Car Shuts Off While Driving: 7 Common Causes

[@lakshmiramakrishna9255]

Thank you for the pointers.

[@christophermarshall5765]

Battery warning light will not come on when the battery fails!! This only comes on when there is a fault in the charging system, such as worn alternator brushes, alternator fault, or broken drive belt.

[@KwmaeGaines]

How would I know

[@christophermarshall5765]

@@KwmaeGaines glad you asked. Battery failure is normally indicated by the battery not holding charge or the charge level dropping, or battery going flat rapidly when starting the car. Another indicator is that when you are parked, and listen to the car radio for a couple of hours, only to find you can’t start the car due to flat battery.

[@noeffort2198]

My car has been dying out every time I come to a stop or low rpm if my foot comes off that gas it starts to drop and will cut off I’ve changed the battery and alternator any help ?? Anything helps

[@christophermarshall5765]

@@noeffort2198 I would be looking at the fuel system in case the fuel cut off is not working properly. This can stop the engine when you bring the car to a stop. Look at the throttle position sensor. Also check all the negative connections in the engine bay. Also check the battery voltage to see if the charging system is working properly.

[@noeffort2198]

@@christophermarshall5765 thanks you I’ll take a look

[@irvinjohnson2153]

If your car is idling and cuts off or you drive a short distance and it cuts off Check your gas pedal sensor. 2013 Malibu 2,5 engine

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Great advice, thanks for sharing. The community will find this useful.

[@bootywarrior5842]

I got exact same Malibu 13 2.5 it shuts off after a 20 min drive it shut off at a light and then after 30 minutes it turned on and while idling it makes a clicking sound same thing happens to you?

[@Karalove942]

I have a 2018 Nissan rogue and the check engine light was on. A few days later it started to shake while I was driving and then it cut off. I had it towed to my home. It starts up with no issue but it shakes & rumbles and you can’t drive it because it will cut off the minute you try to drive. Any idea what this could be?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hi Karalove, managed to fix the problem? The symptoms you're describing, check engine light on, shaking while driving, and the car cutting off suggest a possible issue with the ignition system (like faulty spark plugs or ignition coils), a fuel delivery problem (such as a clogged fuel injector or failing fuel pump), or a severe vacuum leak. The fact that it starts but can't sustain running when you try to drive it further points towards a significant issue affecting the engine's ability to maintain idle or load conditions. The best course of action is to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the car's computer system with an OBD-II scanner

[@juanlerma3370]

My 2014 Toyota Camry has been shutting off on my mid drive. All the lights show on my dashboard and it feels like it has a low crank. I recently changed the battery and my mechanic could not find the issue. He recommended using super gasoline for a few weeks to see if the car is still having that issue. It stopped for a few weeks but now has come back. I can feel the car struggle when I make left turns and have to accelerate. Any clues ?

[@angryprobes]

Check you alternator. Have you noticed your headlights dim at night? When you changed your battery did it run good for about a day then the problem came back? Do you feel loss of power? All these point to a alternator going bad or bad.

[@brianarmstrong4894]

Fuel pump?

[@chakravarthiamithraghav8008]

My steering wheel locked, break seized, engine kept idling, transmission fully engaged and pushing the car in stop and go traffic at 10kmph. Only clutch pedal was responding. The gas pedal presses did not respond. I put it to neutral, switched on hazard light, pulled parking break. Turned off the car and recranked it. Issue temporarily resolved x reached home and parked. No balls now to start and drive it again. Using only a motorcycle now. What do I do?

[@SoNiaBowser]

Wow, I'm subscribing. Thanks!

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Thanks for subbing

[@SemperShock]

I have an 02 Silverado ( just recently bought) I noticed if I try to take off quick the truck will die. It will start back up just notice if I warm the truck up for 15 mins and drive slow for a few blocks. It won’t die. I do hear the fuel pump, which I think it might be going out, but any ideas why it does this?

[@believevoice9354]

I bought a 2008 mazda 3 and was driving down the road and it just shut off i had pedal response but i couldnt get it to restart and it currently still doesnt start i found a antifreeze leak but couldnt find from exactly where and when i turn the key all the electronics for the car shut off like the car has lost power

[@lindame3326]

I have a 2000 Dodge ram 1500 van. It stalls and leaves me stranded in the middle of the road for 2 hours before it will start again. Does it every time I take it out I can go a mile and a half and come back home and it won't stall. Any further than that it stalls leave me stranded. I have replaced the fuel pump steel still stalls. Change the spark plugs and air I'm fixing to order a crank shaft position sensor. Any help is appreciated. Thank you Linda

[@rubendebbarma5040]

Go to your car service center they will fix it

[@eng.algareebsaudi1648]

Chek plug psition sensor or chang it

[@petermugo8618]

I have this Nissan Note which is cutting off abruptly on the road. After stopping for some time, it will the run for a certain distance and cut off again. What could be the problem?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Your Nissan Note cutting off abruptly on the road and restarting after a pause suggests a few potential issues such as fuel delivery problems, ignition system faults, or overheating electronic components. Since there's no looseness at the wheels, it's likely not related to wheel bearings or suspension but could be a problem with the fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, faulty ignition coil, or a failing crankshaft position sensor. These components can behave normally when cold and fail as they heat up, causing the engine to shut off. Once they cool down, the connection is temporarily restored, allowing the engine to start again. It's recommended to have a mechanic perform a diagnostic check, focusing on the fuel system and ignition components, to pinpoint the exact cause. managed to get it fixed?

[@ewonvassell7600]

What was it ??

