If the fuel pressure is low, your car may shut off when the brakes are pressed. Besides, a leak in your car’s cylinder can also result in this.
A faulty air control actuator could also be very much responsible for this issue. Line obstructions and faulty fuel filters could also shut your car off while pressing the brakes.
These are common reasons for your car turning off while pressing the brakes. But those are the problems and their causes; you have still got to know the solutions we only covered for you!
So, without further ado, let’s binge on!
Reasons Your Car Keeps Shutting While Pressing the Brakes?
People assume a few things when they see their car shut off while pressing the brakes. However, this is a mistake that actually deteriorates the issues.
So, here in this section, we’ve shortlisted all the possible reasons that could be responsible for shutting down your car during brake presses.
Faulty Brake Booster
A brake booster helps the driver to brake the car with minimal effort. However, a faulty brake booster can actually disrupt you’re driving too.
When this brake booster fails to operate, an excess vacuum is transferred from the engine. This extra air from the engine goes directly to your car’s fuel system.
So, once the brake booster’s internal diaphragm malfunctions and lets air escape the seal.
This is why the engine starts to stall when the fuel system malfunctions. With time, the idle drops, and the engine can function no more.
Solution
To fix your faulty brake booster, you must get a new vacuum hose for your car. This way, you have to fix the connection of the master cylinder with the brakes.
Moreover, it is a relatively easy job to do. If you even have the slightest of mechanical knowledge, you can pull off the issue easily.
However, if you are an amateur or have no experience with this, don’t proceed with it. You would need a professional mechanic to get it replaced.
Low Fuel Pressure
Low fuel pressure is another possible reason your car shuts off when trying to press the brake pedals. This happens mainly due to a bad or faulty throttle of the car.
When a throttle fails to function properly, the mixture of fuel and air gets messed up. Due to this, the engine starts to get hot with time.
As a result, the engine would start making random noises. In the worst-case scenario, the engine may get so hot that it may catch small fires.
Which makes your engine eventually fail, and your car shuts off when brakes are pressed.
Solution
To fix this issue, you have to fill the fuel tank first. You need to ensure it’s at least ¾ full. After that, check your fuel lines to see if they are perfectly connected.
Don’t forget to check the connection of your battery and fuel lines.
Finally, inspect the pressure regulator. For this, you’ll require a fuel pressure gauge to assess your regulator.
Connect it and see if it works properly. If you see this has an issue, you need to get it replaced.
Cylinder Leak
A leak in the cylinder is another good reason for your car to shut off when you press the brakes. This is because a faulty cylinder would leak fluid as you press your brakes.
Moreover, air out of the cylinder would get into it for this leak. Therefore, these air particles can get into the engine system with time.
Due to the air intake into the tube, the brake system fails to work properly. Additionally, stalling may be brought on by a brake line obstruction.
An example is a constricted brake system or a piece of rust. The anti-lock braking system vacuum leak can turn off the car.
Solution
To fix the leaks in your car’s cylinder, you can get seals used for car leaks. There are many seal elements available that can cover the cylinder leaks.
Yet, if you are reluctant about it, you can still replace your car cylinder. For better suggestions, you can also consult an expert if you like!
Faulty Air Control Actuator
When you are driving, the air control actuator regulates its RPMs syncing with the car’s engine system. The actuator would receive signals from the ECU.
This would instruct it on what RPM to maintain for the engine system to idle safely, smoothly, and at a constant speed.
The true engine RPM at idle can be seen when you depress the brake pedal.
However, the actuator gets worked up if you accelerate and press the brake very frequently. So, the actuator becomes clogged with air at times.
This results in the car shutting off when you press the brake pedal.
Solution
To resolve this, you first need to get to your vehicle’s idle air control valve. Now, take the filter box away. Then take off the air duct and the PVC hose it has.
After that, you need to disconnect the throttle body’s air duct and locate the idle air control valve opening. Finally, use the throttle cleaner to close the hole.
Line Obstruction
Line obstruction could be another reason for your car to halt when you press the brake pedal. In fact, this is a huge reason for your car to shut off.
This happens due to dirt and debris getting clogged in the pipes of your car. The tubes of and around the braking system mainly get clogged with dirt with time.
You may also see dirt clogs around your car’s disc and drum brakes. As a result, the brake system fails to function properly.
Due to this, the brake fluid cannot flow properly. Hence, your car tends to shut off when you press the brake.
Solution
To fix this, you have to clean off the dirt clogged in the brake system.
Take a brush to dust off the dirt and debris in the system. If the clog is hard to get off, you may have to wet-clean it.
So, dampen the brush to soften the dirt. You may also use a hard sheet to take out the stubborn dirt. Once you loosen the dirt, brush it off completely.
After you clean the system, let some air pass through it. However, ensure the place is not windy as it can contaminate dirt and dust again.
Faulty Fuel Filter
A faulty fuel filter could be responsible if you see your car shutting off when you press the brakes.
This is because a bad fuel filter stops the fuel from flowing and passing to the engine properly. As a result, the speed and braking system fails to function.
A fuel filter mainly turns faulty when it is clogged. This filter eventually gets jammed with time as dirt particles from the fuel slowly get to it.
Solution
To clean the fuel filter, you need to locate it first. Make sure you don’t refuel your car before you start cleaning it. Take off the fuel filter and get it into a water bowl.
Now, take a brush and clean it with water first. After that, you can use a liquid soap compatible with fuel filters.
Brush off the fuel filter gently with time to make sure you take off all the dirt out of it. Then rinse off the filter with water.
Wait for a while to let it dry properly. Finally, you can install back this clean fuel filter again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a random and sudden stall in my car be alarming?
Yes, a random and sudden stall in your car could be alarming. Although people often overlook random stalling of one’s car, no one should do it. This is because stalling often indicates the issues of internal parts of the car.
Is it problematic if the driving steering shakes at times?
It may be normal if your driving steering shakes while you start your car. It is not unusual to have a mild shake of steering. However, noticeable random shakes may indicate probable problems in your car.
Why does my car tend to fall at its speed while driving?
A car falling to a lower speed while on the run is not very common. This usually happens when there is low fuel storage in the tank. Moreover, this can also be a symptom of a faulty battery in the car.
Is it normal to hear random noises from the car while driving?
No, it is not normal to hear random noises from the car while driving. Usually, you would hear noises when your car is struggling to run. The main reason for this could be your exhaust pipe being clogged with dirt.
Why does my headlight blink and gets dim suddenly?
If your car suddenly bumps, your car headlights may blink. The light may also go dimmer for a moment. However, the headlight blinking while driving on a regular surface may indicate a lack of fuel at the moment. This could also indicate a faulty battery.
Final Words
Now you know why my car shuts off when the brakes are pressed! You must have clarity regarding this now.
However, remember not to overdo or exert too much pressure on your car, like driving for quite a long time without short breaks. These actions can worsen the condition and efficiency of your car.
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