Driving home the other day my car just randomly dropped RPM's down to 400, then slowly went down from there. I lost power steering and all of my dash lights lite up besides the service engine soon light. I had to push it home, luckily I was pratically in my drive way. Now the car turns over and starts, but wont stay running for nothing. It starts up and goes up to 1500 and just dies right away. Doesn't matter if I tap the gas or anything. I need help A.S.A.P I live on an island that doesn't have many shops around, and work 30 minutes away. Any suggestions?

 

I wanted to add, I often get a squealing during start up. Happens randomly. When the car died i was at about 4500 RPM's accelerating mediumily into traffic (trying to merge).

 

Mileage? could be timing belt stripped?

check all the belts

 

128,000.

Surp, and Alternator belt look fine. Ill have to check the timing belt.

 

Just pop off the timing belt cover (its easy) and have a friend start the car and watch what the belt does

 

One engine diagnostic at the local mechanic shows air delieverly problems. Check MAF and boom. The mesh inside is all damaged and blocking air. That and a fuel filter and she will be ready to go.

 

Sound like a bad belt to me.

 

any update on if its fixed? Guessing new maf fixed