Can a Dead Battery Cause the Engine to Stall Midway?

[JackLee]

A dead battery can cause the engine to stall midway. Here is some relevant information about car batteries: Definition of a car battery: A car battery is a type of battery, also known as a storage battery, which works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Types of car batteries: Conventional lead-acid batteries, whose main advantages are stable voltage and low cost; Dry-charged batteries, whose main characteristic is that the negative plate has a higher electricity storage capacity, allowing it to retain the stored charge for up to two years in a completely dry state; Maintenance-free batteries, which feature shock resistance, high-temperature tolerance, compact size, and low self-discharge. The performance and applicable scope of these batteries also vary.

[GabrielFitz]

As a veteran truck driver with thirty years of experience, I have plenty of experience dealing with stalling. The battery isn't actually the main power source when the vehicle is running—it's the alternator that supplies electricity to the entire vehicle. As long as the alternator is functioning properly, the truck can keep running even if the battery is completely dead. But if the alternator belt snaps or the voltage regulator fails, the battery has to take over. Once the battery's last bit of power is drained, the ignition and fuel supply systems immediately lose power, and the vehicle suddenly stalls. I once encountered an alternator failure on a long haul, watching the dashboard lights dimming, and barely managed to pull over safely. Remember: if your vehicle suddenly stalls on the road, check the alternator first—don't just panic over the battery.

[StellaFitz]

After 15 years of car repair, I've found many people misunderstand the role of the battery. In reality, while driving, the engine powers the alternator to generate electricity, and the battery merely assists in storing this energy. If the alternator is healthy, driving isn't affected even if the battery is dead. However, if the alternator's carbon brushes wear out or the rectifier fails, the entire electrical load falls on the battery. When the battery is critically low, the engine control unit cuts power to protect it, causing the vehicle to stall. This is especially common in winter when using headlights and seat heaters, which quickly drain the battery's remaining charge. It's recommended to check the alternator's output voltage every six months; a normal range is between 13.5 and 14.5 volts.

[MaggieRose]

My old SUV experienced a terrifying stall last week. While driving on the elevated highway with the heater on, the car suddenly shook a few times and then stopped. The mechanic found that the battery was completely dead upon inspection, and worse, the generator belt had aged and snapped. I initially thought a dead battery only caused starting difficulties, but now I understand that while driving, the car primarily relies on the generator for power. If the charging system fails, the battery's charge can deplete rapidly, cutting off power to the fuel pump and spark plugs directly. Now, during every maintenance session, I insist on checking these two components, as a sudden stall in the city is extremely dangerous.