These Are 10 of the Most Common Reasons an Engine Stalls While Driving

One of the most stressful issues that can occur while driving is the engine stalling. A stall can occur for several different reasons; some are easy to fix, while others mean a considerable investment of time and resources. Moreover, depending on where the stall occurs, you could be put in a dangerous situation, which only adds to the stress. When the engine stalls, this means that it has stopped working, usually due to a mechanical issue or because it is not getting adequate air or fuel. The following are some of the most common reasons that an engine stalls. These reasons can help you troubleshoot the issue and figure out what to do next.

1. Dead battery

For the most part, a dead battery means that you will not be able to start your vehicle. However, if your battery is on the verge of failure, then you will be able to start the vehicle, but there will be a tremendous strain on the alternator. When the alternator gets overworked, it can fail, and your vehicle will stall. When you replace a battery, it is always worthwhile to look at the alternator as well and make sure it is working.

2. Empty tank

If your low fuel warning light has been on and you suddenly stall, you can probably conclude that you have run out of gas or diesel. When this happens, you will need to get more fuel in your vehicle before you can start it. If it is safe, you can leave on foot to purchase fuel instead of towing your vehicle to a station, which will be much more expensive.

3. Failing fuel pump

Your engine needs fuel to work. If you are sure there is fuel in the tank, you may want to consider fuel pump problems. The fuel pump ensures that the engine gets adequate fuel from the tank, and the vehicle will stall if it does not. Unfortunately, if your fuel pump has failed, it will need to be replaced before your vehicle will start again.

4. Low fuel pressure

If you notice that your vehicle only tends to stall when you are on an incline, you can bet low fuel pressure is the potential culprit. Inclines make it impossible for the engine to get adequate fuel when the pressure is low. This problem is usually related to clogged fuel injectors, so buy some injector cleaner and add it to your fuel tank. Hopefully, this will fix the problem.

5. Inadequate fuel mixture

If you notice that your vehicle tends to stall only when it is cold or does so intermittently without another explanation, the cause may be your fuel mixture. This refers to the amount of fuel and air that mix to combust in the engine. Typically, stalling occurs when the mixture is not rich enough, meaning you need more fuel to air.

6. Bad coolant sensor

Not all vehicles have a coolant sensor, which helps prevent engines from overheating. Engines typically shut themselves off when they begin to overheat to avoid any serious damage. If your vehicle has a coolant sensor, the sensor can go bad and give a faulty reading, which means that the engine will stall itself. If no other issue is apparent, it is worthwhile to check the coolant sensor.

7. Distributor cap corrosion

A cap that covers the distributor helps send voltage to the spark plugs. Over time, corrosion can build up on the distributor cap, which can make your car accelerate roughly. If the problem is particularly bad, your engine may even stall. Check the distributor cap if the stalling problem is mainly associated with acceleration.

8. Dirty air filter

When was the last time your air filter was changed? If it is clogged and dirty, air will not pass through the engine as required to operate. When the engine does not receive adequate airflow, then there is not enough oxygen present to maintain combustion, and the engine will cease to operate.

9. Failing alternator

The alternator helps charge the battery and keeps many of the electrical systems in your vehicle running. If the alternator fails, your vehicle will not be able to operate and recharge the battery adequately. Typically, you will have already noticed signs of impending failure, such as dimming lights and a battery that does not hold a charge.

10. Clutch problems

This applies only to vehicles with a manual transmission. With a manual transmission, it is necessary to give the vehicle some gas as you go into gear so that the spinning of the two discs is relatively close. If the rotational speed is not adequate, the vehicle will stall. When this happens, you can shift to neutral, push in the clutch, and start the engine again. If this happens repeatedly despite good technique, you may need a new clutch or there could be another transmission problem.

About the Author

A native of the tri-state area, Patrick James Smith has cultivated a lifelong love for travel during trips for work and leisure alike. In planning for his travels, he has become well-versed in the art of travel hacking and utilizing credit card rewards points to book free vacations around the globe.