Perhaps you have wondered, “Why does my car turn off when I brake?”
You want your car to be working well every single day, yet for some reason, you notice it turning off when you step on the brake. Why does this happen?
It can be worrisome when you encounter this issue. After all, your vehicle is not supposed to act up like this, especially when it is not THAT old.
But it does happen to certain cars, and we will find out why this is so. Keep reading to learn why cars sometimes turn off when you brake and how you can prevent it from happening.
Why Does My Car Turn Off When I Brake
First of all, a car that cuts out when you hit the brakes could be presenting an issue with the transmission. If there is damage to the torque converter, or in the case of a low level of fluid in the transmission, it is impossible for the converter to work right. Hence, your vehicle will not be able to sustain power when you slow down.
As a result, the engine tends to shut off, and this is why you need to have this issue with the transmission addressed.
Another thing to think about is the fuel pump or fuel injectors. When these components are malfunctioning, then there could be an issue with the vehicle maintaining power. The fuel pump transfers fuel from your tank to your engine. Thus, if it is broken, then the fuel pressure becomes low.
While at high speeds, it should not even be a cause of concern, it can become troublesome when you slow down. This is why the engine tends to die down when you brake.
Moreover, it is possible for the injectors to get clogged up or accumulate dirt over time. This is why there may be no spray or just some erratic spray occuring.
Another possible issue is a poor mass flow sensor or oxygen sensor. Both are used to determine the amount of oxygen that enters the fuel stream. This, in turn, allows your vehicle to adjust the air-to-fuel optimal ratio.
When there is either too little or too much oxygen, there is no sufficient power to your vehicle. So, you are unable to operate the vehicle at driving speeds you desire and it may even turn off when you slow down.
Additional Things To Keep In Mind
Aside from an issue with the transmission, fuel pump, oxygen sensor, and flow sensor, you also need to check the wires in the wiring harness. When the wires are corroded or loose, then the engine will stall because of an inconsistency with the firing ignition.
Without a constant or consistent connection with your ignition circuit, there will be a quick loss of voltage to the vehicle. There, there won’t be enough power required since that’s what is required to keep the engine running even as you slow the speed down.
Read More: Does Idling A Car Charge The Battery?
Bottom Line
When you notice an issue with the engine dying as you hit the brake, then you need the help of a professional to check it for you. A professional will test drive your car to see if there is an issue with the engine such as backfires, misses, or any unusual noises.
Afterwards, the diagnosis will be followed by an analysis and recommendation of parts that need to be cleaned or replaced. It is also best to stop driving if your engine is stalling as it could aggravate the problem and may even become a safety concern for you and other vehicles on the road.