Experiencing a situation where your car turns off while driving but turns back on can be both confusing and dangerous. One moment you’re cruising down the road, and the next, the engine cuts out—only to restart a few seconds later.
This kind of issue shouldn’t be ignored, as it could point to underlying mechanical or electrical problems. From faulty sensors to fuel system glitches, there are several possible causes behind this unusual behavior.
In this guide, we’ll explore 8 common reasons why your car might be acting this way and what you can do to fix it before it leads to a breakdown or accident.
Why Does Your Car Turn Off While Driving but Turn Back On?
If your car turns off while driving but turns back on, the possible causes could include fuel system failure, software or ECU errors, a faulty crankshaft or other engine sensors, electrical wiring issues, or underlying mechanical problems within the engine.
A car turning off while driving but turning back on is more than just an inconvenience—it can be a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention. To help you understand what might be causing this issue, let’s break down each potential reason 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 system and electrical components.
- Start by checking the fuel level to ensure your car hasn’t run out of gas. In many cases, a faulty fuel gauge can give incorrect readings, which might confuse the driver about the actual fuel status.
- Next, inspect the fuel pump and fuel filter to make sure fuel is reaching the car’s common rail and injectors with sufficient pressure.
- Also, check the relay or fuse related to the fuel pump, as a blown fuse or faulty relay can cause the fuel pump to shut down.
- Then, examine the battery connections. Loose or damaged battery cables can cause the engine to stop unexpectedly.
- Finally, inspect the wiring connected to the ignition system and sensors. A broken power supply to any sensor or 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.
Preventive Maintenance Tips to Avoid Your Car Turning Off While Driving but Turning Back On
Preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid sudden engine shutdowns and keep your car running smoothly. Regular check-ups and timely replacements can save you from inconvenient and potentially dangerous situations. Here are some essential maintenance tips to help prevent your car from turning off unexpectedly while driving:
#1. Regularly Check and Maintain the Fuel System
- Keep Your Fuel Tank Above a Quarter: Avoid running your car on a near-empty tank. Low fuel levels can cause the fuel pump to overheat and fail prematurely.
- Replace the Fuel Filter as Recommended: A clogged fuel filter restricts fuel flow and stresses the fuel pump. Change it at the intervals suggested by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
- Use Quality Fuel: Fill up with fuel from reputable gas stations to reduce the risk of contaminants that can clog fuel injectors or damage the fuel system.
#2. Maintain the Electrical System
- Inspect Battery Terminals and Cables: Clean corrosion from battery terminals and ensure connections are tight to prevent power interruptions.
- Test Battery Health Regularly: Have your battery tested especially before extreme weather seasons. Replace it if it shows signs of weakness or old age.
- Check the Alternator: Ensure your alternator is charging the battery properly. A faulty alternator can lead to unexpected engine shutdowns.
#3. Keep Sensors and ECU in Good Condition
- Schedule Regular Diagnostic Scans: Use an OBD2 scanner during routine maintenance to catch sensor or ECU faults early.
- Update ECU Software When Needed: Some manufacturers release ECU software updates to fix bugs or improve engine management. Have these updates applied at your dealership.
- Clean or Replace Faulty Sensors Promptly:
- Sensors like the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors play critical roles in engine timing. Keep them clean and replace them if they fail.
#4. Inspect and Maintain the Ignition System
- Replace Spark Plugs on Time: Worn or fouled spark plugs can cause misfires and engine stalls. Change them at recommended intervals.
- Check Ignition Coils: Faulty ignition coils can lead to weak or no spark, causing the engine to shut off. Replace faulty coils immediately.
- Test the Ignition Switch: If you experience intermittent power loss, have your ignition switch inspected and replaced if needed.
#5. Examine Wiring and Electrical Connections
- Protect Wiring Harnesses: Check for signs of wear, fraying, or rodent damage. Repair or replace damaged wiring promptly.
- Ensure Connectors are Clean and Dry: Moisture and corrosion in connectors can cause electrical faults. Clean and seal connectors as necessary.
#6. Follow Manufacturer’s Scheduled Maintenance
- Stick to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, and system checks. Regular servicing can prevent many issues that cause unexpected engine shutdowns.
#7. Drive Responsibly and Monitor Warning Signs
- Pay attention to dashboard warning lights or unusual engine behavior. Don’t ignore symptoms like rough idling, hesitation, or stalling.
- Address small issues before they escalate into major problems.
FAQ’s
FAQs related to the topic “Car Turn Off While Driving but Turn Back On”:
Q. Why does my car turn off while driving but then turn back on?
Your car may turn off while driving due to fuel system issues, faulty sensors, electrical problems, or ignition system failures. When the problem is temporary, the engine might restart shortly after shutting down.
Q. Is it safe to drive if my car turns off and then restarts while driving?
No, it’s not safe. Sudden engine shutdown can cause loss of power steering and brakes, increasing the risk of accidents. Get your car inspected immediately if this happens.
Q. What are the common causes of a car shutting off while driving?
Common causes include a failing fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, bad crankshaft or camshaft sensor, faulty ignition switch, electrical wiring issues, or ECU software glitches.
Q. How can I diagnose why my car keeps turning off while driving?
Start by checking the fuel level, battery connections, fuses, and scanning for error codes using an OBD2 scanner. If unsure, consult a professional mechanic for a detailed diagnosis.
Q. Can a bad fuel pump cause the car to turn off while driving but then start again?
Yes, a failing fuel pump can intermittently stop delivering fuel, causing the engine to shut down and then restart once fuel flow resumes.
Q. How much does it cost to fix a car that turns off while driving but turns back on?
Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. Simple fixes like replacing a fuse or fuel filter are inexpensive, while fuel pump or sensor replacements can be costlier. Getting a professional diagnosis is essential.
Q. What should I do immediately if my car turns off while driving?
Stay calm, shift to neutral, try restarting the engine, and safely pull over to the side of the road. Turn on hazard lights and seek professional help as soon as possible.