What are the reasons for a car stalling after starting?
2 Answers
Car stalling after starting can be caused by: 1. Ignition system malfunction; 2. Dirty throttle or excessive carbon buildup in the intake tract; 3. Low fuel level in the tank, resulting in low fuel pump pressure; 4. Leaking ignition wires; 5. Clogged single or multiple fuel injectors; 6. Engine malfunction. Solutions for car stalling after starting include: 1. Inspect and repair ignition coils; 2. Clean the throttle, intake tract, and fuel injectors; 3. Add fuel; 4. Check fuel pressure regulation and fuel lines. Precautions when starting a car: 1. Avoid starting immediately when idle is unstable; 2. Avoid stomping on the accelerator pedal right after starting; 3. Avoid prolonged continuous use of the starter.
The most common cause of stalling after startup is fuel system issues, such as a faulty fuel pump or clogged fuel filter. That's exactly what happened to my car last time—it would stall immediately after starting, and the diagnosis revealed insufficient fuel supply from the pump. A dirty mass airflow sensor can also cause this, as sensor misreporting leads to fuel cutoff. Carbon buildup stuck in the fuel injectors or throttle body is particularly prone to causing stalling, especially at idle. Poor spark plug ignition is another major culprit; leaking high-voltage wires or incorrect spark plug gaps can make the engine quit outright. In rare cases, rust debris in the fuel tank of older cars can clog fuel lines—uncommon but it does happen. It's best to troubleshoot promptly, starting with the spark plugs and fuel system, as delaying repairs often leads to higher costs.
