Lumina won't stay running

[joeg24]

Hello, having a weird issue with my car today. When I start it, it turns over but will only start if I give it gas and then dies when I take off the gas. All things work like lights, radio, etc... what's wrong with it? Alternator? Battary? Something else?

Thanks a million

[richtazz]

Sounds like a sticky IAC valve to me. It's located in the throttle body and regulates air flow in to the engine at idle and part throttle. It's funciton is similar to the choke on a carburetor.

[maxwedge]

Year and engine would certainly be nice to know to facilitate providing advice here!

[joeg24]

96

3.1 V6

Thanks guys!

[Carwhiz]

does it rev way up when it starts? could be mass air flow, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, i don't know where to tell you to begin. I would suggest start with the basics.....air, fuel, spark.

[joeg24]

Actually won't run unless I gun the gas, when i let off the pedal it immediatley kills.

What do you mean start with the basics.. air/fuil/sspark?

[Carwhiz]

oh ok....so you need the throttle wide open for the car to start...sounds like you're starving for air. your car needs three things to run...air/fuel/spark. since your car isn't starting...one of these must be the cause.