Why Does My Car Keep Stalling?

The failure of just about any system on a car can cause stalling. The premier culprit for stalling problems is electrical failure, but there are a number of possible reasons cars stall.

Stalling

Any stall condition is a result of some engine system that is not delivering air, fuel or spark at the right time or with the correct volume.

Sensors

Sensor failures are a frequent cause of stalling. These sensors include the crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, throttle position sensor and oxygen sensor.

Fuel Failure

Fluctuations in fuel pressure also cause stalling, particularly on fuel injected cars. Possible causes may include a bad fuel pump, dirty fuel injectors or a clogged fuel filter.

Air Failure

If a car stalls at idle or under hard braking, the most likely cause is a bad Idle Air Control Valve. This valve controls airflow when the throttle is shut, and can become dirty or clogged over time.

Anti-theft Shutdown

Many new cars have a shut-down feature connected to the security system. Glitches in the anti-theft system or auto door locks may cause random stalling or failure to start.

References

• Allpar.com: Stalling Causes
• SHOtimes.com: Ford Taurus SHO Stalling
• Edmunds.com: Stalling Problems

Resources

• Anti-Theft Stalling (Video)