Check Engine Light Turns On and Car Shuts Off

What to Do When the Check Engine Light Turns On and the Car Shuts Off

If you’re driving down the road and the check engine light turns on and the car shuts off, it can be a scary experience. But don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to stay safe and get your car back on the road.

Pull over to a safe location. If you can, pull over to the side of the road in a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and put your car in park.
Turn the car off. Once you’re in a safe location, turn the car off. This will help to prevent any further damage.
Call for help. If you’re not sure what to do, call for help. A tow truck or mechanic can come to your location and help you diagnose and fix the problem.

Possible Causes of the Check Engine Light Turning On and the Car Shutting Off

There are a number of possible causes of the check engine light turning on and the car shutting off. Some of the most common causes include:

Faulty oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor helps to measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. If the oxygen sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the engine computer, which can cause the engine to shut off.
Faulty mass airflow sensor. The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air flowing into the engine. If the mass airflow sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the engine computer, which can cause the engine to shut off.
Faulty throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor measures the position of the throttle valve. If the throttle position sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the engine computer, which can cause the engine to shut off.
Faulty fuel injector. The fuel injectors spray fuel into the engine cylinders. If a fuel injector is faulty, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can cause the engine to shut off.
Faulty ignition coil. The ignition coil provides the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine cylinders. If an ignition coil is faulty, it can cause the engine to misfire, which can cause the engine to shut off.

How to Prevent the Check Engine Light from Turning On and the Car from Shutting Off

There are a few things you can do to prevent the check engine light from turning on and the car from shutting off. These include:

Get regular maintenance. Regular maintenance can help to keep your car running smoothly and prevent problems from developing. Make sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
Use high-quality fuel. Using high-quality fuel can help to keep your engine clean and running efficiently. Avoid using fuel that contains ethanol, as ethanol can damage your engine.
Drive conservatively. Driving conservatively can help to reduce wear and tear on your car’s engine and other components. Avoid jackrabbit starts and stops, and don’t drive at high speeds for extended periods of time.

Conclusion

If the check engine light turns on and the car shuts off, it can be a scary experience. But don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to stay safe and get your car back on the road. By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent the check engine light from turning on and the car from shutting off.