Why does the car start, shake a few times and then stall?
2 Answers
The car starts, shakes a few times and then stalls because: 1. Stalling caused by carbon deposits: Carbon deposits can accumulate in the throttle valve, spark plugs, cylinders, fuel lines, intake ducts, etc. These are a kind of coking substance produced by fuel under high temperature conditions and require special cleaning agents for removal. 2. Fuel quality and injector clogging: Using low-quality fuel not only produces more carbon deposits but may also clog the injectors, increasing fuel consumption. 3. Power supply issues: Severely depleted battery power can make it difficult for the engine to start, or even prevent it from starting altogether. Generally, the service life of a battery is about 4 years. A battery nearing the end of its life can be replaced, and repair is generally not recommended because repaired batteries have a very short and unreliable lifespan. 5. Engine control system abnormalities: This situation rarely occurs unless it is an occasional fault or caused by external damage to the control panel, which can make the engine hard to start. It is recommended to connect a diagnostic computer to troubleshoot electrical system faults.
I had a similar issue when I first started driving. The car would shake a few times after starting and then stall, which was super annoying. I think the most common causes are old spark plugs failing to ignite properly, causing the shaking, or aging ignition coils affecting stability. The fuel system shouldn't be overlooked either—a clogged fuel filter can starve the engine of fuel, and a faulty fuel pump may prevent gasoline from entering the cylinders. On the air intake side, a dirty air filter can block airflow, and excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body can disrupt air circulation. Once, my idle air control valve got stuck, leading to unstable idling and stalling. Sensor failures, like a malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor, can also cause the ECU to misjudge and cut the engine. I recommend not delaying and getting it checked at a shop early to avoid minor issues turning into major repairs. Make it a habit to check the oil and filters every 5,000 km—safe driving is what matters most.
