Car it will idle a few seconds and die?

2006 DODGE CHARGER
203,000 MILES • 5.7L • AUTOMATIC
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PIPER86
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Sometimes when u start the car it will idle a few seconds and die. Other times it will run but once you get going and press the gas it slugs hard and acts like its not getting fuel but will fire right back up by letting of the gas. Ive changed fuel pumps camshaft and crankshaft sensors new thermostat snd antifreeze. What could be my issue? Theres no lights on the dash and no codes when obd reader is hooked up.
Oct 3, 2026 at 6:14 PM
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KRAKENAUTO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 111 POSTS
I'm suspecting the fuel pressure regulator based on your description of the problem.

Even though you have a new fuel pump, if the fuel pressure regulator is failing it cannot maintain the correct pressure under acceleration. When you press the gas the demand spikes, pressure drops, and the engine starves. When you let off, the pressure stabilizes enough to keep it idling.

How to check:
Get a fuel pressure test gauge and hook it up to the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. It should read around 58psi.

The pressure should remain stable during idle and under sudden throttle blips. If pressure drops sharply when you accelerate, the regulator or pump module is at fault.

Let us know the results from above as if it isn't dropping we will look at some other possibilities and go from there.
Oct 3, 2026 at 9:12 PM
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