What Causes Engine Stall During Downhill Driving?
1 Answers
Engine stall occurs when the vehicle's driving resistance significantly exceeds the engine's output power. Under normal circumstances, downhill driving shouldn't cause stalling, especially in fuel-injected vehicles. Possible causes include excessively steep slopes combined with low gear (reverse gear), where the vehicle's momentum surpasses the engine's current power output due to power reversal. It's recommended to properly use brakes and engine braking during descent. Additional information: 1. Coasting downhill with engine off: This eliminates traction resistance and disables power steering assistance, making brake failure extremely dangerous. Never coast downhill with engine off or in neutral gear, as this may lead to loss of vehicle control and accelerated brake pad wear. 2. Forced downshifting: Never turn off the engine to save fuel during downhill driving. If abnormal stalling occurs in manual transmission vehicles, forced downshifting can be employed. Alternatively, gradually apply the parking brake using repeated pull-release cycles to safely decelerate.