The car turns off while driving but turns back on. You must have come across this problem in vehicles at some point or another. There can be some simple as well as serious reasons for this problem in vehicles. Sometimes, due to some debris in the fuel line or software error, this problem fixes itself once or twice in the vehicle.
But sometimes there can be other serious reasons for this problem, for which it becomes necessary to investigate these reasons. In this post, we will be discussing all the common as well as serious reasons why acar turns off while driving but turns back on and how to fix it.
Why Does Your Car Turns Off While Driving But Turns Back On?
If the car turns off while driving but turns back on, possible causes could be fuel system failure, software error, failure of the crankshaft or other sensors, electrical wiring problems, or engine mechanical problems.
Car turns off while driving can be a worrying issue that needs immediate attention. Therefore, let us know in detail about the possible causes of this problem, one by one.
1. Electrical or Wiring Issues
The car may also shut off while driving due to a faulty electrical connection or a bad ignition switch. Because when an electrical connection is interrupted, the sensors and other electrical components stop working during the operation of the engine. For this reason, the engine loses power and stops running. In some cases, however, some easy connections can be restored, allowing the car to start again.
2. Faulty Fuel System Components
A clogged fuel filter, a bad fuel pump, or a problem with the fuel injectors in the fuel system can also cause the car to shut down while driving. Failure of these components of the fuel system can disrupt the fuel supply to the engine, causing the engine to stall.
3. Engine Overheating
If your car shuts off and then turns back on while driving, it could be that the engine is overheating. Because the ECM can automatically shut down the engine to prevent further damage. However, the engine may be restarted with some effort after it has cooled down for some time.
4. Ignition System Malfunction
Ignition system problems, such as a faulty ignition coil or spark plug, can also cause a car to shut down while driving. Failure of components of the ignition system can also cause the engine to shut off while driving. Because it directly interrupts the ignition supply of 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, a failure of the crankshaft position sensoror camshaft position sensor causes the car to shut down while driving.
6. Battery or Alternator Failure
If the car shuts off while driving, it could also be due to a bad battery or alternator. A bad battery or alternator can interrupt the power supply to electrical components of the vehicle, causing sensors and other electrical components to stop working, which can cause the engine to shut down and your car to stall while driving.
7. Faulty Engine Control Unit
In many cases, the reason why the car shuts down while 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 a 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 errors, you should have a digital scanner scan the vehicle system.
8. Empty Fuel Tank
Sometimes running the car with extremely low fuel can also cause the car to shut down while driving. In many cases, a bad fuel gauge can also cause this problem. Because the bad fuel gauge is unable to show the actual amount of fuel, the driver is confused about the fuel. But after covering some distance, the car stops with jerks.
What To Do When The Car Turns Off While Driving (Quick Solutions)
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
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
