Car Stalling at Red Light - What Could Be the Issue?

Ownership and Maintenance
1

I’ve been having a frustrating issue with my car lately, and I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone who might have experienced something similar.

Every time I come to a stop at a red light, my engine seems to stall or hesitate. It’s really unnerving, especially when I’m in busy traffic. Here are some details on what I’ve noticed:

Symptoms

  • Stalling: The engine cuts off completely, requiring a restart.
  • Hesitation: Sometimes, I feel a noticeable lag, where it feels like the engine is struggling to keep running.

What I’ve Checked

  • Fuel Level: I’ve made sure I’m not running low on gas.
  • Battery: The battery seems to be in good condition; no warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Oil: Checked and it’s at the right level.

Possible Causes I’m Considering

  • Fuel Issues: Could there be a problem with the fuel pump or filter?
  • Ignition Problems: Maybe the spark plugs are worn out?
  • Sensor Malfunctions: I’ve heard MAF or throttle position sensors can cause issues like this.

Seeking Advice

If anyone has encountered this specific stalling problem or has any know-how on diagnosing these issues, I would greatly appreciate your insights. Should I take it to a professional, or are there things I can check and fix myself? Your experiences and advice would mean a lot!

Thanks in advance for any help!

7 Likes
2

I’ve had my car stall at red lights before. It turned out to be a fuel delivery issue. Check your fuel filter and pump; they could be clogged or failing.

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That’s a good point! If the fuel pump isn’t delivering enough pressure, it can definitely cause stalling. I’d also check the fuel injectors.

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True! A faulty ignition system could be another culprit, like a bad spark plug or ignition coil.

5

Don’t forget about sensor malfunctions! The throttle position sensor or mass airflow sensor can send incorrect signals and lead to stalling at red lights.

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6

Exactly! Also, a vacuum leak can affect performance. It’s worth checking vacuum hoses for any leaks.

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Ugh, doesn’t it just drive you crazy when a car stalls?! My buddy’s car does this, and he said it was a combination of a bad fuel pump and some electrical gremlins.

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That’s so true! You really have to troubleshoot these issues one part at a time. It’s like a mystery to solve!

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Could it also be an issue with the ECU? I wonder if a faulty Engine Control Unit could confuse everything, causing stalling.

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Good point, kmurphy! An ECU problem is definitely rarer, but I’ve heard of it happening. Might want to get it checked to rule it out.

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I’m feeling for you! These car issues can be so frustrating. Just hang in there, and methodically check all the things mentioned here.

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Exactly! Taking the right steps can help narrow it down without feeling overwhelmed.

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13

I once had a car stall and it was just low on gas. I laughed so hard when I found out, but hey, it happens!

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But really, are we sure it’s not just the car trying to make a statement? Sometimes I feel like my car has a personality!

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Haha! That’s a classic. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that bite us. Just double-check those basics first.

16

Right? If only cars could talk! It would be helpful to get their opinions on these issues.

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Definitely worth reflecting on! Cars can surprise us. Just when you think it’s one problem, it turns out to be another. Stay persistent!

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18

I used to have the same issue! It could be related to your fuel system. Make sure your fuel filter is clean and that you’re using the right fuel grade. A quick fix is using a fuel injector cleaner.

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I agree, also check your battery connections. Sometimes a loose cable can cause intermittent issues. Tightening them might just do the trick!

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Another thing to consider is your vehicle’s idle speed. If it’s set too low, it could stall. You can adjust it or consult your mechanic for help.