November 29, 2023

Is Your Car Stalling? Here’s What You Need to Fix

Is your car stalling, if your car stalls, you’re not alone, your mechanic can help.  This is a common problem that can be dangerous. Let’s look at the most frequent causes…

Car with hood open mechanic

I’ve often faced the issue of my car stalling and understand how dangerous it can be. Here’s the list of checks that I’ve created…

Fuel System causing car stalling

I always start with the basics.  Check my fuel gauge to make sure it’s not empty.  Now we can move onto the rest of the fuel system..

  1. The fuel filter may be clogged.  Easy fix on some cars, but this may be located in the tank as well.  Check your car’s repair manual.
  2. I’ve also learned that a faulty fuel pump can cause this (among other things).  An OBD-II scan tool may show this one.
  3. Dirty fuel injectors may also be the culprit.  They can be cleaned or replaced.

To prevent these types of issues I have included these in my regular maintenance activities…  Regularly replace filters, clean injectors, and check the fuel pump.

Ignition System causing car stalling

  1. Spark plugs may be the cause.  These are usually easily removed and can be visually inspected.
  2. Ignition coils may be have failed and need to be replaced.  Again, easy on some cars, more difficult on others.
  3. A distributor cap can easily be inspected for wear or cracks – just mark the wires before disconnecting them.

Again, to prevent any issues, I replace my spark plugs and ignition coils as recommended.  I also visually inspect my distributor cap.

Electrical Problems

  1. There’s usually a voltage gauge for your battery, but it typically only will help if your alternator is experiencing issues.  Checking the voltage of your battery after charging (read: driving for more than 45 minutes), and with the car off, will tell you if the battery is on it’s way out.
  2. Further to the above, if I see my car’s power or voltage fluctuate too much it’s a good idea to check the alternator.
  3. I can visually inspect the wires under the hood leading into the engine to ensure they are in good condition.

Regularly check the battery, wires, and alternator.  I do this annually before the winter.

Air Intake and Exhaust Issues

  • A dirty air filter is an easy check with each oil change and will keep your car running better and more efficiently.
  • If you notice that your car idles too high or you hear a hissing noise, you may have a vacuum leak.  See a professional mechanic.
  • If the exhaust is clogged or you hear rattling, particularly from the catalytic converter, this may be an issue.  See a professional mechanic.

Change the air filter when needed and address anything out of the norm.

Sensor and Computer causing car stalling

  • O2 sensors can cause engine lights and stalling.  An OBD-II scan tool will detect this.  See a professional mechanic.
  • If your throttle isn’t doing what you expect, it may be the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).  See a professional mechanic.
  • It could also be the car’s brain, the ECU.  See a professional mechanic.

If you have an OBD-II scan tool, even a $10 bluetooth version, it’s worth scanning the car periodically.  Might still lead to a mechanic, but still a better choice than being stuck in the middle of the road.

Transmission Problems

  • Automatic Transmission issues may be caused by transmission fluid.  You can change it yourself, or see a professional mechanic.  An OBD-II scan tool may also provide some hints to the issue.
  • With a manual transmission, it’s likely the clutch.  See a professional mechanic.

Make sure to change your transmission fluid based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How I Troubleshoot my Car Stalling

I always start by checking the dashboard for any warning lights.  These, along with an OBD-II scan tool may be the best first line of defence.  Listening closely to the engine sounds before a stall for any irregularities may point you or the mechanic in the right direction.  Take note of when this happens – during idle? acceleration? deceleration?

Conclusion

From my experience, the above, along with timely maintenance, should get you through it.  When in doubt, professional advice is invaluable.

You can also check for recalls with each oil change.  If you have an OBD scanner, you can also check for any problems you can’t yet see.   Find all the OBD codes here.

Engine light on?