[@beangirl2204]

i have similar issues with my nissan note did you ever get it figured out?

[@siyabulelahempe5206]

My Peugeot 206 1.4 cut off while driving whn it's hot and it won't start again until I kick start, but I what is a course of it

[@sharonmiddleton4509]

I drive a Acura mdx and my suv shut off while driving but it started right up. But it kept shutting off

[@officialjozev2372]

My ford focus c max 2006 shutdown on the road. And since then I’ve changed the battery, alternator dashboard, brain box and fuse box but it’s still not starting. Sometimes it starts for like 4 seconds and then turns off immediately. Anyone have an idea?

[@alexdelafuente2407]

I got a interlock installed about a month after getting a car from a dealership and my car started to cut off while driving when trying to start my car again it would just shake and crank but refused to start. There’s also a check engine light that appears, but I used an OBD2 scanner and got no codes multiple times

[@alexdelafuente2407]

The certified ignition interlock installation provider first told me there was nothing wrong with my car after taking it for a test drive, this was not the case as my car turned off again on the freeway, they then replaced all wiring and did a full diagnosis and not even a full day later the same thing happened Usually, my car would start again after 20 to 30 minutes of sitting, but this time my car will not start.

[@kennysakala4839]

I have nissan xtrail T30 . When i start the car in the morning everything is okey, once i pack the car, and start off heading home during mid day and its hot, It will rough idle, cutting off while drivings and when i pack on the side of the road and it will start i move for a while and it will cut again... starting there is no problem even maintaining idling no problem, but i have an issue with it cutting and loosing power while driving, please help

[@ianaustin5541]

I have a question: While driving my Toyota Verso at 30 mph it suddenly made a loud rumble/banging noise (like i.e. when hitting or running over a curb or a big animal etc). And then the motor died. After a moment I turned on the engine and everything has worked normally since then. I didn`t hit a curb or animal, and no objects were lying on the street. Sorry for my English, I hope you understand what I mean. Do you know what that could have been?

[@ssebagalasolomon3831]

I also experienced that when my fuel pump was going bad And had to change it a few months

[@ianaustin5541]

@@ssebagalasolomon3831 Interesting. Thanks👍

[@nabilalhamwi2791]

You forgot to talk about very important part of the car can shut off the engine, it's the distributor.

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

100% Thanks for pointing that out as well

[@raveny6906]

I need help. I have a 2013 Ford escape sel turbo. As im driving, all the electricity in the car stops working. The car keeps driving. As soon as I pull over and turn the car off, it doesn't turn back on. What could be my problem?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hi Raveny, Did you manage to find the fault? The issue with your 2013 Ford Escape could be related to the alternator or battery connections. If the electrical systems fail while driving but the engine remains running, it suggests the alternator isn’t properly charging the battery, or there's a loose connection. When the car doesn’t restart after being turned off, it indicates the battery may not have enough charge. It's recommended to check the alternator's performance and ensure all battery connections are secure and corrosion-free. How old is your battery?

[@abonganduzulwana9290]

My car just cutted of while i was driving then it does not start but everything is on on it

[@boitumelolekgeu9363]

Same, that's why I'm here 😭

[@seanquinn3752]

Same battery is good starter is good just won't start think it's the 02 sensor

[@HamRW]

Sounds like alternator for all for u. Ik because i have a battery issue and not a alternator and when its battery related the car stays on as long as its jumped but the moment its off its off or rapidly loses power till its off. If ur battery is staying strong and cranking but cutted off randomly and doesn’t start now that sounds like ur batteries have juice and is trying but the alternator aint keeping up. Check the voltages to see if its charging.

[@JoeBordok]

Hi bro, my polo 1.6 TDI ( sedan ) the engine cuts off while accelerating for a second and comes back with full power and its happening all the time :/, what could it be man..?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hi Joe, It sounds like your Polo 1.6 TDI is experiencing intermittent power loss during acceleration, which can be caused by several issues: 1. Fuel System Issues: Problems like a clogged fuel filter, issues with the fuel pump, or injectors can cause intermittent power loss. 3. Air Intake System: Check for any leaks or blockages in the air intake system, including the air filter and mass airflow sensor. 2. Turbocharger Problems: Given that it's a TDI engine, any issues with the turbocharger, such as a sticking turbo vanes or problems with the wastegate, could cause fluctuations in power. 4. Engine Sensors: Faulty sensors such as the throttle position sensor or crankshaft position sensor might be sending incorrect signals to the engine control unit. Are you experiencing any other symptoms other than the hesitation?

[@2slowcurt]

Anyone know why this would happen to a Chrysler 300 Hemi C 2006?

[@Daguy78]

Having same problem did you get yours firgured?

[@freddymaduane9340]

Renault kwid climber is running and stop

[@AJKINGGANG]

Well mines cut off just around the corner 😢😢😂

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Sorry to hear that, managed to find out what caused it? a good starting point is the common causes outlined in the video

[@AJKINGGANG]

@@HonestMechanicChannel meaning 2 seen like the bait come off 2 for sure 😊

[@tayydoll]

well , when I was about to drive my 2015 Kia forte and soon as I pulled out my drive way on the busy highway my car shut right off luckily no cars was coming and someone on the highway helped me pull it back into the yard in neutral . small mechanical said it was the fuel pump he put a small blue piece in it and on the way home from work my car lost power while I was trying to pass another car .. and completely lost power when I was driving on the side of the road . the first time the oil light came on and the second time the battery light and oil light came on . someone please help . my grandad put a new fuel pump in and it still lost power when he test drives it .

[@zzee485]

Might be a battery/alternator cable that needs replacement