This has happened many times, intermittently. Usually the car starts working again after a few days. Hard to replicate and diagnose. Just had ignition module replaced in December for this exact issue. My dad is positive it's electrical but I don't know where to start. Sensors?
Many possible causes. sounds all too much like a crank sensor failing. when it dies, does it act like you shut key off, (instant stall)? or does it sputter and cough, then stall out? seen this same situation and problem many times in my shop and a cranksensor fail can be hard to catch when it fails. most likely cause.
SOURCE: SEcurity light came and car wouldnt start
did you get a new sterio this happened when i put a new system in and i had to keep axillery power to the factory stereo so the car would start
SOURCE: 2000 s10 Blazer dies very 3-6 weeks for no reason
i would check your ignition system. you would need a meter for this but look for broke or loose connections. if it was a fuel problem i dont think it would just start up after 20 minutes. or you might try your ignition switch. if its shorting or something then ya well it would cut your engine off real quick
SOURCE: 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA WILL NOT START AT TIMES
I have a 2001 impala with the same problem for years. Took it in many times, replaced battery, alternator, starter, talked about taking the steering column apart. Finally noticed that it never was a problem when I used the original car key. Problem only happened with a key I had made. Started using the original car key and it has never happened again. Other friends have told me similiar results with their cars - a Lexus and a Mustang.
SOURCE: "Cranks, but won't start". Replaced fuel pump, CKP, ICM & nothing
If the engine
cranks over normally when you attempt to start you car, but the engine
does not start, the problem may be NO FUEL, NO SPARK or NO COMPRESSION.
The engine needs adequate fuel pressure, a properly timed spark and
normal compression to start.
1) To find why the engine won't
start, remove the air inlet tube from the throttle body, push the
throttle open and spray a small amount of aerosol starting fluid into
the engine. Crank the engine. If it has spark and compression but NO
FUEL, it will start and run a few seconds before dying. If it does NOT
start, it probably has NO SPARK.
2)Another method to check for spark is to pull a spark plug wire
off of a spark plug (if it has plug wires, coil-on-plug ignitions do
not) and place the open end of the plug wire near a metal surface on
the engine. Have a helper crank the engine while you watch for a spark.
DO NOT hold the wire while doing this as it can shock you. If you see a
spark, the problem is not spark, but most likely NO FUEL or NO
COMPRESSION. If you do not see a spark, the problem is in the IGNITION
CIRCUIT.
3)Proper fuel pressure is critical for fuel injected engines
to start and run. You should hear the fuel pump inside the fuel tank
buzz for a couple of seconds when the ignition is turned on (no buzz
means the pump is not running and the engine is not getting fuel). You
can smell the tailpipe for gasoline vapors after cranking the engine.
If you smell gas, the problem is likely not fuel but NO SPARK. You can
also remove the plastic cap and press the schraeder valve test fitting
on the fuel rail to see if there is any fuel pressure to the engine
(not a very accurate test because fuel pressure must be at a certain
level for the engine to start, for that you need a gauge). Even so, no
fuel at the fuel rail would tell you fuel is not getting to the engine..
SOURCE: Car will not start, electrical problem
Get a new ignition key switch, and ignition key. No, it won't be cheap.
With the key switch messing up, it causes problems with the alarm system.
(And you know what problems the alarm system is causing)
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