{"id":3026,"date":"2022-11-17T07:10:57","date_gmt":"2022-11-17T07:10:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/?p=3026"},"modified":"2022-12-30T03:30:01","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T03:30:01","slug":"reasons-your-car-shuts-off-while-idling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reasons-your-car-shuts-off-while-idling\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Reasons Your Car Shuts off While Idling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We all get anxious when dealing with car troubles, but it\u2019s crucial to get them fixed quickly. If your car shuts off while idling, you\u2019ll want to handle the situation before it worsens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been dealing with your car shutting off while idling, we\u2019re here to help. Read on for a quick guide on what it means and how to fix it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-1024x559.jpg\" alt=\"Car Shuts off While Idling\" class=\"wp-image-3027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-1536x839.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reasons-your-car-shuts-off-while-idling\/#What_Does_It_Mean_When_Your_Car_Shuts_off_While_Idling\" title=\"What Does It Mean When Your Car Shuts off While Idling?\">What Does It Mean When Your Car Shuts off While Idling?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reasons-your-car-shuts-off-while-idling\/#Diagnosing_a_Car_That_Dies_While_Idling_but_Restarts\" title=\"Diagnosing a Car That Dies While Idling but Restarts\">Diagnosing a Car That Dies While Idling but Restarts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reasons-your-car-shuts-off-while-idling\/#What_Causes_an_Engine_to_Stall_at_Idle\" title=\"What Causes an Engine to Stall at Idle?\">What Causes an Engine to Stall at Idle?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reasons-your-car-shuts-off-while-idling\/#How_To_Fix_a_Car_That_Randomly_Dies_While_Idling\" title=\"How To Fix a Car That Randomly Dies While Idling?\">How To Fix a Car That Randomly Dies While Idling?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/reasons-your-car-shuts-off-while-idling\/#Driving_Off\" title=\"Driving Off\">Driving Off<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_It_Mean_When_Your_Car_Shuts_off_While_Idling\"><\/span><a><\/a>What Does It Mean When Your Car Shuts off While Idling?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your car shutting off while idling almost always means some issue with your engine. The problem could be gas flow, a loose cap, or a damaged <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/transmission-engineering\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">transmission<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter what the issue is, you have to handle the problem quickly. If you aren\u2019t sure how to diagnose the problem, you should take your vehicle to your local dealership or mechanic. They can diagnose the problem faster and handle it quicker than the average DIY enthusiast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diagnosing_a_Car_That_Dies_While_Idling_but_Restarts\"><\/span><a><\/a>Diagnosing a Car That Dies While Idling but Restarts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What if your car shuts off but comes back on? Some vehicles may shut off when idling in traffic but come back on if you turn the ignition again. Here are some of the situations in which you may find this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Car Dies While Idling in Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your car is shutting down while in park, the problem is likely severe. Most sources state that this problem will typically lie in the transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It isn\u2019t a guarantee that your problem rests in the transmission, but you should expect this as the source of your woes. However, the fix might prove simple, such as low fluids that you can replenish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Car Dies While Idling In Drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your car dies while idling in drive, it could pose a significant threat. Your car shutting down in traffic like this can strand you, hold up traffic, and put your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationwide.com\/lc\/resources\/auto-insurance\/articles\/driving-safety-tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">life in danger<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your car has shut down while in drive, don\u2019t waste time trying to guess at a fix. Get your vehicle to professionals as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Car Shuts off While Idling With AC On<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people report having their <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/issues\/reasons-your-car-shuts-off-while-driving\/\">car shut<\/a> down if it\u2019s idle with the air conditioning on. The most common reason for this is the IAC (Idle Air Control). Faults such as build-up or poor flow can <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/engine-knocking-sound-at-idle-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/\">cause idling<\/a>, stalling, or shutting down to reduce strain on your system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_an_Engine_to_Stall_at_Idle\"><\/span><a><\/a>What Causes an Engine to Stall at Idle?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, there are plenty of reasons why your engine may shut down while idling. This issue makes it more difficult to diagnose what is causing your problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are five of the most common reasons. