From Wrangler to Gladiator, Jeep is one of the most iconic brands of 4×4 sports utility vehicles. They are good-looking and powerful, making them popular. Nonetheless, regardless of how high-performing they are, they can also be prone to several problems. Among others, one thing that you can often experience is Jeep stalling while driving.
A stalling engine is a nightmare! It is also a safety risk.
Read on and find out some of the reasons why this happens as well as the things to do and how you can prevent it.
Common Reasons for Jeep Stalling While Driving
If your Jeep’s engine stalls, do not panic. Instead, pull over to a safe place and relax. Take the time to think of the potential causes, including the following:
Lack of Fuel
You might have been too busy and you forgot to refuel. Or, your Jeep might be suffering from problems in the fuel delivery system. Either way, with a lack of fuel, your Jeep’s engine will start stalling in the middle of your drive and will soon stop running. Before it happens, make sure that you are already in a safe spot, so you won’t be a disturbance to others.
Aside from running out of gas, it is also possible that the fuel pump has died. Or, the fuel pressure regulator might be experiencing a problem. It is also possible that your fuel filter is clogged, making it unable to work effectively. More so, using the wrong fuel can also contribute to this problem.
Lack of Airflow
Jeep engines require proper airflow to maximize performance. Plus, it is crucial for maintaining the optimal temperature and preventing overheating, especially in harsh environments. Without the right airflow, the performance suffers, which is another common reason for stalling.
There is a higher chance of lack of airflow if you are driving in an area with lots of dust and debris. They can get in the engine and restrict airflow. More so, the failure to maintain the components under the hood can also be the culprit.
Battery Failure
The battery is the energy tank or accumulator of a vehicle. Therefore, your Jeep needs full juice to deliver peak performance. It is also necessary for the optimal functionality of the electrical components. If you have an old and weak battery, your Jeep can stall while driving.
Inspect the battery regularly, looking for signs of rust and corrosion. Using a multimeter is also a must, which will let you check the charge.
See to it that the battery is clean and has full power to prevent stalling. It is also crucial to use a high-quality battery if you need a replacement so you can be confident of its long-term reliability. If you have a Wrangler, you might want to check out our roundup of the best batteries for your Jeep.
Bad Alternator
Aside from the battery, the alternator of your Jeep can also be the culprit for stalling. The alternator is a component that charges the battery, making it crucial for ensuring that the components are running as they should. Hence, if the alternator quits, your Jeep will suffer the consequence.
To give you an idea if the alternator is the one to be blamed, watch out for other signs. The failure of the battery to charge and dimming lights are some situations that can validate the alternator problem. Once the alternators fail, the spark plugs will not work.
Lack of Spark
In gas-powered Jeeps, fuel and air won’t work without spark, which is necessary for burning fuel. If there is a lack of spark, it means that the ignition system is failing. This can also be indicative of issues with the electrical components. As a consequence, the engine will stall as you drive.
To prevent this problem, you need to have spark plugs working at full capacity. Any sign of wear, such as corrosion, can minimize their performance. Keep the spark plugs clean and replace them if needed. Over time, it is prone to dirt and debris accumulation, which can also damage the combustion chamber.
Transmission Trouble
A faulty transmission is a common suspect for Jeep problems, including difficulty accelerating, hard shifting, oil leaking, and overheating. In manual transmissions, Jeeps can also be prone to stalling while driving. Braking with too much pressure and releasing the clutch too soon can also contribute to the problem.
If your Jeep has an automatic transmission and it is stalling, take this as a sign of more serious issues. It can be because of the torque converter, which can compromise the performance of your vehicle.
Faulty Crankshaft Sensor
The Power Control Module (PCM) or crankshaft sensor acts as the brain of your Jeep’s engine system. As the computer of your car, it controls the different functions, including the engine as it runs. It has individual sensors that provide the necessary information. The failure to deliver the latter will cause it to malfunction, which will result in stalling while driving.
If the problem is in the PCM, inspect it under the hood to identify a quick fix. In most cases, you will need to replace or remove the screws. Make sure that the sensors are clean and tight to maximize performance.
What To Do If Your Jeep Stalls While Driving
A stalling engine is common, so you don’t need to be scared. Even SUVs as reliable as Jeep can be prone to stalling. When it happens, here are some of the best things to do:
- Stay calm. Some people will instantly panic and feel anxious, especially when the engine stalls in the middle of a busy road or on a deserted highway. Breathe, stay composed, and think of what to do next.
- From the first sign of stalling, pull over. This will give you enough time to move in a safe spot before the engine dies. This way, you won’t become too much of a disturbance to other motorists.
- Turn on your hazard lights. It will warn others that you have a problem. This can also be a call for assistance in case someone is interested in extending a helping hand.
- Try to restart your car after the engine is turned off. If your Jeep has a manual transmission, shift to neutral. Meanwhile, for automatic transmission, shift to park.
- If it still won’t start, go out and open the hood. Watch out for the battery, alternator, air filter, and crankshaft sensor, among other components. Find out if they are broken.
- For extreme problems that are beyond a quick fix on the road, call a mechanic or towing company. Ask help from experts to handle the situation.
Related: Jeep Wrangler Won’t Start But Has Power
How to Prevent Your Jeep from Stalling
Below are some of the best things to do to prevent Jeep engine stalling:
- Learn the art of clutch control, especially if you are driving a Jeep with manual transmission. This happens when you release the clutch too quickly, which the engine cannot handle.
- Approach a standstill properly. To do this, press the brake pedal gently as you slow down. Depress and disengage the clutch pedal. Once the car is at a stop, depress the clutch again before transitioning into first gear and pulling away.
- Inspect your car regularly. This way, you can be confident that all components are working perfectly. From rust to corrosion, different problems can cause premature wear, which will cause engine stalling.
FAQs
Can a bad transmission cause stalling?
Yes, bad transmission is one of the culprits for a stalling engine. Most of the time, however, it is a result of a problem bigger than the manual or automatic transmission itself. Often, it is related to the torque converter and leaking fluids.
Do bad spark plugs cause stalling?
Yes, bad spark plugs can be the reason for engine stalling. As they fail, they won’t produce electric sparks that are necessary for the engine to function. Aside from stalling, it can lead to other problems, such as lack of acceleration and increased fuel consumption.
What happens when the engine stalls?
When an engine stalls, the car loses power. It is often not immediate. In most cases, you will feel an intense vibration and the engine will also make a weird sound. It will be obvious that it is having difficulty keeping up. The car will slow down and the engine will eventually stop.
Does stalling damage a car’s engine?
A stalling engine is not bad for your car. It does not damage the moving parts. Nonetheless, when it happens repeatedly, it can make different parts prone to wear.
Also, find out how to fix red lightning bolt warning in Jeep.
Final Thoughts
A Jeep stalling while driving is a common problem. Some of its causes include lack of fuel, insufficient airflow, battery failure, transmission trouble, and problems win the crankshaft sensor. When the engine stalls, do not panic. Pull over, try restarting, and inspect the under the hood. If you cannot handle the problem, call a mechanic for help.
