Engine starts but dies immediately. Help!

Hi all,

Here's the scenario: I worked on installing some subs into my car for a few hours today. Most of the time the negative was disconnected from the battery but for a while the car was in the "acc" position (dome light on, radio on, etc). After I was finished installing I tried to start the car and it started normal but died 2-3 seconds after starting. I tried again and it tried to turn over but wouldn't start. I replaced the battery but it still dies after a couple seconds. Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be? It's a 98 2.2L with 120,000 miles. Thanks for the help.

Justin

I should add that I tried jumpstarting it as well but still...start and died after a few seconds.

Bad ignition switch?

Check to see if it is losing fuel or spark. Most likely it is one or the other and that will give you a direction to go.

so it worked fine before you added the subs??

Well yeah, but the subs aren't hooked up at all right now. I actually couldn't get them working so I just disconnected them. No connection to the battery at all.

did you wire it up right or did you fry something. i am trying to figure out if you have messed up your computer or alternator.

check for fuel and spark and let us know.
sounds like a dead fuel pump

while leaving the power on, and playing around with the wires, sounds like you got a dead fuel pump, at least that what it seems like.