Q: Car cuts off while driving

asked by on February 18, 2016

My car cuts off while driving and starts again after waiting about 45 minutes.

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

The are dozens of potential causes for your issue. Since the problem goes away after the vehicle sit and cools down, my guess is that the problem is electrical. This is because electrical resistance goes up when heat increases. When the vehicle dies, it might be a good idea to tap on the ignition module to see if the vehicle will start. The same test applies to the crankshaft position sensor. Both of these items have high failure rates on vehicles like yours. I suggest you have a trained professional, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect your vehicle for a definitive answer to your stalling issue.

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

Engine not turning over when starting.
The most common problem for the engine that will not crank (if the battery is okay) is the starter. I recommend that starter is checked (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection) for proper power getting to it from the battery and the ignition switch before...
I'm smelling gas after I drive everytime
I did not seem to find any technical bulletins for this issue. I would first recommend not driving the vehicle until you have the system checked to see what kind of fuel leak or vapor leak you are having. If...
I replaced the bulb headlight on driver side, why it not working.
Hi there. Thanks for writing in about your 2000 Lexus ES300. Sometimes the bulb is not the reason why the headlight is not working. In fact, some common causes include a bad relay, faulty electrical harness that attaches to the...
Power steering issue
If the pump is losing its pressure, then output could be the cause of the steering and noise issue. You would need to have the power steering pump tested to make sure the pump is supplying the proper pressure in...
Egr solenoid
Hi there. Once these parts are replaced you need to do the test procedure with the same plug otherwise the light will remain on. If you did the reset then the circuit will need to be tested. It can also...
Car shuts off at idle
Hi, thanks for writing in. This is a sign of a failing idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-idle-control-valve). This is a unit that regulates the air flow into the engine as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into...
Rumbling sound under hood as well as some type of liquid spewing out of a black pipe. Steam is coming out as well
Hey there. If the vehicle is overheating, the spewing liquid may be hot coolant. The area where the leak is coming from may have a component that is leaking itself or has a leaking seal. If you take vehicle to...
Whistling noise from front passenger side wheel - 2010 Scion tC
Hello. This noise is sometimes made by the "wear tab" on brake pads. This is a small metal clip that touches the brake rotor when the brake pad has a small amount of brake material left on the tab. When...
Should I worry about the water pump in my 2011 BMW 328i
Hello. I would not recommend changing the water pump unless there is an issue with it. It is common for the water pump to fail, but it does show signs of leakage first. ANy good mechanic can check it to...

Related articles

A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Buick Regal
The The 2012 Buick Regal is definitely not the Regal of yesteryear you may have heard your grandparents fawn over. This mid-size sedan has a lot of modern features that start at the engine and stretch all the way to...
How Long Does a Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Last?
The The engine’s performance is largely based on temperature measurements performed by the engine control module (ECM), also known as the vehicle’s computer. As the temperature of the engine increases, the resistance decreases which means the voltage drops. The computer...
Understanding the Buick Oil Life System and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Buick Oil Life System indicates when and what service your car needs.