Fire requires 3 things to start, 1)fuel, 2)oxygen, 3)inition.
If all three are present, down the road you go. But if one of them is missing, then the engine will stop.
You have determined there is pressure in the fuel pump so lets eliminate that. Also the fact that it starts then STOPS, says there is something to burn.
So all you have left is the oxygen and the spark.
The initial spark is given by the battery thru the coils thru the wires to the plugs. You did not indicate whether the problem was present before you changed the plugs and wires, but I am deducing that is why you changed them.
So do this, take off the wire to number one plug and hold the open end of it close to an exposed part of the engine. Have a friend sit behind the wheel and try to start the car; if you see a bright spark, then you have electricity going to the plugs. Verify your plugs are gapped properly and are the right type. If all that checks, you have confirmed that fuel and ignition is not your problem.
The last thing is air, Your car needs to suck in filtered air to burn the fuel inthe cylinder. Lack of that air, will stop the process. Sometimes it is not just the air, because the air detection system must feel the air go by otherwise it stops everything else. Like a safety feature.
In your engine compartment on the right side standing in front odf your car behind the battery is a large plastic housing. This is where your air filter is located. Open the housing, examine the air filter. If dirty, get a new one. (Cleaning the air filter is NOT a good idea because of residue).
The tube from your air filter housing to the engine airintake manifold has other sensors, make sure none of them are loose or disconnected.
After replacing the filter try starting your car once again. If it still does not start, then one of your sensors may be faulty. The primary suspect is the Mass Airflow Sensor, located in the tube from your air intake manifold.
You can clean it out, or have it replaced.
Good luck.
Saturday, January 5th, 2013 AT 8:03 PM
