In the heat of summer, there’s nothing more frustrating than being in the middle of a road trip and having your car suddenly shut off. However, it’s difficult to say for certain what would cause a vehicle to turn off while driving; there are a few potential culprits.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons cars might unexpectedly die on the open road. By understanding these causes, you can prevent them from happening in the future. So, what would cause your car to shut off while you’re driving? Let’s take a look!
What Would Cause A Car To Shut Off While Driving?
Car shutting off while driving can be due to many reasons; here are some common ones.
Operating Temperature Is Too High
Your car might shut off while driving it if your engine operates at a high temperature. If your engine’s temperature gets too high, there may be a problem with your vehicle’s cooling fan or coolant system. Ensure the AC is on and working properly to keep the car’s interior cool and prevent it from overheating.
Fuel Filter
A fuel filter ensures no impurities or sediment get into the gas tank. If there is dirt or grime in your fuel tank, it can clog up the fuel filter. When this happens, the fuel pump will stop working and cause your car to shut off. If you suspect your vehicle’s fuel gauge may be clogged, replace it as soon as possible.
Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
A faulty crankshaft position sensor won’t allow the car to start because it sends an incorrect signal to the computer. It can be due to a bad CKP or a damaged wire. But either way, it’s usually not something you can fix on your own.
The same goes for a bad camshaft position sensor (CMP). Some older cars have both sensors in one unit, called a dual-map sensor. It has the same effect as having two faulty sensors; you cannot start the car because it can sense no crankshaft turning.
Bad Fuel Pumps
Another thing that causes your car to turn off while driving is if the fuel pump in your vehicle malfunctions. The fuel pump sends the gasoline from the gas tank to your car’s engine. If your vehicle takes longer than usual to start up, it might be due to a faulty fuel pump.
In addition, if your vehicle’s fuel pump makes noises or emits strange smells, you must repair or replace it.
Out Of Fuel
Once the car runs out of gas, it ceases to generate any significant power from the battery, and everything dies off. It means that you can’t restart your car until you refuel it.
Alternator Problems
The alternator supplies power to everything inside your car while running. If it fails or isn’t working at all, then there’s no electricity for anything. The safest way to deal with this issue is by having the car towed to an auto shop.
An alternator can fail internally or come loose from the engine. If you had a belt snap, it could also prevent your alternator from charging properly.
Faulty Ignition Switch
A bad ignition switch can also prevent you from cranking up the car because no power gets to the starter solenoid. It means that there is no power going to anything at all.
It is especially true if there was a short in any wires associated with turning on the switch. The problem with this scenario is that you will need a keyless entry remote for your car reprogrammed by an auto locksmith.
Faulty Sensor
Problems with crankshaft position sensors, camshaft position sensors, oxygen, and oil pressure sensors can prevent your car from starting up. These problems are often seen in sensor wires after an accident since they’re somewhat delicate.
Bad Spark Plug
Bad spark plugs are one of the main causes of a car shutting off while driving. When the spark plugs aren’t working properly, it can cause the engine to misfire, which will eventually cause the vehicle to stall out.
So, be sure to have the spark plugs checked and replaced if necessary. Replacing the spark plugs can help fix the problem and keep your car running smoothly.
Oil Leaks/Loss
When the oil level gets too low, the engine doesn’t have enough lubricant to function correctly and can shut down. Plus, when there’s an oil leak, the oil might come in contact with hot engine parts and cause a fire.
To prevent this problem, you can regularly check the oil level and ensure it’s correct. You can also have your car serviced periodically to make sure there are no leaks. If you notice a leak, make sure to have it fixed as soon as possible. Driving with an oil leak can be dangerous and lead to engine damage.
Broken Timing Belt
A broken timing belt is one of the most common causes of a car shutting off while driving. A timing belt is a part of the engine that helps keep the valves and pistons in proper alignment. When it breaks, it can cause the engine to stop running suddenly.
You can do several things to prevent your timing belt from breaking. First, ensure you are using the correct type of oil at the proper level. You should also have your car regularly serviced, including checking the timing belt. It may be a simple fix, but it can cause significant damage to your vehicle if left untreated.
Low Transmission Fluid
If the transmission is not getting enough lubricant, it can eventually damage and cause the car to stop working. Another reason could be a leak in the transmission line, which causes the fluid to drain out quickly. If the fluid level gets too low, it can also affect the functioning of the transmission and cause it to stop working.
If you are experiencing this problem, there are a few things that you can do to try and fix it. The most important thing is to check the transmission fluid level and ensure it is correct. If it is low, you can add more fluid yourself or take the car to a mechanic to have them do it for you. You should also check for any leaks in the transmission line and fix them if you find any.
