Is your car unable to turn on while driving? This is how you fix it

It is your responsibility as a owner to take care of your car. Some car owners believe their car works on magic dust. It is important to check your engine oil, coolant, and other fluids regularly to ensure that your car lasts for many years.

There are many functions and sensors in modern cars that allow you to keep your car running smoothly. Basic knowledge of your vehicle is helpful in identifying problems such as your car's shutting down while you are driving.

We will discuss the causes of your car turning off while you drive.

A bad crankshaft position sensor, or problems with the fuel system are two of the most common reasons why a car will stop working while it is being driven. You may also experience problems with your car's ignition switch or alternator.

This list is not exhaustive and does not include all the possible causes. Below is a list that explains six of the most frequent reasons why your car stops working.

There are 6 Reasons Why Your Car Does Not Turn On While Driving

1. Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor

Defective crankshaft position sensors are the main reason cars shut off when driving. Most car models require a crankshaft sensor to allow the engine to work.

Some car models also include a camshaft position sensor. This sensor can be used if the camshaft sensor fails. A faulty crankshaft sensor could cause the car to not stop completely.

You will need to replace the crankshaft position sensor in your vehicle if it has not been equipped with camshaft sensors.

2. Fuel pump/fuel system failure

 fuel pump Make sure that the fuel pump is supplying the right amount of fuel to your engine. The fuel pump must provide enough fuel for the engine to cause the motor to shut down.

There is no way to bypass a fuel pump that is failing. You will need to either fix the problem or purchase a brand new one. Another reason could be that your fuel filter got clogged, so the fuel pump can’t pump fuel through it.

Fuel filters are a very small part that is responsible for cleaning the fuel entering the engine. You can find the fuel filter here. Fuel filter is blockedIf the fuel is not sufficient, then the engine may shut down. It is simple to change a fuel filter.

The fuel tank is where most fuel pumps are located. A little mechanic’s secret is to give a kick with your foot or something similar on the fuel tank when the car shuts off. It is likely that your fuel pump has a problem if the car doesn't start.

Be careful not to hit it with anything with an edge, though, because the fuel tanks are made of plastic, and you may make a hole in it – and that is the last thing you want to do!

A bad fuel pump can cause your car to suddenly turn off when you are driving, but it could also be the reason why it is turning back on.

3. Fill up your fuel tank

Most car drivers know that it is important to regularly check the fuel level while driving.

It is fine if there is enough fuel in the tank. However, if it doesn't, or if your fuel level gauge fails to show fuel levels, then you may have an issue.

You can easily test to determine if you have a fuel sensor problem or fuel gauge. Fill 1 Gallon (4 liters), and see if the engine starts.

4. Alternator Problems

The alternator controls the electricity supply to your car. The alternator could be the reason your vehicle suddenly stops working. An alternator that is defective can cut power to critical components of your car and cause lights or engine problems. losing power.

A red alert will be triggered if the alternator has gone bad. On the battery light You can access your dashboard at any time.

The alternator is not responsible for the problem if your car has no electric power but the starter motor continues to work after the vehicle was shut down.

5. Ignition Switch Faulty

Sometimes you may need to use a Faulty ignition switch This can lead to your car being turned off when you drive. The ignition switch is installed behind the ignition lock and get’s turned while you turn the key to start the car.

Smaller metal plates within the switch can become corroded and rusted. The whole ignition may be turned off if one of these plates loses its connection.

This can cause your engine to stop immediately. This is easily checked.

When the car shuts down – check if there are still lights/ignition lights on your dashboard. If the dashboard instrument is dead – there is a big chance of a faulty ignition switch.

6. Malfunctioning Sensors

Many sensors are used in modern cars to adjust the air-fuel mix for maximum fuel efficiency. Your car's engine could die if one sensor is defective or off.

These sensors are able to shut down most engines, but not all. Sensors such as the Sensor MAFA coolant temp sensor and an oxygen sensor can cause engine failures by causing a disruption in the mixture of air and fuel.

How to fix a car that turns off when you are driving

It can be hard to diagnose a problem with a car shutting off when it happens frequently. It is easier to diagnose a problem with a vehicle that has just stopped driving.

1. With an OBD2 scanner, check the engine control module for possible trouble codes. If trouble codes are found, you can continue the diagnosis.
2. You can fill your tank with one gallon (4 liters) of fuel, to make sure the fuel is good.
3. To ensure a good battery charge, check the voltage of the car's battery and attach a charger to the car's battery.
4. After charging the battery, you should be able to start the car. The voltage can be measured with a multimeter when the car's running. The alternator will be fine if it's between 13.5-14.5 Volt and the engine is still running. However, if the voltage falls below 13.0 Volts the alternator may need to be replaced.
5. Verify that the correct fuel pressure is maintained in your engine A fuel pressure gauge. If not – check the fuel pump and fuel filter. Repair if necessary.
6. Live data can be checked with your diagnostic instrument to identify unusual values in the engine sensor. When you crank the engine, verify that the crankshaft sensor gives RPM.
7. While cranking up the starter motor, make sure you check the RPM indicator on your dashboard. If it doesn’t move – the problem is most likely the crankshaft position sensor.