How to Deal with Frequent Stalling When Starting the Car?
2 Answers
Steps to handle frequent stalling when starting the car: 1. Adjust the seat properly after getting in the car, as improper sitting posture may cause abnormal driving conditions; 2. After starting the engine, observe the indicator lights on the dashboard. If any warning light remains on for an extended period, it indicates an issue with the corresponding component. Immediately turn off the engine, inspect the vehicle, resolve the issue, and restart the engine; 3. Fully depress the clutch. Press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, otherwise, you may hear grinding noises when shifting gears, or even fail to engage the gear, which can damage the transmission gears; 4. Shift into gear. After shifting into first gear, release the handbrake, otherwise, the probability of stalling is particularly high; 5. Release the clutch. The clutch engagement point varies for each car. If it's your first time driving the car, slowly lift the clutch to find the semi-engagement point. Judge the engagement point by the engine sound, vibration, and RPM. Once found, you can quickly lift the clutch to the engagement point when driving; 6. Apply some throttle. Once the car starts moving, release the clutch smoothly at a constant speed to achieve a smooth start; 7. If starting on an uphill slope, the method is similar to the one mentioned above, except that the handbrake should be released later, after the clutch reaches the semi-engagement state, and then quickly release the handbrake.
I have been driving for many years and have handled the issue of stalling when starting a manual transmission well. The key is to release the clutch slowly and not rush, pause at the semi-engagement point to let the car move while lightly pressing the accelerator to give some fuel and maintain the RPM. Check if the idle speed is too low—if it's below 800 RPM, the engine lacks power and is prone to stalling. Using the handbrake for assistance during hill starts makes it more stable. Beginners should practice repeatedly in an open area to find the right feeling and avoid panic. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the throttle body to remove carbon deposits, replacing spark plugs to ensure reliable ignition, and changing a clogged fuel filter to maintain smooth fuel supply, is essential. In cold weather, warm up the car for a few minutes before starting. Safety first—if the car stalls repeatedly, visit a repair shop as soon as possible to check for mechanical issues.
