Causes and Fixes for Why Your Car Shuts Off While You’re Driving

A car shutting off while driving can be a terrifying experience. This article will discuss the possible reasons for this problem and provide solutions to help you get back on the road.

Common Causes of a Car Shutting Off While Driving

1. Running Out of Fuel
   This may seem obvious, but it’s a common cause of cars shutting off while driving. Always make sure you have enough fuel in your tank before setting off on a journey.
2. Bad Fuel Pump
   The fuel pump is responsible for sending fuel from the tank to the engine. If it’s not working correctly, the engine may shut off while driving. In most cases, the car will shut off only when it’s hot and won’t start until it cools down.
3. Malfunctioned Ignition Switch
   The ignition switch is responsible for connecting the current from the battery to the car accessories and starter motor. If it’s not working correctly, the car may stall while driving.
4. Low Charge Alternator
   The alternator charges the battery while the car is running. If it’s not working correctly, the battery may run down, causing the car to shut off while driving.
5. Lousy Car Battery
   A bad car battery may not provide enough power to keep the engine running, causing the car to shut off while driving.
6. Wrong Signal Sensors
   Modern cars have sensors that keep track of the engine’s movements and send signals to the ECU. If these sensors are faulty, they may send the wrong signals to the ECU, causing the engine to shut off while driving.

What to Do If Your Car Dies While Driving

1. Get the car out of the road or to the very right side of it. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of your situation.
2. Check for a battery warning light on the dashboard. If there is one, you may have a problem with the battery charging system. Check the electrical systems, connectors, and terminals.
3. If the car stops while driving and then starts again after a while or after it has cooled down, it may be a problem related to the engine management system or a faulty fuel pump. You may need to examine the fuel pump or crank position sensor.

How to Minimize the Chances of Your Car Dying While Driving

1. Check and clean the fuel filters regularly.
2. Ensure your gas tank does not go less than a quarter full.
3. Replace faulty components like the fuel pump when they start failing.

How to Fix a Car That Randomly Dies While Driving

1. Diagnose the vehicle using a scan tool to pull out the registered codes on the vehicle.
2. Check the fuel pressure using a fuel pressure tester.