Q: Car is stalling while idling.

asked by on January 14, 2016

My car stalls when its idling. It only starts again after sitting for a few hours.

Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The most common problem with this condition is a faulty crankshaft position sensor. It is located near the transmission and controls ignition timing. if this is bad you may have the engine stall and will not restart. I would recommend having a technician check the voltage on the sensor to determine if this is the case. For proper diagnosis, they can also pull the codes on the computer to see if there are any other issues with the car.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I lock and unlock the doors using keyless entry?
The Keyless Entry Keypad gives you access to unlocking your truck without using your keys. It also lets you lock the doors. To lock and unlock the doors using Keyless Entry. Enter the factory code or your personal code. Press...
Water pouring out of car
Hi there. There are many components that make up your cooling system. A water pump, thermostat housing, and hoses are all common places a vehicle will leak besides the radiator. A loss of excess coolant can cause your engine to...
Doors and hatch not opening
Each of the doors would need to be checked to see if the lock actuators are keeping the doors locked or the latch in each door is bad. Removal of the inside door panels will be needed to access the...
My car cut out just before said check injection on dash now won't start or nothing just whines over like the battery was dying
In order to provide a more thorough answer, we will need more information on the type of vehicle and engine. In general terms though, when you try to start the car and only hear the starter whining, it could be...
Rough idle and low power
Hi, thanks for writing in. It sounds like you have timing chain related problems for sure (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-timing-chain). The central component, your timing chain, which maintains a critical relationship between the crankshaft, and the camshafts on your engine, has likely chewed...
Check engine light on and code P1791 showing when connected to scanner. 1997 Acura TL
Hello - the P1791 code indicates a problem with an internal speed sensor (or governor) within the transmission. This device provide RPM information from the transmission to the transmission controller - which determines when the transmission shifts up to the...
Dead battery from loose bolt connected to battery terminal
Yes, a loose-fitting or corroded battery cable to battery post connection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-battery-terminal-ends) can certainly lead to a dead battery. Corrosion builds up between the battery post and cable, creating electrical resistance. This becomes harder and harder for the alternator to...
I hear a small noise every time I accelerate the gas
With the information you have provided, it sounds like you may be hearing the air as it is being drawn into the intake manifold. There are other possible causes, but this is the first thing that comes to mind when...
questions about taxes on a car
Hi there. Tax laws vary from state to state. I suggest you investigate with your local tax collectors office for an accurate answer to this question. Your Mechanic has technicians available 7 days a week to service, repair, diagnose, and...

Related articles

Top 10 Factors to Consider When Buying a Luxury Car
The The idea of owning a luxury car is appealing. The glossy paint, swoopy lines, and prestigious badges speak of the owner’s success in life, while the interior opulence offers scented leather surfaces, high-tech telematic devices, and all the creature-comfort...
How Long Does an Ignition Relay Last?
When When trying to crank a car, you will need a few vital components to be working in order for the process to be successful. On most cars, there is an intricate network of relays and switches that allow for...
The Most and Least Expensive Cars to Insure
Car insurance quotes depend on the car make and model. The Honda Odyssey is the least expensive and the Dodge Viper is the most expensive to insure.