Q: Car stalling at random, could be an electrical problem?

asked by on September 29, 2016

What's been happening is that my Jeep has been stalling randomly while driving. This will happen while accelerating and decelerating at anytime. It seems completely random without warning. Then it won't start back up for a while. Everything will come back on, the engine will not turn over. It'll take ten minutes to an hour until I can start it back up again. At first we where thinking that it was the battery connectors so we changed those. That didn't work. So I was pretty sure that it was electrical, because the engine was still getting gas. So I checked the wires and noticed a plug near the coolant tank was loose and troubleshooted it by wiggling it while the engine was running and it gave me the same symptoms as when the car was stalling so I was thinking that was it. But the engine was still stalling even after I securely fastened that plug. Then I changed spark plugs and the coil unit and it was still cutting out. I also used a code reader on it and the only thing that came up was

Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Generally, when the car is running consistently and on all cylinders, when stalling it is often times a fuel supply issue (or in some cases indirectly related to electrical - i.e. bad connection or pulse to the fuel injectors).

I would recommend having the car diagnosed with a scanning tool by one of our professionals at YourMechanic to download the fault codes in the computer which will help to better indicate what the problem is specifically.

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 make a phone call with Bluetooth?
If your phone is Bluetooth (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/5-essential-things-to-know-about-your-car-s-bluetooth) capable and it’s paired with your car’s audio system, you can use the hands-free system to accept or make phone calls. Here’s how to do it: Turn the ignition to on. Make sure your...
Seat belt won't work on rear driver's side.
If the seat belt will pull all the way out but simply not fasten to the latch, the latch has been compromised. Removal of the rear seat will be required and a new latch from the manufacturer installed. I would...
Can i buy a used pcm and have the dealership reflash it to my car?
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Dodge Challenger. From what you've described, this is a question you'll have to ask the dealer. Most PCM's I know of do not let you reprogram them to a different vehicle VIN number...
I'm getting new tires installed but I can't afford an alignment for a week. Is that OK?
You should be fine. If you aren't having a problem with you steering veering to the left or right excessively, or a wear and tear problem then you will be fine. Even if you are having problems with the front...
My car cranks and seems to fire once but won't start - 1991 Toyota Tercel
Hi there. From the description you have provided, these symptoms need to be properly diagnosed. Replacing parts, without diagnoses, can be expensive and time consuming. Assuming the engine is mechanically sound, the description you provided about the spark plug condition...
The car jerks and the lights flicker when idling.
I would recommend to start by checking the alternator connector, battery connections, battery cables including the wire to the main fuse/relay box, and grounds. If you hold the engine rpm to a stable 1000 rpm with the throttle, check to...
Car is stalling when giving too much gas. Won't start.
This may be a sign of a failing throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a sensor used to monitor the throttle position of the throttle plate inside the throttle body in relation to your foot position on...
I bought an 2004 Audi A6 Quattro Sedan mode l3.0 v6 4 door for $1,000. The owner said he think it's the transmission and battery.
If gasoline was left in the fuel tank for more than 3-6 months, the tank would have to be thoroughly drained. Old gas will NOT start an engine. The fuel filter should be replaced as well. If the car has...
Jerking reaction
Hi There, This may be a result of low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or potentially a faulty transmission control module. A faulty transmission control module may cause a delay in acceleration or erratic shifting of gears. The transmission control module has...

Related articles

P2005 OBD-II Trouble Code: Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open Bank 2
P2005 P2005 trouble code definition P2005 is a general OBD2 trouble code that indicates a malfunction with the intake manifold runner control circuit. This code is similar to P2006, P2007, P2008, P2009, P2010, P2013 and P2015. What the P2005 code...
P0779 OBD-II Trouble Code: Pressure Control Solenoid B Intermittent
P0779 means that the Pressure Control Solenoid B, is receiving intermittent voltage signals due to low or dirty fluid, faulty solenoid, or module.
B1927 OBD-II Trouble Code: Passenger Side Airbag Fault
B1927 means there is an issue with the passenger side air bag, usually due to defective electrical components.