If your car turns off while driving but turns back on, it could be due to minor issues like a clogged fuel line or a temporary software glitch. While some cases resolve on their own, more serious problems may require immediate attention.
In this article, we’ll explore the common and severe causes of this issue and provide effective solutions to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Why Does Your Car Turns Off While Driving But Turns Back On?
If the car shuts down during driving but restarts, the possible causes could be fuel system failure, software error, crankshaft or other sensor failure, electrical wiring problems, or engine mechanical problems.
Car shutting down during driving can be a worrying issue that needs immediate attention. So, let’s go through the possible causes of this problem in detail one by one.
#1. Electrical or wiring problems
The car can also shut down during driving due to faulty electrical connections or a bad ignition switch. Because when the electrical connection is disrupted, the sensors and other electrical components stop working while the engine is operating.
For this reason, the engine loses power and stops running. However, in some cases, some easy connections can be restored, allowing the car to start again.
#2. Faulty Fuel System
Clogged fuel filter, bad fuel pump or fuel injector problems in the fuel system can also cause the car to shut down during driving. Failure of these components of the fuel system can interrupt the fuel supply to the engine, causing the engine to stall.
#3. Engine Overheating
If your car shuts down during driving and then turns back on, the engine may be overheating. Because the ECM may automatically shut down the engine to prevent further damage. However, the engine can be restarted with little effort after it cools down for a while.
#4. Ignition System Malfunction
Ignition system problems, such as faulty ignition coils or spark plugs, can cause the car to shut down during driving. Failure of ignition system components can also cause the engine to shut down during driving. Because it directly interrupts the ignition supply to the engine.
#5. Faulty Sensors
Modern cars use various sensors to control and improve engine performance. But failure of any sensor can also cause the car to shut down during driving. Often, the car shuts down during driving due to failure of the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor.
#6. Battery or Alternator Failure
If the car shuts down during driving, it can also be due to a bad battery or alternator. A bad battery or alternator can disrupt the power supply to the electrical components of the vehicle, causing the sensors and other electrical components to stop working, which can cause the engine to shut down and your car to stop while driving.
#7. Faulty Engine Control Unit
In many cases, the reason for the car shutting down during driving can also be a faulty engine control unit. Because the ECU manages the operation of the engine and other parts of the vehicle.
But any bug or software error in the ECU can interfere with the operation of the engine, causing the engine to shut down unexpectedly. So to check for ECU related faults, you should get the vehicle system scanned with a digital scanner.
#8. Empty Fuel Tank
Sometimes running the car on extremely low fuel can also cause the car to stall while driving. In many cases, a faulty fuel gauge can also cause this problem.
Since a faulty fuel gauge is unable to show the actual amount of fuel, the driver gets confused about the fuel. But after driving some distance, the car stops with a jerk.
What To Do When The Car Turns Off While Driving
Whenever your car turns off while driving, the first thing you should do is check the fuel and electrical system components.
- First of all, check the fuel to see if your car has run out of fuel. Since, in many cases, a bad fuel gauge can give wrong information about the fuel, the driver can get confused about the fuel.
- Next, check the fuel pump and filter and make sure fuel is getting to the car’s fuel common rail and injectors with enough pressure.
- Check the relay or fuse related to the fuel pump. Because a blown fuse or bad relay shuts down the fuel pump.
- Next, check the battery connection. Because loose and damaged battery connections can cause the engine to stop unexpectedly.
- Next, check the wiring to the ignition and sensor. Because a broken power supply to any of the sensors and damaged ignition wiring can also cause the car to shut down while driving.
In Case of Mechanical Failure
If your car shuts off while driving due to a broken timing bolt or chain, an ECM malfunction, or other electrical or mechanical component failure, you will need to contact a mechanic or dealership. Because in this case, your car can be made driveable only after repair in a mechanic’s garage or replacement of any parts.
#1. Pull The Car Over To a Safe Roadside
In the event of this happening, pull your car over to the side of the road safely until help arrives, without causing disturbance to any vehicles coming from behind or confusing the driver of the previous vehicle.
#2. Turn on Hazard Lights
After this, you immediately turn on the parking lights and indicators, which can alert the drivers of the vehicle coming from behind, and no collision situation can arise.
#3. Call For Help or Roadside Assistance
In case your vehicle is completely dead, you may contact any mechanic or your dealership for assistance, or you may also contact the roadside assistance number for proper guidance or towing your car to the repair location.
FAQ’s
Why does my car suddenly stop while driving?
If your car suddenly stop while driving, the most common causes are a faulty fuel system, crankshaft or other sensor failure, or electrical issues. To solve this problem, you should contact a qualified vehicle mechanic, who will guide you to the exact cause and suitable repair.
Can a dead battery cause a car to shut off while driving?
Yes. If your car’s alternator is not working properly, the new battery will also wear out in no time, due to which the power supply to the electrical components in the car will stop and your car will completely shut off.
Final Thoughts
A car turns off while driving but turns back on can be caused by electrical issues, fuel system failures, overheating, sensor malfunctions, or a faulty ECU. While some problems may be minor, others require immediate attention to prevent breakdowns or safety risks.
Regular maintenance and timely diagnostics can help keep your vehicle running smoothly. If you’re unsure of the cause, consult a professional mechanic to avoid further complications.
Banty Paul, owner and founder of Auto Repair Zone, brings over 14 years of hands-on experience in automotive repair and maintenance. This blog was created to share expert troubleshooting guides, repair tips, maintenance advice, and cost estimates for cars and semi-trucks.
