What Causes a Car to Stall?

[FernandoRose]

Car stalling causes and solutions are as follows: 1. Excessive valve deposits. During engine operation, excessive dust accumulates between the motor valve core and throttle seat. Solution: Simply clean the idle speed motor. 2. Fuel line obstruction. Frequently adding substandard fuel containing excessive gum deposits can clog the fuel system. Solution: It is recommended to clean the fuel lines, injectors, throttle body, and fuel tank. 3. Damaged idle speed motor or its circuit, or issues with the idle speed control module in the engine control unit. Solution: Requires inspection and repair at an authorized 4S service center.

[VonAugust]

I've encountered car stalling quite a few times during decades of driving. The most common causes are: running out of fuel unnoticed, leaving the engine without fuel supply; aging or undercharged batteries, especially during cold winter starts; excessively dirty air filters blocking the intake, leading to insufficient oxygen for combustion; faulty idle control valves causing unstable RPM; and sensor failures, like a broken throttle position sensor that can't regulate air intake properly. If not addressed promptly, sudden stalling at intersections can be dangerous - immediately turn on hazard lights, pull over, and check fuel levels and battery condition. Regular maintenance prevents these issues: clean filters during oil changes, and monitoring battery health is crucial.

[DeGrant]

As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, I believe the causes of stalling mostly lie in the fuel and ignition systems. If the fuel pump isn't working properly or the injectors are clogged, fuel supply gets cut off; worn spark plugs or leaking ignition coils fail to produce sparks; ECU malfunctions can also send wrong commands; additionally, unstable battery voltage or a faulty alternator can paralyze the entire system. Once when my car stalled on the road, a quick check of the fuse box revealed the issue. I recommend keeping a multimeter handy to test voltage regularly, rather than waiting for a breakdown. Cleaning the throttle body and replacing spark plugs periodically can significantly reduce such troubles.

[DelLeonardo]

I experienced stalling shortly after I started driving, mainly due to not paying attention to low fuel levels; the battery being too weak to start the engine; the air conditioning compressor placing too much load on the engine; and the idle motor getting stuck, preventing the car from maintaining the minimum RPM. These situations aren't difficult to handle: first, confirm there's fuel in the tank, then check the dashboard warning lights, and attempt to restart the engine. Remember not to stop on highways or slopes; move to a safe area as quickly as possible. Developing a habit of refueling regularly and checking your car's condition periodically can prevent most stalling issues.