If your car stalls, it means that your engine has died due to several possible reasons. Unfortunately, your car may stall in any situation, either shortly after starting it up or when driving. Even though stalling can happen any time, it is most alarming if it happens when you are driving as it exposes every road user around in danger. Therefore, it is important to know what causes cars to stall, what to do when your car stalls, and how to resolve the problem in time.
Common Causes of Engine Stalling
There are several factors that can lead to engine stalling. Below are some of the most common causes of engine stalling
Empty Fuel Tank
If your low fuel warning light was on for a while before your car stalled, this could be the most likely reason it stalled.
Inadequate Fuel Mixture
Inadequate fuel mixture may make your car stall when it is cold or stalling intermittently, especially when the air-fuel mixture is not rich enough.
Bad Fuel Pump
If your fuel pump fails or does not work properly, your engine will not get the fuel it requires to run, resulting in the engine stalling. If the fuel pump quits, you will not manage to restart your car.
Bad Alternator
The alternator charges your battery and helps run multiple functions in your engine. If your alternator stops working, your car will stall. Before your alternator quits, there are usually multiple warning signs, such as your car battery not charging and dimmed lights. These signs of impending failure can help you fix the alternator in time.
Dead Battery
In most cases, you will not manage to start your car if your battery is dead. You may experience stalling when your battery is failing as the alternator overworks.
Other Causes of Engine Stalling
Other causes of car stalling include but are not limited to:
- dirty air filter
- clutch release problems
- faulty coolant sensor
- low fuel pressure
- corroded distributor cap
How to Fix a Stalling Vehicle
You first need to ensure that your car has not stalled due to an empty fuel tank or clutch release problems. Once you have ascertained that, you can consider other factors. For instance, if your battery is old and you do not experience any other sign of a failing alternator, you may consider replacing the battery.
Beyond these, you will need professional help to identify the reason for engine stalling and help you fix it. If you experience any of the problems above or suspect any engine problems. We invite you to bring your vehicle into Rix Automotive today.