SUV will start but shuts off quickly after starting

RYAN NELSON2

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPEDITION
5.4L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

So I have SUV listed above Eddie Bauer edition 5.4L v8 Triton engine. My SUV was working just fine until my buddy (who was intoxicated) thought it was a good idea to look under my hood and twisted off my engine oil cap and accidentally dropped it in the engine/hood. Then shortly after his phone. Anyways. Found both items after like an hour trying to find them. Then he opened up the air filter to check it and couldn't seem to put it back in or locked on the right way so it is not completely air tight. Is it possible that could be the problem or would none of that matter? He swears it has a bad fuel pump but I am thinking it could possibly be not having any engine oil in it now. But like I said it was fine until he started messing with it and now it will start but turns off quickly after starting. Please any ideas or advice would help.

1 Reply

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

Yes, it could be. Any unmetered air (unmetered air is defined as any air that enters into the air intake tract in between the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) and the combustion chamber of your vehicle's engine, which includes air intake duct, vacuum hoses EVAP (Evaporative Emissions), and intake manifold) can cause a variety of driveability issues. Make sure the air intake dust is put together tightly and ensure no damage was done to the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) or the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor. Both of which can be found on the air intake duct.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros