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 distribution
Most viewed
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 (105)
P0001
Powertrain
The PCM can't drive the solenoid that meters fuel into the high-pressure pump. Often a no-start…
High
P0011
Powertrain
The bank 1 intake cam sits further advanced than the PCM asked for, usually an oil or control…
Moderate
P0018
Powertrain
The bank 2 intake cam is out of step with the crankshaft on a V or boxer engine; chain wear…
High
P0021
Powertrain
The bank 2 intake cam is more advanced than commanded or slow to respond; compare it with bank…
Moderate
P0068
Powertrain
The airflow the engine measures doesn't match what the throttle opening says it should be.
Moderate
P0087
Powertrain
Measured fuel pressure has dropped well below what the engine computer is asking for.
High
P0089
Powertrain
The fuel pressure regulator is getting its commands but pressure isn't responding the way it…
Moderate
P0090
Powertrain
The engine computer sees an electrical fault in the wiring or coil of the fuel pressure control…
Moderate
P0093
Powertrain
Rail pressure is dropping faster than injection explains: fuel may be escaping. Stop and check…
Critical
P0102
Powertrain
The MAF signal is too weak for the PCM to accept, so it treats the circuit as dead…
Moderate
P0105
Powertrain
The PCM lost a usable signal from the manifold pressure sensor: dropouts, noise or values it…
Moderate
P0107
Powertrain
The MAP signal has fallen to almost zero volts, usually from a lost 5-volt reference or an open…
Moderate
P0120
Powertrain
The throttle position signal dropped out or glitched, so the PCM no longer trusts the throttle…
Moderate
P0122
Powertrain
The throttle position signal fell to nearly 0 volts, lower than a closed throttle could ever…
Moderate
P0170
Powertrain
Bank 1 fuel correction is far outside its normal window, lean or rich, and the ECU won't say…
Moderate
P0171
Powertrain
The engine computer is adding the maximum extra fuel it's allowed on bank 1 and still sees…
Moderate
P0190
Powertrain
The signal from the fuel rail pressure sensor has dropped out or become unusable to the engine…
Moderate
P0191
Powertrain
The rail pressure reading is electrically valid but doesn't make sense for how the engine…
Moderate
P0192
Powertrain
The rail pressure sensor signal voltage has fallen below the lowest value a working sensor can…
Moderate
P0193
Powertrain
The rail pressure sensor signal is stuck near the 5-volt limit, above anything a working sensor…
Moderate
P0200
Powertrain
The ECU found a fault in the injector control circuits that it can't pin on one cylinder, often…
High
P0216
Powertrain
The ECU can't control or confirm injection timing, usually on a diesel with an electronic…
High
P0221
Powertrain
The second throttle angle signal leaves its window or stops following the plate, so power…
Moderate
P0230
Powertrain
The engine computer found a fault in the circuit it uses to switch the fuel pump relay or pump…
Moderate
P0231
Powertrain
Voltage on the wire feeding the fuel pump is too low while the pump is supposed to be running.
High
P0320
Powertrain
The computer lost the engine speed (rpm) signal. The engine can stall suddenly or refuse…
High
P0321
Powertrain
The rpm signal is there but erratic: extra or missing pulses the computer can't trust. Expect…
Moderate
P0335
Powertrain
The engine computer lost the crankshaft position signal. Expect stalling or a crank-no-start.
High
P0336
Powertrain
Crank signal present but implausible: damaged teeth, a slipped balancer ring or debris confuse…
Moderate
P0337
Powertrain
The crank sensor signal line is stuck near 0 volts, usually a wire shorted to ground. Often…
High