8 Reasons Why a Car May Shut Off While Driving

If you turn the key and your engine makes a few attempts to start but fails, it’s not always because of the battery or starter. In some cars, it can be any number of different things. Check out the possible causes that may shut down your car while driving:

1. Malfunctioning sensors:

A faulty sensor is one of the most common issues that could be the reason why your car is not starting. There are various sensors that may cause this issue, including but not limited to: camshaft position sensor, crankshaft sensor, oxygen sensor, throttle position sensor, oil pressure switch and mass air flow sensor. Your best course of action is to take it to a mechanic to see how expensive it is to fix. While a sensor replacement is usually on the cheaper end, it still might be best to junk your car for cash to 114 Auto Salvage if your car has more issues.

2. Faulty Engine Control Unit:

A faulty or malfunctioning ECU might also be a common cause for a no-start condition. This may happen due to various reasons, including short-circuiting, water damage and incorrectly configured settings. Depending on the year, make and model, a faulty ECU cost upwards $2000. If you don’t want to go to a mechanic or put in the work to fix it, junk your car to 114 Auto Salvage.

3. Faulty Alternator:

An alternator can also stop working properly. This issue is usually caused by regular wear and tear, or sometimes a leak from the alternator, or leaking engine oil that got into the alternator. Depending on the type of car you have and the severity, repairing an alternator may cost anywhere from $500 to $1000. If your car is older, you may not want to get this looked at further and just junk your car to 114 Auto Salvage.

4. Faulty Fuel Gauge:

If you have an empty fuel tank but the fuel gauge is saying you still have a quarter of a tank, it’s probably due to a broken or faulty fuel level sensor. This issue may be caused by a few different things, including a failed float arm inside the tank, water contamination and even electrical problems. Depending on the severity of the problem, a faulty fuel gauge can get a bit pricey to fix, with costs reaching around $500 dollars. If you have an older car, you may be better off junking your car and getting money for it at 114 Auto Salvage.

5. There is an issue with air-fuel mixing:

Excessively high air-fuel ratios can lead to extreme pumping loss, high peak cylinder pressure, and high compressor outlet temperature. An excessively low air-fuel ratio may result in decreased combustion efficiency, black smoke, and excessive exhaust gas temperature. This can cause the car to stop suddenly. Depending on the problem, this can be a really cheap or somewhat expensive fix. If this continues to be a problem, junk your car to 114 Auto Salvage.

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6. Clogged or Faulty Fuel Pump or Fuel System:

Your fuel pump can get clogged by gas sediment, dirt, and rust. If you like to push your vehicle between fill-ups until your low gas light comes on, you’re drawing even more dirt, rust, and sediment through the fuel pump because it’s pulling the small amount of gas left from the bottom of the tank. That means more chances for the pump to get clogged. Depending on the severity of the issue, a faulty fuel pump can cause over a grand to fix. If it’s something that’s not possible to fix, junk your junk car to 114 Auto Salvage.

7. Faulty Ignition Switch:

A faulty ignition switch can also cause your car not to start. In the most basic terms, a faulty ignition means the key is not sending a signal from the switch to your fuel pump and starter. This occurs because of normal wear and tear on various components of the ignition system, as well as incorrectly configured settings in your car’s ECU. Usually a faulty ignition switch can cost up to $300 to fix. While it’s not the most expensive repair, it may be best to junk your car for cash to 114 Auto Salvage if your car is giving you other issues.

8. Faulty Spark Plugs:

A spark plug with a partially worn electrode is another common reason for your car not being able to start. This malfunctioning part is usually caused by regular wear and tear, but can also be due to problems in electrical sparking or incorrect ECU settings. Spark Plugs are usually not the most expensive thing to fix (up to $600 dollars if it’s a really serious issue, but most of the time around $200). However, if there are other issues with your car, it may be best to junk your junk car and get some extra money at 114 Auto Salvage.

9.The fuel pressure is low

Typical causes for low fuel pressure include a dirty fuel filter, weak pump, incorrect tank venting, restricted fuel lines, a clogged pump inlet strainer and faulty electrical control. While a fuel pressure regulator replacement is not the most expensive fix, if there are other issues with your car, it’s best to junk it at 114 Auto Salvage.

10.The pressure regulator is faulty:

A faulty fuel pressure regulator might also cause a no-start condition. This can happen when the regulator doesn’t have enough authority over the system, so it becomes difficult to control the fuel pressure under various engine conditions and loads. Usually the cost to replace a fuel pressure regulator can be anywhere from $150 to $350, depending on the severity of the issue. If fixing this problem is not worth it to you, you can sell your junk car to 114 Auto Salvage.
If your vehicle fails to start after several attempts, consider the above mentioned reasons and junk your junk car for cash at 114 Auto Salvage. There’s no point in wasting time and money trying to fix something when you can junk it instead! So call us today to get a free quote and get a little extra cash for your car today. 978-396-2448.

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