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other reasons why you may face the problem. These are simply the most likely to be the culprit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Defective Airflow Sensor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your vehicle has multiple sensors that work to make sure your engine functions properly. These sensors monitor fuel and airflow as they mix in your engine. These sensors communicate with your control module to keep tabs on everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a defective sensor, it may have told your <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/diagnosing-fixing-a-bad-transmission-control-module\/\">control module<\/a> to shut the engine off. The sensors do this to prevent significant damage or hazards. Thankfully, this is often an easy fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"663\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-2-1024x663.jpg\" alt=\"Car Shuts off While Idling \" class=\"wp-image-3028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-2-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-2-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-2-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-2-1536x994.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Car-Shuts-off-While-Idling-2.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Failing Spark Plugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We hear about <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/spark-plugs\/signs-and-symptoms-of-bad-spark-plugs\/\">spark plugs<\/a> often, but what do they do? Your <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/spark-plugs\/how-many-spark-plugs-does-a-diesel-engine-have\/\">spark plugs ignite the fuel<\/a> and air in your engine, but this causes some wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Namely, carbon deposits will build up on the plug. Because of this, your spark plugs will regularly need replacing to ensure they don\u2019t stop your engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Fuel System Malfunction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/smells-clean\/techron-vs-seafoam-fuel-system-cleaners\/\">fuel system<\/a> is intricate with sensors, plugs, hoses, valves, and more. That creates quite a few points of failure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A malfunction with your fuel system may cause your engine to stall or shut down. Have a professional look under the hood to see if there are problems with your fuel system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Transmission Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Transmission issues are among the most common causes of your engine shutting down. That could mean anything from low fluids to problems switching gears. Specifically, you should check the <a href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/engine\/bad-torque-converter-symptoms-and-replacement-cost\/\">torque converter<\/a>, as this component can cause your motor to stall during a malfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Damaged Valve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Several valves may become damaged. For example, your Idle Air Control valve can cause your vehicle to stall. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve can also prove problematic and shut your engine down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Fix_a_Car_That_Randomly_Dies_While_Idling\"><\/span><a><\/a>How To Fix a Car That Randomly Dies While Idling?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With all these issues, how do you fix the problem? Here are five quick fixes to help keep your engine running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Replace Damaged Parts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Any damaged or broken parts need replacing. If your valves or hoses are causing an engine to shut down, you\u2019ll need to fix the problem before you continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Routine Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Routine maintenance and tune-ups are great ways to keep your engine running. For example,&nbsp; if the issue is your spark plugs, you can replace them during this time. Many other parts are inspected and replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Repair Vehicle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your vehicle has sustained damage from an accident or a fender bender, repairing the damage may fix your issue. You could discover that minor damage has thrown off one of your sensors, shutting down your engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Professional Help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, it\u2019s often best to bring your vehicle to the professionals. Whether you prefer a dealership or a local mechanic, get your car to someone who can help you with your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Rebuild Transmission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In some severe cases, a broken transmission may need repairing. Check smaller components first, such as your torque converter. While costly, this fix can keep your engine turning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Driving_Off\"><\/span><a><\/a>Driving Off<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your car shuts off while idling, you could be in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.in.gov\/indot\/safety\/safe-driving-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">danger when you drive<\/a>. Look into the problems we\u2019ve diagnosed here to see if these issues are what\u2019s causing your issue. When in doubt, always bring your vehicle to professionals for proper repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on how to keep your car running, be sure to browse our site!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We all get anxious when dealing with car troubles, but it\u2019s crucial to get them fixed quickly. If your car shuts off while idling, you\u2019ll&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3027,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3026","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-engine","wpcat-8-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3026"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3026"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3026\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3420,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3026\/revisions\/3420"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3027"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3026"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3026"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3026"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}