Your car can shut off while driving due to ignition system issues, fuel delivery problems, battery and charging system failures, or internal engine issues. If your vehicle stalls while driving, the safest thing to do is to guide your vehicle to the side of the road and check your engine oil level. Do not try to restart the car if there’s no oil on the dipstick or if the engine was making strange noises before stalling.
What Would Cause a Car to Shut Off While Driving? 4 Common Causes
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer as to why your car might stall while driving. To figure out the root cause of the problem, you (or your mechanic) will need to do some troubleshooting. Here are four common causes:
1. Ignition System Problems
The ignition system is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the engine. Without this spark, the vehicle won’t run. Ignition system problems can cause your vehicle to stall while driving, typically due to a component that affects all of the engine’s cylinders, such as a faulty crankshaft position sensor or ignition switch.
2. Fuel Delivery Issues
A lack of fuel pressure or volume can lead to engine stalling. Common culprits include a faulty fuel pump or fuel pump relay, a clogged fuel filter, or a bad fuel pressure regulator. Another overlooked issue is simply being out of fuel due to a broken or inaccurate fuel gauge.
3. Battery and Charging System Problems
The battery and charging system provide power to all of your car’s electronics, including the components that keep the engine running. A loose battery cable, overcharging or undercharging alternator, or a dead battery can cause the engine to stall.
4. Internal Engine Failure
The worst-case scenario is a car that dies due to an internal engine failure. When the engine fails, you’ll likely hear unsettling noises (rattling, knocking) before the vehicle stalls. In many cases, a car that dies due to an internal engine failure will not restart.
Car Shuts Off While Driving FAQ
What should I do when the car shuts off while driving?
Guide the vehicle to the side of the road, open the hood, and check the engine oil level. Do not try to restart the car if there’s no oil on the dipstick or if the engine was making strange noises before stalling. If everything looks okay, you can try to restart the car. If it doesn’t restart, call roadside assistance for a tow.
Is a Car That Turns Off While Driving Safe?
Whether it’s safe to drive a vehicle that’s intermittently stalling depends on the hidden issues and the environment. If you suspect a problem with the fuel pump, avoid driving in remote locations to prevent being stranded.
How do I fix a car that shuts off while driving?
You (or your mechanic) will need to do some troubleshooting to determine the root cause of the problem. There are many different issues that could cause your car to die while driving.
Can a Bad Catalytic Converter Cause a Car to Shut Off?
A clogged catalytic converter can cause increased back pressure in the exhaust, stressing the engine and causing it to stall. If your car starts fine but eventually sputters or stalls, the catalytic converter could be clogged.
How do I diagnose a car that shuts off while driving?
Diagnosing a car that stalls while driving can be difficult. Professionals often use their experience to narrow down the list of possible causes.
Where to Get Parts if Your Car Shuts Off While Driving
Unexpected stalling is dangerous, especially on busy highways. Have a trusted mechanic identify the problem as soon as possible. Once the problem is diagnosed, you can browse CarParts.com to find the necessary parts for repair or replacement.
Ensuring your vehicle is safe and reliable is crucial. If you encounter any issues with your car shutting off while driving, don’t delay in getting it checked out and repaired. Safe driving!