What Does Stall Mean?
2 Answers
Stall refers to the phenomenon where the output speed of the torque converter is zero while the engine is running, meaning the pump wheel rotates while the turbine remains stationary. Traditional automatic transmissions experience stalling, which is why the engine idles during gear shifts, leading to delayed shifting. Essentially, a car stall test involves placing the transmission in drive or reverse gear, fully depressing the brake pedal, and simultaneously pressing the accelerator pedal to the floor to measure the maximum engine speed achievable.
I've been driving for years, and stalling is quite common. Simply put, it's when the car suddenly loses power and the engine shuts off while driving, most frequently in manual transmission vehicles. It often happens when the clutch is released too quickly or the throttle isn't matched properly, causing the engine RPM to drop too low and stall. Once, I stalled while starting on a hill, and the car rolled backward, nearly hitting the vehicle behind me—my heart was in my throat. Automatic transmission cars can also stall, though it's less likely, such as when there's a fuel pump issue or torque converter failure. If you stall, don't panic; pull over safely, check the engine condition, and restart. To prevent stalling, practice starting maneuvers more when learning to drive, watch the tachometer for smoother operation, and regularly maintain and inspect the engine and battery—safety first. In short, stalling is no joke; it can range from embarrassing to dangerous, so we must take it seriously.
