Car Shuts Off While Driving: Check Engine Light

Introduction

If your car shuts off while driving, it can be a very dangerous situation. You could lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident. There are many possible causes for this problem, including electrical problems, fuel problems, and engine problems.

Electrical Problems

One of the most common causes of a car shutting off while driving is an electrical problem. This could be caused by a loose or damaged wire, a faulty alternator, or a bad battery. If you have an electrical problem, you may also notice other symptoms, such as dim headlights, flickering dashboard lights, or a dead battery.

Alternator problems

The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the electrical system. If the alternator fails, the battery will eventually die and the car will shut off. Symptoms of a bad alternator include:

• Dim headlights
• Flickering dashboard lights
• Dead battery
• Check engine light

Battery problems

The battery provides power to the starter motor and the electrical system. If the battery is dead or damaged, the car will not be able to start or run. Symptoms of a bad battery include:

• Difficulty starting the car
• Dim headlights
• Flickering dashboard lights
• Check engine light

Wiring problems

The wiring in your car connects all of the electrical components. If a wire becomes loose or damaged, it can cause an electrical short which can shut off the car. Symptoms of wiring problems include:

• Intermittent electrical problems
• Flickering lights
• Dead battery
• Check engine light

Fuel Problems

Another common cause of a car shutting off while driving is a fuel problem. This could be caused by a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or a leak in the fuel line. If you have a fuel problem, you may also notice other symptoms, such as difficulty starting the car, rough idling, or poor fuel economy.

Fuel filter problems

The fuel filter removes impurities from the fuel. If the fuel filter becomes clogged, it can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine. This can cause the car to stall or shut off while driving. Symptoms of a clogged fuel filter include:

• Difficulty starting the car
• Rough idling
• Poor fuel economy
• Check engine light

Fuel pump problems

The fuel pump delivers fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. If the fuel pump fails, the engine will not be able to get the fuel it needs to run. Symptoms of a bad fuel pump include:

• Difficulty starting the car
• Rough idling
• Poor fuel economy
• Check engine light

Fuel line problems

The fuel line carries fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. If the fuel line becomes damaged, it can leak fuel. This can cause the car to stall or shut off while driving. Symptoms of a leak in the fuel line include:

• Strong smell of gasoline
• Fuel leaks under the car
• Check engine light

Engine Problems

Engine problems can also cause a car to shut off while driving. This could be caused by a variety of issues, such as a blown head gasket, a seized engine, or a broken timing belt. If you have an engine problem, you may also notice other symptoms, such as knocking or pinging noises, loss of power, or overheating.

Blown head gasket

The head gasket seals the cylinder head to the engine block. If the head gasket blows, it can allow coolant and oil to leak into the cylinders. This can cause the engine to overheat and shut off. Symptoms of a blown head gasket include:

• Overheating
• Loss of power
• White smoke from the exhaust
• Check engine light

Seized engine

A seized engine is an engine that has stopped running because the pistons have seized up in the cylinders. This can be caused by a lack of oil, overheating, or a mechanical failure. Symptoms of a seized engine include:

• The engine will not turn over
• There is a loud knocking or banging noise
• Smoke from the engine
• Check engine light

Broken timing belt

The timing belt synchronizes the movement of the crankshaft and the camshaft. If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stop running. Symptoms of a broken timing belt include:

• The engine will not start
• There is a loud snapping noise
• Smoke from the engine
• Check engine light

What to Do If Your Car Shuts Off While Driving

If your car shuts off while driving, the first thing you should do is try to pull over to a safe location. Once you are safely stopped, you can try to restart the car. If the car does not restart, you should call for roadside assistance.

When the tow truck arrives, the driver will be able to diagnose the problem and get your car running again. If the problem is minor, the tow truck driver may be able to fix it on the spot. If the problem is more serious, the tow truck driver will tow your car to a repair shop.

Conclusion

If your car shuts off while driving, it is important to stay calm and pull over to a safe location. Once you are safely stopped, you can try to restart the car. If the car does not restart, you should call for roadside assistance.