Contents
Car Engine Stops While Driving
Causes
Fuel system problems
- Empty fuel tank
- Clogged fuel filter
- Faulty fuel pump
- Leaking fuel injector
Ignition system problems
- Bad spark plugs
- Worn-out distributor cap and rotor
- Faulty ignition coil
- Crankshaft position sensor failure
Electrical system problems
- Dead battery
- Loose or corroded battery terminals
- Faulty alternator
- Wiring problems
Mechanical problems
- Seized engine
- Broken timing belt or chain
- Valve problems
- Overheating
Symptoms
- Engine stalls without warning
- Engine hesitates or sputters before stalling
- Loss of power
- Check engine light comes on
- Knocking or rattling noises from the engine
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of a car engine that stops while driving, you will need to:
- Check the fuel level.
- Check the fuel filter for clogs.
- Check the fuel pump for proper operation.
- Check the spark plugs for wear.
- Check the distributor cap and rotor for wear.
- Check the ignition coil for proper operation.
- Check the crankshaft position sensor for proper operation.
- Check the battery for proper voltage.
- Check the battery terminals for corrosion.
- Check the alternator for proper operation.
- Check the wiring for any loose or damaged connections.
- Listen for any unusual noises from the engine.
Repair
The repair for a car engine that stops while driving will depend on the cause of the problem. Some common repairs include:
- Replacing the fuel filter
- Replacing the fuel pump
- Replacing the spark plugs
- Replacing the distributor cap and rotor
- Replacing the ignition coil
- Replacing the crankshaft position sensor
- Replacing the battery
- Cleaning the battery terminals
- Replacing the alternator
- Repairing the wiring
- Rebuilding the engine
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to prevent your car engine from stopping while driving:
- Keep your fuel tank full.
- Change your fuel filter regularly.
- Have your spark plugs replaced regularly.
- Have your distributor cap and rotor inspected regularly.
- Have your ignition coil inspected regularly.
- Have your crankshaft position sensor inspected regularly.
- Have your battery checked regularly.
- Clean your battery terminals regularly.
- Have your alternator checked regularly.
- Inspect your wiring regularly for any loose or damaged connections.
- Listen for any unusual noises from your engine and have them checked out by a mechanic.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent your car engine from stopping while driving and keep yourself safe on the road.
