Are you cruising in your Lexus and enjoying the smooth ride, only to be greeted with a sudden and repeated engine hesitation or even stalling? This kind of problem can make your heart skip a beat, especially when you depend on the car to get you through a very busy day or a long trip. So, why does your Lexus engine stall and what can you do about it? Let’s find out the major causes and how to deal with engine stalling issues in your Lexus.
Possible Reasons Why Lexus Engine Stalls
- Fuel Delivery Issues: First on the list of reasons why your Lexus might stall is problems with fuel delivery. If you have a clog in the fuel filter, then your engine may not be getting the fuel it needs to keep running. Aside from a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump can also lead to stalling issues because the engine is not getting adequate fuel for combustion.
- Ignition System Problems: Another system that can cause a stall is the one tasked with the responsibility of starting your engine; the ignition system. This system is made of several components that work together to ensure your engine starts running. If components like the spark plugs, ignition coil, or distributor are faulty, your engine could stall. These components have to be in proper working condition so that the car can start without any problem.
- Airflow Sensor Malfunction: The mass airflow (MAF) sensor is another key component of your Lexus since it helps in determining the amount of air entering the engine and the fuel mixture that should be used. If the MAF sensor is faulty or dirty it may provide the ECU with inaccurate information causing stalling or poor engine performance.
- Battery or Alternator Problems: This may sound unrelated but a dead battery or a bad alternator could lead to your engine stalling. When you start your engine, you need the battery to keep everything running smoothly, however, if the battery is weak or does not produce enough power, your car will turn to the alternator. This can put a lot of strain on the alternator and lead to stalling. If the electrical system is not sending enough power to the engine’s vital parts, the engine will not have enough power to continue running.
What to Do When Your Lexus Stalls
- Safely Pull Over: If you are driving and your engine cuts off, the first thing that you should do is to get out of the road safely. It’s okay to turn on the car’s hazard lights to signal to others on the road that there is a problem. Do not pull over in a spot where your car could pose a danger to other drivers or road users.
- Restart the Engine: As soon as you’re sure that your car is not obstructing traffic or posing an accident risk, try to restart the engine. If it works, drive slowly to the nearest auto service center or to your house. If the engine does not turn over or still stalls, then it is advisable to call for a tow.
- Check for Warning Lights: Do not ignore any warning lights that appear on your Lexus’s dashboard. If the check light is on, it can be a sign of a particular engine problem.
- Call a Professional: If your Lexus stalls after restarting, it is advised that you take it to a mechanic as soon as you can. Stalling is a clear indication that something is wrong and needs to be rectified to prevent more issues in the future.
Bring Your Lexus To Our Professional Mechanics At Swedish Auto Service
There are so many factors that can cause stalling in your Lexus. If your engine is stalling or showing signs of trouble, it is advisable to seek help from a professional auto mechanic such as the ones at Swedish Auto Service for diagnosis and repair. We are based in Austin, TX, and have been serving car owners in the area since 1993. If you reside in neighboring cities like Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Leander, TX, you can count on our technicians. Visit us now so your Lexus can be diagnosed and repaired using the best approach and tools in the industry.