Engine starts then dies

Pintsize725

This has happened a few times over the course of the last year or so. There are no warning signs that I've noticed. It's happened after leaving the car off for only 20 minutes and also having it off the entire weekend. The gas level always varies. Today I had 3/4 of a tank and it happened after sitting for about an hour and 20ish minutes.

I'll press the brake, hit the start button, release the brake and let the engine start. The engine will start and then immediately die. I can't get a video of it because I never know when it will happen. Sometimes it takes about 5 tries to get it going but I never remember to bust out the camera during those times. When the car finally does start, it stutters like it's about to die again and then just idles really low before stabilizing. What do I need to check since I can't really replicate it on command?

This video was taken after about two times of it not starting:


This was today, after one time of it shutting off. It started, almost died and then just stabilized:


I'm wondering if maybe my fuel line(s?) near the exhaust are compromised. I didn't use the guard provided by FI since I didn't buy it new so the lines were wrapped in a fire sleeve provided by the shop.

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Tracie

1slow370

nah if your fuel line were "compromised" it would just blow and insta-torch your car. Sounds electrical, GLWT

Edit: mine did something kinda smilar once, maybe go get your battery and alt. tested

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Wonka2581

I see you have pretty high mileage, could your cats be gumed up?? Or when was the last time you cleaned your MAF??

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blackcherry20

Google intermittent start run and see if you get anything close to what you are experiencing...

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Pintsize725

Maybe and never under my ownership.

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Tracie

370Z JT

Hey. My car has been doing this too. Usually on warm start ups. Let me know what you find out.

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SPOHN

There's so many small issues this could be. Start with cleaning filters and MAF's. After that even with no codes spark plugs, maybe coil pack. I can see this happening under warm/ hot conditions. Which could be idle issue that's off a little. Do you have Uprev?

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Pintsize725

No Uprev. Could a spark plug misfire cause it? My uncle said it sounded like one was misfiring last year. I took it to the dealership and asked them to check it out but was told they didn't find an issue.

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Tracie

SPOHN

Yes it could be. A code is not always thrown. If there's high mileage be a good time to change them all. Issues like this are mostly maintenance and a combination of all.

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SouthArk370Z

Before pulling sparks plugs/coils, I'd try the easy stuff. Cleaning the MAFs is a super easy job - remove the two small screws that hold each MAF in and spray 'em down with MAF cleaner, let dry for a few seconds, reinstall.

Edit: First thing I would do is see if any DTCs have been thrown.

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370Fan2000

I have the same issue.

Pintsize725

Battery and alternator are good. Tested both and nothing came up during the free read at O'Reily.

I'll have to do the MAF cleaning this week. I really think it's a fuel issue so she might be going to the dealership next weekend.

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Tracie

jaze55

I had this exact issue, cleaning the MAF and replacing the air filter made no difference. My car had approx 75,000km and I read that the G37 guys also experienced the same issue along with rpms dipping when coming to a stop. Affected high mileage cars.

Fix is to clean the throttle bodies, specifically the plenum side. I was surprised at how much carbon was built up. After cleaning, the car starts up like a beast and no more rpm dipping.

Pintsize725

Thanks for the info! Is that something the extended warranty would cover?

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Tracie

Boss_302

This sounds like air idle control problem . Considering the mileage, carbon builds up in the controller causes the idle to fluctuate, I have not experience in the Z cause I only have 18k on mine, but had this on problem on my suv, The controller located on the throttle body was replaced, I also read you can clean it, like you use to do with the EGR valves, It depends how much carbon has built up. You have to reset the controller position once you remove it, there is a parameter that has to be set with a volt meter.
Good luck