What Causes the Engine to Stall When Pressing the Clutch?
3 Answers
The reasons for the engine stalling when pressing the clutch are: 1. Poor operation of the engine's idle speed control system; 2. Dirty electronic throttle or idle speed adjustment valve; 3. Unstable mixture control. The clutch is located within the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission, with the clutch assembly secured to the rear plane of the flywheel using screws. The output shaft of the clutch serves as the input shaft of the transmission. Precautions for using the clutch include: 1. The clutch must be thoroughly cleaned before installation to remove anti-rust grease and debris; 2. The clutch can be installed coaxially or on separate shafts, but axial fixation is mandatory; 3. For wet electromagnetic clutches, lubricating oil must be added between the friction plates during operation; 4. The power supply and control circuits must be properly connected, with the clutch requiring a 24V DC power supply; 5. When installing a jaw-type electromagnetic clutch, ensure there is a certain gap between the end face teeth to prevent grinding during idle rotation.
I've encountered this issue with my old Focus several times - it would stall automatically when I pressed the clutch, leaving me flustered. The root cause was unstable engine idle speed setting, most likely due to excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body obstructing air intake. Another possibility could be a faulty sensor under the clutch pedal or worn linkage mechanism, tricking the system into interpreting it as a stall command. Driving habits also play a significant role - prolonged idling at traffic lights in urban areas easily leads to sludge accumulation. I recommend first checking if neutral idle speed is normal; be alert if it drops below 800 RPM. Try simple throttle body cleaning with specialized spray cleaner. If that doesn't work, it's best to have a mechanic inspect the clutch master and slave cylinders for oil leaks. Don't delay too long - this problem isn't just annoying, but could become dangerous during hill stops.
When I first got my driver's license and drove my brother's car, the engine would stall as soon as I pressed the clutch. Most beginners panic in such situations. The main reasons are either the engine idle speed being too low or poor clutch coordination. Unstable idle speed can make the car lack the power to sustain itself. The driving school instructor taught me that if the idle speed fluctuates around 500 RPM, you should check if the air filter is clogged, as it affects the air intake. Or, if the fuel tank or fuel line is dirty, insufficient fuel supply can lead to an air-fuel imbalance. I learned a little trick: when starting the car, let it idle in neutral for a few minutes and observe the tachometer. The normal idle speed should be between 800-1000 RPM. If it's too low, lightly press the throttle to stabilize it before trying the clutch again. Don’t overlook worn-out spark plugs—if the ignition is weak, the engine stalls quickly. I recommend beginners practice clutch-throttle coordination more often, especially for hill starts. If you encounter issues, don’t force it—seek advice from an experienced driver or have the car checked at a shop for circuit or fuse problems.
