What Causes a Car to Stall Frequently?
3 Answers
Reasons for car stalling: 1. Use of inferior fuel: Many gas stations sell impure fuel for excessive profits, leading to engine carbon buildup and stalling. 2. Damage to fuel system or pump: Whether the fuel lines are clear, if the fuel injectors are clogged, if the fuel pressure is normal, etc., these can also cause the car to stall. 3. Insufficient driving skills: A driver's lack of proficiency or improper operation can also lead to car stalling. 4. Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils: Causing one or multiple cylinders to misfire, resulting in stalling. However, stalling only occurs when multiple cylinders fail to ignite simultaneously, so this is possible but not highly likely.
Having driven a taxi for over a decade, the most common reason for cars frequently stalling is excessive carbon buildup or severe wear on the spark plugs, leading to poor ignition and stalling. A malfunctioning fuel pump can also fail to supply fuel properly, causing the engine to stall directly. When idling, a heavily dirty throttle body with sludge buildup can't maintain stable RPMs, causing the engine to stall as soon as you release the accelerator. Faulty signals from a malfunctioning ECU control unit can also cause stalling, especially in older cars where loose wiring connections or poor contact often trigger such issues. I've encountered many cases like this—regularly cleaning the fuel injectors and replacing the air filter is particularly important. A clogged fuel filter cutting off fuel supply can also cause stalling, especially more likely in high summer temperatures. Don’t underestimate these issues; always check the dashboard warning lights before hitting the road as a precaution, especially since stalling on the highway can lead to serious accidents.
I've repaired many cars myself, and from experience, stalling is often caused by worn or eroded spark plugs. Delaying replacement can lead to trouble. A clogged fuel filter causing poor fuel supply can also make the engine suddenly stop. Unstable idling due to a dirty throttle is another issue. ECU malfunctions sending erratic signals can cause stalling too. Poor electrical connections, like corroded terminals, are even more likely to trigger it. I recommend regular maintenance, cleaning carbon deposits, and checking sensors like the oxygen sensor. Careless modifications to audio systems or lights that interfere with wiring often cause this problem, so be cautious. Safe driving habits, such as avoiding sudden braking or acceleration to reduce engine strain, can prevent many issues.