Why Does the Engine Stall Easily When Starting in First Gear?
2 Answers
The reasons why the engine stalls easily when starting in first gear are: 1. Severe carbon deposits inside the engine cylinders; 2. Insufficient engine power; 3. Aging engine mounts; 4. Cylinder misfire. Precautions for starting the car include: 1. Do not look down at the mechanical parts; keep your eyes on the road ahead and both sides; 2. When starting downhill, release the brake first before pressing the accelerator and lifting the clutch; when starting uphill, release the brake when the engine sound becomes steady. The correct steps for starting are: 1. After pressing the clutch and starting the engine, press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot to fully disengage the clutch; 2. Shift the transmission into first gear; 3. Release the handbrake and accelerate.
As a seasoned manual transmission driver with ten years of experience, stalling in first gear is mostly due to poor coordination between the clutch and throttle. If you release the clutch too quickly when starting, the engine can stall directly, or if you don't give enough throttle, the power will be insufficient. Remember to hold the clutch at the bite point and gently press the throttle to bring the RPM to around 1500. Wait until the car starts to vibrate and move before fully releasing the clutch. This is especially important in winter when the engine is cold or when the AC is on, as the engine load is higher and stalling is more likely. Driving schools teach you to release the clutch slowly without giving gas, which works on flat ground, but on actual roads with slight inclines, you must add throttle, or you'll stall in no time. Practicing the feel of the bite point is crucial.
