What are the reasons for stalling when starting a car?
2 Answers
The reasons for stalling when starting a car are: 1. The anti-theft system is not deactivated; 2. Excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body, spark plugs, cylinders, fuel lines, and intake tract; 3. Malfunction in the ignition system; 4. Low-voltage circuit failure; 5. Insufficient cylinder pressure; 6. Low fuel level in the tank, insufficient fuel pump pressure; 7. Leakage in the distributor wires; 8. Engine malfunction; 9. Clogged single or multiple fuel injectors. The starting procedure is: 1. Turn the ignition key to the power position; 2. Press the foot brake, shift the gear from P to N; 3. Release the foot brake to start the engine; 4. Warm up the car while stationary; 5. Press the foot brake, shift the gear from N to D, and release the handbrake; 6. Gradually release the foot brake and smoothly press the accelerator to start.
I remember when I first started driving, I often stalled the car when starting, especially on slopes or after stopping at traffic lights. The main reason was improper clutch operation, such as releasing it too quickly or not coordinating well with the throttle, particularly in manual transmission cars—if the clutch wasn't held steady at the biting point, stalling was likely. Another common factor was idle speed issues; if the engine RPM was unstable during startup, it might be due to a dirty mass airflow sensor or carbon buildup in the throttle body. Additionally, cold starts made the car more sensitive, and attempting to climb a slope without warming up the engine also increased the risk of stalling. As a beginner, I solved this by practicing clutch-throttle coordination. However, if stalling persists despite proper technique, it's wise to check the fuel delivery system or ignition coils to prevent minor issues from escalating into safety hazards.
