If you notice that your car shuts off when stopped or slowing down then there is a specific problem. It might be a common sign of a failing idle air control valve. Let’s take an in-depth look into it.
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Reasons Behind Car Shuts Off When Stopped Or Slowing Down?
Your car is designed to run like a well-oiled machine, but sometimes that machine struggles in unexpected places. There’s not always a warning light to alert you of this, but sometimes your car will be driving fine at road speed, only to die when you slow down and stop. If your engine shuts off at low speed, contact a mechanic immediately for a thorough inspection. Let’s see the common reasons for car shuts off when stopped or slowing down.
1. Malfunctioning Transmission:-
In a car with an automatic transmission, the torque converter takes the place of the manual clutch and is responsible for transmitting power. 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.
2. Broken Fuel Pump:-
A malfunctioning fuel pump can result in low fuel pressure, which means that there is an inconsistent stream of fuel to the engine. At high speeds, this doesn’t matter as much, but at low speeds, a temporary pause in the fuel stream is enough to kill the engine. The fuel injectors are responsible for spraying a measured amount of fuel that is ignited by the spark plugs at the proper time. Injectors can become clogged or dirty over time resulting in erratic spray or no spray at all.
3. Mass Flow Sensor:-
The oxygen sensors and mass flow sensor determine how much oxygen is entering the fuel stream and helps the vehicle adjust the air-to-fuel ratio. If there is too much or too little oxygen, your vehicle will not have optimal power. Just like with low fuel pressure, the car will continue to operate at driving speeds, but this suboptimal power won’t be able to fuel the vehicle as it slows down.
4. Corroded Wires In Wiring Harness:-
An inconsistently firing ignition will result in an easily stalled engine. If the wires don’t have a consistent, constant, and reliable connection with the ignition circuit, the vehicle can lose voltage quickly, and it won’t have the power it needs to keep running as you slow down.
5. Faulty Idle Air Control Actuator:-
The idle air control actuator controls the engine’s RPMs when it is idling. This actuator receives information from the ECU so it knows at what RPM to keep the engine for a smooth and safe idle. When the actuator malfunctions, the engine gets no signal for idling speed and stops working.
6. Clogged EGR Valve:-
If your EGR valve is clogged, dirty, or defective. It can cause your car to stall, or idle erratically depending on whether it is stuck open or closed. As a result of getting clogged, it gets stuck open or close. It also prevents the exhaust gas from flowing back into the combustion chambers. It affects the air to fuel ratio inside the combustion chamber and leads to loss of power.
Hence, these are some basic reasons for the car shutting off when stopped or slowing down.
How To Fix The Issue Of Car Shuts Off When Stopped?
Your car shutting off when you stop it or are slowing down can be annoying and dangerous. To resolve the issue, you first need to get to its cause, as it could range from a broken fuel pump to just a clogged ERG valve.
Step 1:-
If your torque converter is damaged, you should immediately tend to it. A bad torque converter can be harmful to your engine in several ways. It can cause overheating, friction, and transmission fluid degradation.
Step 2:-
The fuel injectors malfunction when they are clogged. It requires concentrated cleaning to unclog the injectors. Concentrated cleaner products are mixed with water for this purpose. Cleaners specifically for cleaning fuel injectors are also available.
Step 3:-
If your EGR valve is clogged, you do not necessarily have to replace it. Rather than that, you can clean it. The EGR valve is usually clogged with carbon deposits so, you will have to watch for them. EGR valve cleaners are available, which you may spray onto the carbon build-up and then clean with a pipe cleaning brush. Next, wipe the surface with a piece of cloth. If the valve is hard to clean, you may need to soak it in the cleaning solution for a few minutes.
Step 4:-
When the engine is unable to ignite fuel present in the car’s cylinders, it ceases to function. Now this happens due to the lack of gas or electrical charge required for ignition. So you need to check these two components to eliminate the possibility of your car shutting off when stopped or slowing down. Also, please keep in mind that old, carburetor fuel systems have plenty of fuel passing through the cylinders. Such a condition is called flooding.
Step 5:-
If your car shuts off when stopped or slowing down, you should drive it up and down a steep hill. Check if the vehicle experiences any change in the engine performance. If it still stalls, then it means there is a clogged fuel filter. The fuel filter replacement is not only cheap but easy too. All you need to do is figure out where the thing is located. In some cars, the filter lies in their gas tank. And this might make it difficult for you to access the filter.
Hence, these are some steps to fix your problem. If you are not a car expert, a visit to your mechanic will usually help you resolve your issue.
However, it is advised to tend to the problem of car shutting off when stopped or slowing down as soon as possible, as some of these causes can cause severe damage to your car if left untreated.
Conclusion:-
We hope the above mentioned information about why the car shuts off when stopped or slowing down will be helpful to all the readers. If anybody’s doubts persist feel free to comment in the comment section below. We’ll try to solve your doubts as soon as possible.