What Causes an Automatic Transmission Car to Suddenly Stall?

[LaJohn]

Automatic transmission cars may suddenly stall due to the following reasons: 1. Blockage in the engine fuel supply line; 2. Carbon buildup on the spark plugs in the cylinder; 3. Use of low-quality fuel. If an automatic transmission car suddenly stalls, it is essential to turn on the hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers of the vehicle malfunction, and then apply the brakes to pull over safely. Automatic transmission cars do not require manual gear shifting by the driver; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gear positions in an automatic transmission car are as follows: 1. P (Park) for parking and starting; 2. R (Reverse) for backing up; 3. N (Neutral) for no gear engagement; 4. D (Drive) for forward movement, also known as the driving gear; 5. L (Low) for low-speed driving; 6. S (Sport) for sport mode.

[OCecilia]

I've been driving an automatic transmission car for ten years and once experienced a sudden engine stall, which was truly terrifying. Common causes include fuel system issues, such as a faulty fuel pump or insufficient fuel when the tank is nearly empty; electrical failures like aging spark plugs or low battery power causing the engine to stop; and sensor problems, such as a malfunctioning throttle position sensor, where the computer receives incorrect signals and forcibly shuts down the engine. In that incident, the inspection revealed excessive carbon buildup on the spark plugs, and the problem was resolved after cleaning. It's recommended to immediately turn on the hazard lights and pull over if the engine stalls, avoiding attempts to restart to prevent further damage to components. For prevention, regular maintenance is crucial—check the fuel system and battery condition during each oil change to ensure safe and worry-free travels.

[MacMaci]

As someone who frequently repairs cars, I believe sudden stalling in automatic transmissions is mostly caused by a weak battery or fuel pump failure. Worn spark plugs or a damaged mass airflow sensor can also interrupt fuel supply. Mechanical issues like a broken timing belt are more dangerous but less common. In such situations, it's crucial to stay calm, pull over, and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. Afterwards, checking fuses and fuel pressure is essential. I recommend making it a habit to check the fuel gauge before driving and scheduling regular comprehensive inspections. Cleaning throttle body carbon deposits during oil changes can prevent most issues. Paying attention to abnormal engine sounds daily and addressing problems early can save significant costs.

[LeEsther]

Last month, my new car stalled at an intersection and nearly caused an accident. The usual causes are low fuel or ignition system issues, such as a burnt-out coil. Sensor failures, like the crankshaft position sensor, could also be to blame. I immediately pulled over and called for roadside assistance. At the shop, they found the battery terminal was loose. New drivers should pay attention to regular maintenance and learn basic knowledge to prevent such troubles, saving themselves a lot of hassle.