Truck stalls while I’m driving and then dies
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE MY VEHICLE TO JUST DIE INTERMITTENTLY? DRIVING AT ALL DIFFERENT SPEEDS IT JUST DIES.
My car has 185000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. From the description you have provided, your vehicle dies intermittently while driving, stop put in park and starts after a few tries, could be several possibilities. Assuming the check engine light is not coming on, it could be the computer (PCM-powertrain control module) is not recognizing the fault. It could be an intermittently failing fuel pump relay. An intermittently failing fuel pump may also be to blame. Both of these would result in a loss of fuel pressure.
It might also be due to an intermittently failing MAF (mass airflow sensor) incorrectly calculating the engine incoming air. It could be an intermittently failing PCM relay. It could be, an intermittently failing CKP (crankshaft position sensor). With all of the possibilities and more, I recommend having a professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, examine why your car dies intermittently dies and restarts.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The most common reasons a Ford Expedition engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
The most common cause of engine sputtering are issues with the fuel system. These can range from bad fuel filters, fuel pump issues, or fuel injector issues. The other possible source of the problem would be due to poor ignition – think spark plugs or ignition coil problems.
If the torque converter is broken, or if there is a low fluid level in the transmission, the converter will not do its job, and the car will be unable to maintain power at low speeds, which causes the engine to shut off. A defective TCS or torque converter solenoid can also cause this issue.
A rough idle is one symptom of a clogged fuel filter. Failing Electrical Components: A problem or failure in the ignition system or various electronic components can cause a rough idle. If this is the case, the problem will usually get worse as RPMs increase.
Common reasons for this to happen:
Low fuel pressure, dirty or defective fuel injectors, or broken fuel pump: The fuel pump is responsible for transferring fuel from the tank to the engine.
Some of the most common sensors that lead to engine stalling include the mass airflow sensor (MAF), engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) and manifold absolute pressure sesnsor (MAP). The idle air control valve (IAC) and exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR) are also well known for causing engine stalling.
One of the most common causes of a sputtering engine is an issue with the vehicle`s fuel system—the filter, pump, and injectors. These three critical components work together to ensure fuel flows smoothly from the fuel tank to your engine`s fuel injectors, and then pumps into the engine evenly.
If the fuel amount is too much or too little, the engine may begin to sputter. Your mass airflow sensor tells you how much air is in the engine. Just like the oxygen sensor, the engine will sputter if there is too much or too little air. Spark plugs are an integral part of your engine.
A failing fuel pump is one of the faults that can cause this. Other likely problems would be the battery, alternator, battery cable, wiring harness fault, crank or camshaft position sensor. The fuel pump may have been replaced because it was not turning on.
When your engine shuts off when you slow the car down its often as a result of a: Malfunctioning transmission. Low fuel pressure, dirty or defective fuel injectors, or broken fuel pump. Bad oxygen sensor or mass flow sensor.
While some cases are less severe than others, a rough idle is usually identifiable by a shaking and bouncing sensation in the vehicle. You may also notice odd sounds, as well as inconsistent RPM counts. Normally, a vehicle should have a smooth and consistent RPM rate of around 1,000.
Dirty Fuel Injector
The fuel injector dispenses fuel and air into the cylinders. In time, the injector can become clogged, causing the injector to improperly mix fuel and air, creating a rough idle. Keep your fuel injectors clean and in good repair with regular maintenance.
Engines usually stop suddenly only if they suffer from a lack of fuel or sparks . An engine that stops dead without prior warning has probably had a sudden ignition failure – although if it locks solid it`s more likely to have seized.
Common reasons for this to happen:
Low fuel pressure, dirty or defective fuel injectors, or broken fuel pump: The fuel pump is responsible for transferring fuel from the tank to the engine.
The number one cause is the clutch components have worn out and no longer have enough friction material to overcome the weight of the vehicle. A second possibility is the transmission can be stuck in two gears at the same time and it won`t move. The shift mechanism can malfunction and keep you from selecting a gear.
Common signs include lacking power when accelerating, rough or slow idle, stalling, inability to shift up, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
When the EGR valve is clogged or dirty, as they are prone to, it may not function properly causing the engine idle rough, stall at idle speeds, cause the car to get poor fuel mileage, or emit a strong smell of fuel due to excess hydrocarbons which also results in failing emissions tests.
It could be a dead alternator, a bad coolant sensor or lack of fuel, just to name a few. Is your car stalling while accelerating? If so, then it could be a major vacuum leak, clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump. If your vehicle is stalling when driving, seek professional help to track down and fix the issue.
If your powertrain control computer is misreading idle speeds, this can cause a high idling malfunction. When your car`s throttle is malfunctioning, this can cause your car to stall or idle high. Often this is a result of dirt buildup in the air intake. Other times it can be a problem with a cracked intake tube.
If the catalytic converter gets clogged, exhaust may back up into the engine, and this will make the engine sputter.
