Auto Care Articles
Quick Guide To Troubleshoot A Stalled Engine
When you're waiting at a traffic light, stop sign, or any circumstance in
which your car idles, that is when the engine produces the lowest level of
emissions it ever will. Idling is critical for your vehicle's engine to
remain in operation without requiring fuel. Unfortunately, problems
manifest; engines can die while idling. The challenge is determining the
root cause.
There are several steps you can take to help diagnose the issue, which I'll explain below. It's worth noting you'll need a few diagnostic tools. If you're not willing to purchase them and spend some time exploring your car's engine, you may be better served by having a mechanic look at it.
#1 - Test The Fuses
Follow the easiest and least expensive path first. In this case, that involves testing the fuses. To do so properly, you'll need a test light. There's a rod with a bulb attached on one end and a clamp on the other end. If the fuses are sound, the bulb will light up.
#2 - Scan For Codes
When anything goes wrong inside your car's engine, your vehicle will generate and store a diagnostic code. That code will provide a valuable clue regarding why your engine is stalling out. You'll need to use a special scanner or reader to access the code. If you don't own a scanner, you can usually purchase one for under $100 at your local auto supply store.
#3 - Check The Hoses
In order to continue idling properly, your car's engine relies on the vacuum supplied by a number of hoses. For example, a hose provides vacuum to the intake manifold. If there are any leakage or breaks in that hose, it can cause your engine to stall.
Check for any splits or ruptures that might be affecting the vacuum. If possible, have someone lightly place pressure on the gas pedal while you're looking under the hood. The reason is because the leaks will often be difficult to see, especially if they're on the underside of the hoses. Pressing on the gas pedal often produces a whistle that makes finding - and fixing - leaks easier.
Start With The Easiest Factors
There are a number of other tests you can perform to figure out why your engine may be stalling. For example, you may want to check the idle air control motor, look for tar build-up, and test whether the EGR valve is failing. The culprit might even be a malfunctioning torque converter that is preventing the clutch shoes from disengaging properly.
Having said that, the three items above are the easiest to check and least expensive to fix. Test the fuses, scan for diagnostic codes, and check the hoses for leaks. Unless you have a significant amount of auto repair experience, the other potential issues should be handled by a trained mechanic.
There are several steps you can take to help diagnose the issue, which I'll explain below. It's worth noting you'll need a few diagnostic tools. If you're not willing to purchase them and spend some time exploring your car's engine, you may be better served by having a mechanic look at it.
#1 - Test The Fuses
Follow the easiest and least expensive path first. In this case, that involves testing the fuses. To do so properly, you'll need a test light. There's a rod with a bulb attached on one end and a clamp on the other end. If the fuses are sound, the bulb will light up.
#2 - Scan For Codes
When anything goes wrong inside your car's engine, your vehicle will generate and store a diagnostic code. That code will provide a valuable clue regarding why your engine is stalling out. You'll need to use a special scanner or reader to access the code. If you don't own a scanner, you can usually purchase one for under $100 at your local auto supply store.
#3 - Check The Hoses
In order to continue idling properly, your car's engine relies on the vacuum supplied by a number of hoses. For example, a hose provides vacuum to the intake manifold. If there are any leakage or breaks in that hose, it can cause your engine to stall.
Check for any splits or ruptures that might be affecting the vacuum. If possible, have someone lightly place pressure on the gas pedal while you're looking under the hood. The reason is because the leaks will often be difficult to see, especially if they're on the underside of the hoses. Pressing on the gas pedal often produces a whistle that makes finding - and fixing - leaks easier.
Start With The Easiest Factors
There are a number of other tests you can perform to figure out why your engine may be stalling. For example, you may want to check the idle air control motor, look for tar build-up, and test whether the EGR valve is failing. The culprit might even be a malfunctioning torque converter that is preventing the clutch shoes from disengaging properly.
Having said that, the three items above are the easiest to check and least expensive to fix. Test the fuses, scan for diagnostic codes, and check the hoses for leaks. Unless you have a significant amount of auto repair experience, the other potential issues should be handled by a trained mechanic.
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