temperature sensor. then after you're done, let it dry for 10 minute, reinstall.

that should fix your problem.. update us..

 

Get gas.

 

Maybe the car isn't getting fuel? Does it crank okay? Check the MAF, try pumping the gas pedal when it starts and see if you can get it to stay up.

 

it's either maf, dirty injectors or it could be the throttle body like mich said i have never heard of that though but doesnt make it not true. if none of these work it could be your fuel pump.

 

What is CEL?

 

No cranky noise. Normal engine noise. Now the car will only do this randomly.

 

I will try this, but keep in mind i know nothing about cars. I need to find someone to help me. Eek!

 

Check engine light.

 

Clean or replace your MAF sensor or clean out you throttle body. I have 2006 Tc and I had the same problem. My MAF sensor was bad and a real dirty Throttle Body. Once i cleaned it, it started up and ran like new.