Fuel System – if you have a bad part in your fuel system, like a pump, filter or injector, then you could experience sputtering. When your vehicle doesn`t get proper air and fuel your engine won`t get the proper combustion in order to power your vehicle.
There are three major causes for a stalled engine: A lack of fuel, a lack of air flow and improper ignition. Running out of fuel is one of the most common causes of engine stalling, but dirty fuel injectors or a plugged fuel filter can also be the culprit. Your engine needs air to run properly as well.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My truck died while driving. Now will start, but dies when I push brake. If I start in neutral, I can put in drive and go but dies – 2003 Ford F250
ANSWER : Hello – your symptoms suggest that once your cold start features are no longer needed – engine warming up – there is an air "leak" that ruins low speed running. Causes could be a leaking exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, or leak in the air intake. A failing fuel pump relay (burned contacts) could cause similar behavior, contacts become hot, then won’t pass enough current to run the pump. Failing pump can also act this way – gets hot and fails. I recommend a starts, then dies inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : Truck stalls while I’m driving and then dies
What’s wrong with my manual Jeep if I’m driving at 5th gear but it sounds like I’m driving at 3rd or 4th?
ANSWER : Since the car is still new, the vehicle should be taken back to the dealer to be checked under warranty. You may need a repair or replacement of the engine assembly. The engine may have an imbalance causing the problem. There is a technical bulletin that may pertain to this vehicle and call for engine replacement. The TSB is 09-008-16 and is dated June 16, 2016.
Read Full Q/A … : Truck stalls while I’m driving and then dies
I changed fuel pump and truck ran great for 3 days. Now after 3 days truck dies. It will start runs few min then dies like before
ANSWER : Check the bottom of the fuel tank for sediment. Age and mileage could have accumulated a lot of it at the bottom of the tank. If you did not, check and change the fuel filter. Rule of thumb – replace the fuel filter any time you replace a fuel pump. Also, check the wiring for any chaffing on the fuel pump when you remove it. While your problem is kind of unique, I have seen many GM truck fuel tank baffle loosen over time, occasionally rubbing against the fuel pump can intermittently short it out and/or block the fuel pump pick up. To have this diagnosed, consider having a certified expert from YourMechanic inspect the stalling issue to have this corrected.
Read Full Q/A … : Truck stalls while I’m driving and then dies
Truck stalls when shifting into drive from park or reverse
ANSWER : Hi there. The vehicle running great, once past the initial stall, leads me away from a fuel delivery concern. The stalling issue may be, the minimum airflow rate is not properly set. This could be the result of a dirty or worn throttle body. Cleaning and/or making an adjustment to the throttle body may correct the problem. Engine running at idle, plug the IAC passage, and the RPM (revolutions per minute) should be at or near 400 rpm. A vacuum leak present could also cause the engine idle to be improperly controlled and needs to be identified before any adjustments are made. I recommend having your vehicle’s stalling issue be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.
Read Full Q/A … : Truck stalls while I’m driving and then dies
Just put a new carburetor, battery, starter relay, alternator, car stalls out while driving and battery dies when restarted
ANSWER : The battery should be load tested. Simply charging the battery or measuring voltage is not adequate. Measure charging output, too. You want to confirm that the ignition system, including for instance the ignition coil and ignition switch, are not intermittently cutting out. Coils can fail as temperature rises (resistance increases with temperature) so if you run the car for a while and all of a sudden it quits, measure the resistance of the coil windings to see if that provides a clue. Apart from that, the ENTIRE primary side ignition circuit has to be checked, using voltage drop testing (and testing of the hall effect sensor in the distributor), to rule the primary side in or out. If you want the required diagnostic steps performed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request a stalling diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Truck stalls while I’m driving and then dies
I had my truck towed on a flat bed tow truck and now it is vibrating really bad and it sounds like my tires are howling
ANSWER : The problem sounds like you have flat spots on the tires in the rear when the tow truck operator dragged and pushed the truck with the transmission locked. I would recommend having a vehicle safety inspection to see if there is tire damage or other possible damage done by the tow truck. Have a mechanic from YourMechanic come and do the inspection and check the problems for you.
Read Full Q/A … : Truck stalls while I’m driving and then dies
I’m having a stalling issue after driving for a while and in the morning the truck takes a while to find the right idle.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the idle air control valve (IAC) on your vehicle and see if its working. Check for power to the IAC and also check the power coming out of the IAC. If the IAC is not sending any power back to the computer, then the IAC needs replaced. If you need further assistance with the engine idle being at various conditions, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Truck stalls while I’m driving and then dies
Shift to P to drive when I’m already driving?
ANSWER : Try to contact a dealer in your area to see if your vehicle is under the recall for the transmission parking pawl problem. This may fix the problem you are having. There are a few other recalls that your vehicle may have for other problems also, and can get them fixed at the same time.
Read Full Q/A … : Truck stalls while I’m driving and then dies
