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Engine stalling: Codes, Causes & Fixes

An engine that dies at idle, when coming to a stop or while driving is most often starved of air or fuel, or has lost a crankshaft or camshaft position signal. Common causes include a dirty throttle body or idle air control valve, a failing fuel pump, a faulty MAF sensor and intermittent crank sensor faults. Stalling while moving is dangerous because power steering and brake assist are reduced – if it happens repeatedly, limit driving until it is fixed.

133Codes
3.1Average severity
25%High or critical
21%DIY-friendly
Severity distributionSeverity distribution

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P0101 Powertrain The MAF sensor's airflow reading doesn't match what the engine computer expects… Low P0171 Powertrain The engine computer is adding the maximum extra fuel it's allowed on bank 1 and still sees… Moderate P0335 Powertrain The engine computer lost the crankshaft position signal. Expect stalling or a crank-no-start. High P0340 Powertrain The computer lost the camshaft signal on bank 1. Expect long cranking, less power… Moderate P0505 Powertrain The engine computer can't hold idle speed where it wants it – usually a dirty or sticking idle… Low P0562 Powertrain The engine computer sees too little supply voltage – usually a charging, battery or ground… Moderate

All codes (133)

All Severity 3+ Severity 4+
P2176 Powertrain The PCM hasn't stored where the closed throttle sits, usually after a battery disconnect… Low P2187 Powertrain Bank 1 runs lean at idle but recovers once rpm rises, the classic fingerprint of unmetered air. Low P2279 Powertrain Air is getting into the engine after the mass airflow sensor, so the computer isn't measuring… Low P2293 Powertrain The second fuel pressure control stage can't hold its target; on VW/Audi 2.0T often… Moderate P2502 Powertrain The ECM distrusts the charging system – no output, wrong voltage or an implausible alternator… Moderate P2503 Powertrain The alternator can't reach the voltage the ECM asks for – usually a worn alternator or slipping… Moderate P2647 Powertrain The VTEC oil pressure switch reports the high-lift rockers engaged while the engine computer… Moderate P3191 Toyota · Powertrain The hybrid system spun the gas engine with its motor-generator, but the engine never fired up. High U0100 Network Another module stopped hearing from the engine computer on the CAN network. High U0105 Network The PCM lost contact with the separate module that fires the injectors, common on diesel… High U0107 Network The engine computer can't reach the module that drives the electronic throttle, so power is cut… High U0109 Network The PCM lost contact with the module that controls fuel pump speed; stalling or no-start can… High U0141 Network A body module labeled "A" went silent; on many trucks and SUVs it is the smart fuse box under… Moderate

Symptoms

Check engine light on 558Loss of power 214Rough idle 184Limp mode 165Poor fuel economy 146Car won't start 123Harsh or slipping shifts 80ABS / traction light on 65Fuel smell 34Check engine light flashing 22