Damaged Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful emissions from the engine into less harmful ones. When it’s damaged, it can’t do its job correctly, which can cause the car to shut off.
There are a few ways to tell if your catalytic converter is damaged. One is to listen for a rattling noise coming from the exhaust. Another is to check the converter’s temperature; if it’s abnormally hot, it might be damaged.
If you think your catalytic converter is damaged, you should take it to a mechanic to check it out. If it is, the mechanic will likely need to replace it. Replacing a catalytic converter can be expensive. So, it’s essential to take steps to prevent it from getting damaged in the first place.
Faulty Battery
There are many possible causes for a car to shut off while driving, but a faulty battery is one of the most common. When a battery begins to wear out, it can no longer hold a charge as well as it did when it was new. This means that the car’s electrical system will not have enough power to run correctly, which can cause it to shut off.
If you are experiencing this problem, there are a few things that you can do to try to fix it. The first is to have your battery tested to see if it is defective. If it is, then you will need to replace the battery. Another possibility is that the charging system in your car may be faulty. If this is the case, you may need to repair or replace it.
Faulty Engine Check Unit
A Faulty Engine Check Unit can lead a car to shut off while driving. The causes for this are many, but some of the most common ones are water in the fuel, bad spark plugs, or a clogged air filter.
You can do a few things to try and fix this problem. First, ensure you use the correct fuel type for your car. If you aren’t, switch to a fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Second, replace any bad spark plugs. Third, clean or replace the air filter. If none of these solutions work, you may need to take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
Bad Mass Airflow Sensor
Bad mass airflow sensors can cause many problems with a car, but one of the most noticeable is when the car shuts off while driving. A few things can cause this, but a bad mass airflow sensor is the most common.
When the sensor is not working correctly, it can’t accurately measure the air coming into the engine. This can cause the car to run too lean or too rich, leading to it shutting off.
There are a few things that you can do to fix a bad mass airflow sensor. The most common is to replace the sensor. However, there are also ways to clean the sensor if it is not damaged.
What Do You Need When Your Car Shuts Off While Driving?
Car trouble is a stressful situation, especially while driving on the highway. Here, we will explain what you need if your car shuts off while driving.
- First, get out of the road and find a safe place to park your car. Also, do not try to drive it again without fully reviewing the problem first.
- Second, find the trouble and fix it. However, if you do not know how to fix your car, call a tow truck or someone that knows how to fix cars.
- Do not ignore the problem because if you continue driving on bad tires, your car will lose control and crash into something, which could cause serious damage.
- If your car shuts off while driving around the water, do not attempt to turn the car back on. Continue driving slowly until the vehicle can be turned off or you reach dry land; however, if you turn the car back on while in the water, serious damage to your vehicle could occur.
- Do not continue driving if it is raining because this causes cars to shut off while driving.
- If you are out of gas, the car will run slower or stop completely. Refueling your vehicle is simple, so do not ignore this problem.
How To Diagnose and Fix A Car That Shuts Off While Driving?
If your car is shutting off while driving, here are some things you should do.
- Start by checking the fuses. You can do this by pulling out each fuse and then replacing it to see if that is your problem. If not, move on to the wiring harnesses.
- If you have a wiring problem, check all the wires leading up to your ignition coil. The coil needs the power to work; the car will shut off if it is not getting that power.
- If you have a problem with your ignition coil, common causes would be loose connections or improperly installed spark plug wires.
- If you find any corrosion on the connectors, clean them off, spray them with some contact cleaner, and see if the car starts again. If you still have the problem, there is likely something wrong with your ignition coil.
Check Out 4 Reasons Why Your Car Stalls:
FAQs
If I need oil, will my car cut out?
No, not necessarily – however, you may need to change the oil regularly in some cases. The last thing you want is for your vehicle to break down on the road because it’s not getting the oil it needs. If you plan to keep driving your car long-term, you should get an oil change.
What Happens If You Turn Off Your Car in Drive?
If you turn your car off while driving, the vehicle will continue to move. It can be dangerous as it prevents drivers from controlling their cars at intersections or changing lanes. The vehicle could potentially hit someone or something very hard. It is considered a traffic accident and should be reported immediately to avoid unnecessary damage or injury if this happens.
Final Considerations
Summing it up, there are many reasons why a car may turn off while driving, some of which are more serious than others. Some of the most common causes include low fuel, an overheated engine, or a problem with the ignition system.
However, other potential causes exist, such as problems with the electrical system or the brakes. If your car suddenly shuts off while you’re driving, it’s important to pull over safely and try to determine what caused the problem.
