What is what does it mean when your car stalls?

When your car stalls, it means the engine has unexpectedly stopped running. This can happen while you're driving, idling, or even starting the car. Stalling is a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation, as you lose power steering and braking assistance, making it harder to control the vehicle.

Here's a breakdown of what stalling means and some potential causes:

  • Definition: A stall occurs when the engine ceases operation due to a lack of fuel, spark, or compression, or because the engine management system shuts it down. The engine https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Engine completely stops turning over, and you'll usually see the dashboard lights illuminate as the electrical system takes over.

  • Lack of Fuel: One of the most common causes of stalling is a problem with the fuel%20supply https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Fuel%20Supply. This could be due to an empty fuel tank, a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or issues with the fuel injectors.

  • Ignition Problems: The ignition%20system https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Ignition%20System provides the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. A faulty ignition coil, spark plugs, distributor (in older cars), or ignition module can cause stalling.

  • Engine Management System Issues: Modern cars rely heavily on the engine%20management%20system https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Engine%20Management%20System (EMS), also known as the engine control unit (ECU), to regulate engine functions. Sensor failures (like the mass airflow sensor or crankshaft position sensor), wiring problems, or a malfunctioning ECU itself can lead to stalling.

  • Vacuum Leaks: A vacuum%20leak https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Vacuum%20Leak can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, causing the engine to stall, especially at idle. Leaks can occur in hoses, intake manifolds, or other vacuum-operated components.

  • Transmission Problems: In cars with manual transmissions, stalling can occur if the driver releases the clutch too quickly or tries to start in too high a gear. Although rare, automatic transmission problems can also cause stalling.

  • Other Potential Causes: Other less common causes can include a faulty alternator, a clogged air filter, or problems with the emissions control system.