I have a range rover p38 it starts then dies instantly? i just changed fuel filter and plugs. could it be a relay? Dirty MAF? please help!!

 

IACV needs attention.

 

BTW, what year and mileage do you have on your rover? It really does help us narrow down the issue.

 

1996 170xxx miles

 

The IACV (Idle Air Control Valve) could be a culprit as Savannah stated. If that is not it, you might also look into replacing your inlet manifold gasket, it is a fairly common problem.

 

Now there's a lot of difference in the level of labor involved between those two choices. While the valley gasket could be an issue, one would think that it would be more likely to impact one or two cylinders. You've got fuel and spark, or it would not crank. Could be a big vacuum leak, the IACV is basically a computer controlled leak. Any codes? If you can get to a schrader valve (if so equipped) on the fuel injector rail you can attach a pressure guage to rule out pump, filter, fuel pressure regulator.

 

indeed. check to be sure you have fuel and spark. by fuel i dont just mean pressure... put a noid light on the injector connector. a bad cranksensor can sometimes do this as well as an immobilizer in the alarm system. my p38 was immobilized after 6 months with no batter in it and did exactly this.

 

Is the maf sensor plugged in all the way or did you leave a gap in the hose or an open hose.

 

Wait Savannah you said "You've got fuel and spark, or it would not crank"
I am just reading post trying to figure my problem. I have spark, and the engine will crank but not start. So I was thinking it was a fuel pump. but your words make me think different now. I do not know much about these range rovers but I am trying to learn. Could you elaborate on what you mean? thank you

 

dbarb,

Poor choice of words on my part. I like "turn over" for starter moving the engine. But yes, "crank" is subject to question. I shoud have said that he had fuel and spark, or it would not start and run briefly.

Most ROvers have a fuel pressure test point on the fuel injection rail and you can put a gauge there to see if you have fuel pressure.