Can an Automatic Transmission Car Stall?
2 Answers
The main situations in which an automatic transmission car may stall are as follows: 1. Dirt caused by carbon buildup in the throttle body directly affects the throttle's operation. Prolonged accumulation of carbon deposits can lead to errors in the throttle opening, allowing contaminated air to enter the engine cylinders, causing abnormal engine operation. 2. Carbon buildup or blockage in the fuel injectors. 3. Fuel pump failure leading to insufficient fuel supply, which can cause the car to stall while driving, including automatic transmission models. 4. Ignition coil failure resulting in abnormal engine operation, shaking, poor acceleration, and misfiring. Failure of multiple ignition coils can lead to stalling. 5. Spark plug failure causing misfiring, poor acceleration, and shaking. Severe cases can result in the car stalling while driving, including automatic transmission cars.
I've been driving for many years. In theory, automatic transmission cars are designed to be more stable and less prone to stalling compared to manual transmissions, but in real life, you can still encounter such situations. For example, with my old car, the engine suddenly stopped at a red light—it turned out the fuel pump was too old to deliver fuel. Engine malfunctions, failed sensors like the crankshaft position sensor, or a clogged idle control valve can all cause the car to stall. The automatic transmission itself isn't the main culprit; it's usually engine-related issues. If this happens while driving, don't panic—turn on your hazard lights immediately, pull over safely, and check the battery or call for a tow truck. Regular maintenance and replacing worn-out parts can prevent most of these problems.
