7 Reasons Why A Car Shuts Off While Driving

The functioning of the components of a car is complicated due to so many different parts performing functions. However, if a part starts malfunctioning, the entire system can come to a halt. The worst possible scenario is your car shutting off while you are driving.

In this article and inline with a publication on electronicshub, we are going to look at some of the reasons why your car shuts off while driving. Keep on reading and explore new knowledge.

Reasons Why A Car Shuts Off While Driving

1. Alternator Issues

The alternator is responsible for running the different components of the car smoothly. It is the powerhouse of your vehicle and if it does not work properly, the car will turn off. The alternator helps to manage the supply of electricity by recharging the battery. When there is a bad alternator, your car will shut off while driving. This primarily happens as it affects the power supply.

Alternator issues will make the engine lose power. However, the alternator will rarely fail. You will have to identify the problem before you happen to face the issue while driving. When the alternator dies, the battery will supply power. This can happen only for a short period as the battery cannot provide power for the entire vehicle. The car will then shut off eventually after stalling.

2. Running Out of Fuel

If your vehicle does not have any fuel, it will shut off while driving. Without fuel, you will not be able to run the car. It is advisable to check the fuel rather than just assuming if there is any mechanical failure. This primarily happens when people are lazy or when they underestimate the fuel limit.

The engine will stop and it can even happen due to a stuck fuel gauge. Do note that a stuck fuel gauge does not come with any warning. You will not get the correct indication and you may run out of fuel which will shut off driving. Sometimes even a frozen fuel line can make the car stop.

3. Dead Car Battery

Other than the fuel, it is the car battery that helps to kick start the vehicle. By delivering the right power, you will be able to start the combustion process. Even though the battery does not power the car, it is responsible for starting the car. A car battery can also power other components. When the battery is not able to charge correctly, your car will shut off immediately. You will have to see if the battery is not dead. Apart from stopping your car, there can even be short circuits while driving.

When the alternator is not working, the car will use the battery. With a dead car battery, your car will die too. The battery will not last long if the alternator is dead. A multimeter will allow you to check the car battery status. When the battery is less than 12.6V, it is not fully charged. You need a battery replacement if it is below 11.7V as it has less than 25% of the charge.

4. Faulty Fuel Pump

To move the car, the engine will have to provide a steady fuel supply. Your car will shut off while driving if the fuel supply is affected. The fuel system will never make the tank reach the engine with fuel. It is just like not providing any fuel to the engine. For this, it is important to check the faulty fuel pump. It can affect the continuous power which supplies fuel to the engine.

When there is a bad fuel pump, there is a likelihood of experiencing engine shutoffs. At times, it can also be due to the fuel filter. In most cases, the car will not continue to turn off and even the fuel supply line can create the same problem. It is advisable to diagnose the fuel system with a professional.

5. Electrical Cable Failure

Another reason that can make the car shut off while driving is due to electrical cable failure. Many things such as the alternator and spark plugs can even lead to a faulty electrical cable. The cables are important components that help to generate enough power. If it is defective or loose, the vehicle will also lose power. It can lead to an unexpected shut-off of the engine. Before the car reaches this stage, it can even reflect signs like reduced engine performance and lack of acceleration. It will be better to determine if there is any electrical cable failure.

6. Defective Engine Control Unit

The ECU or Engine Control Unit is an important component in the vehicle. It controls most of the operations and is a small computer task. ECU makes sure that the vehicle runs smoothly and helps to identify if there is any problem. The ability to control different mechanisms of the engine helps to deliver optimal engine performance.

However, when the car computer is not functioning properly, it can make the engine lose power. If the ECU fails, you will not be able to drive your car. At times, the car will shut off randomly and then bounce back. This can happen when the ECU loses spark, power, or fuel-efficiency. There are many reasons that can cause the malfunctioning of the computer. If there are any issues, you can confirm with the engine light.

To determine if the ECU is functioning properly, you will have to get an OBD scanner. Keep in mind that diagnosing or inspecting your ECU can be very difficult. Only a professional mechanic can diagnose the ECU with the right tools, understanding, and software.

7. Ignition System Problems

When any component of the ignition system has a problem, then your car will shut off when you drive. The ignition system is very important for supplying power to the car. When there is any faulty ignition system, it can lead to various problems including the start. It can provide weak combustion that can make the car switch off while driving. Many causes can lead to the problem like a faulty ignition relay or worn-out ignition switch.