Just like other machines, cars require proper maintenance to perform effectively. One of these routine maintenance practices is an oil change.
However, after an oil change, your car can stall and leave you stranded on the road. This is not only frustrating but can also be dangerous. Imagine what could happen if your car stalled on the road late at night.
Some of the reasons why a car may stall after an oil change include an oil leak, an overfilled tank, a faulty oil pump, or a clogged filter. Issues with the ignition and fuel systems can also cause the stalling.
Overall, there are several potential reasons why your car could stall after an oil change. It is, therefore, important to identify the root cause and address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to the engine.
What Causes a Car to Stall After Oil Change
If your car stalls after an oil change, it could be because of any of the following reasons:
1. Oil-Related Issues
Any issue that affects the quality or flow of oil to the engine can cause stalling. Some of these issues include:
Wrong Type or Grade of Oil:
If you use the wrong type/grade of oil in your car’s engine, it can cause it to stall. For instance, using thin oil in a hot climate can make the engine overheat from poor lubrication and stall.
Using thick oil in a cold climate can make the engine struggle to start or stall.
Overfilled or Underfilled Oil:
If you add too much oil to the engine during the oil change, the oil can foam, reduce pressure and cause the engine to stall.
An underfilled engine can also lead to stalling because of oil starvation.
Oil Leaks:
Oil leaks usually occur if the oil pan gasket is damaged or the oil filter is not properly tightened. These leaks can result in low oil pressure and cause the engine to stall.
Contaminated oil:
If you use contaminated oil in your car, it can clog the engine’s oil passages, causing stalling. Contaminants can include dust, dirt, metal shavings, or any other particles that could have gotten into the oil during transportation or storage.
2. Fuel System-Related Issues
Some fuel-related problems that may arise during or after an oil change and cause stalling include:
Air in the Fuel System:
When changing the oil, air can enter the fuel system if the tank is almost empty before the oil change. This air can cause stalling and rough idling.
Faulty Fuel pump:
The faulty pump delivers fuel to the engine. If it malfunctions, the engine might not receive enough fuel to run, causing stalling.
Faulty Fuel Pressure Regulator:
A faulty fuel pressure regulator can cause low fuel pressure and result in stalling or hesitation.
3. Ignition System-Related Issues
An ignition system ignites the fuel in the engine. If it is not working properly, it can cause the engine to stall.
Some of the ignition system issues that can cause stalling include:
Broken Spark Plug Wires:
Any spark plug wires that are broken or damaged during the oil change can cause misfires in the engine, causing it to stall.
Damaged Ignition Coil:
If the ignition coil is damaged during the oil change, there will be no sparks, resulting in stalling.
Faulty Ignition Switch:
If the ignition switch is defective, it won’t send the correct signals to the engine control module (ECM). This can cause the engine to stall or not start at all.
4. Clogged Oil Filter
Your car’s engine requires enough flow of clean oil for maximum lubrication to prevent damage from excessive friction and heat. If the oil filter is clogged, it can restrict the oil flow and cause the engine to stall.
Additionally, a clogged oil filter can allow oil to bypass the filter and flow directly into the engine. This can result in oil contamination in the engine and, if not addressed in time, cause engine damage.
To prevent the car from stalling because of a clogged filter, replace the filter with every oil change.
5. Loose or Damaged Electrical Connections
Loose or damaged electrical components can cause your car to stall after an oil change. This is because the damage disrupts the flow of electricity needed to power vital engine components.
If the components do not receive the required power, they may not function properly and can cause stalling.
Some engine components that rely on electrical power include the sensors, ignition system, and fuel pump.
If these components fail to function as required, the engine may receive incorrect readings from the sensors and only a minimal amount of fuel or spark. This will cause your car to stall.
Additionally, if the mechanic disconnects some electrical connections during the oil change but fails to reconnect them properly after the task, they might become loose and cause electrical issues.
6. Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
The EGR system reduces harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by recirculating some of the exhaust gases back into the engine intake manifold. The valve controls the gas in the engine.
If the EGR valve is faulty, it may be unable to regulate the portion of the exhaust gas that goes back to the engine. This can disrupt the engine’s air/fuel mixture and cause stalling.
A faulty EGR valve can also cause a build-up of carbon deposits in the engine, clog the engine’s intake manifold and affect the engine’s performance.
How to Fix a Car That Stalls After Oil Change
Although a stalling car can be frustrating, fixing it is quite easy. By identifying the problem, you can repair it or know the type of repair to pursue.
Check the oil level with a dipstick and ensure it is within the recommended range. Underfilling or overfilling can affect the engine’s performance.
Inspect the drain plug, oil filter, and oil pan gaskets in case of leaks. Tighten any loose components or replace the worn-out and damaged parts.
If there is a problem with the fuel system, check the fuel filter, fuel pump, and fuel lines for any issues. Get a professional mechanic to fix the machine if you need help fixing the problem.
A disconnected electrical connector or sensor can cause stalling. Ensure that they are connected correctly and securely.
Overall, if you cannot fix the issue by yourself, take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for repair.
Can too much oil make a car stall?
Yes, too much oil can cause a car to stall. The Extra oil in the engine can build excessive pressure causing the crankshaft to whip the oil into a foam.
Foamy oil is a poor lubricator and, thus, may not lubricate the engine’s moving parts, causing stalling.
Also, excess oil in the engine can rise above the maximum oil level, enter the combustion chamber, and foul the spark plugs, causing misfires. The misfires can lead to stalling.
Can low oil cause a car to stall?
Low oil in the engine can cause a car to stall because of poor lubrication, overheating, and oil pressure loss.
When the engine runs low on oil, the moving parts can rub against each other and cause increased friction and heat, leading to stalling.
Increased friction and heat can make the engine overheat and cause it to stall as it struggles to function under extreme conditions.
Low oil pressure can lead to engine damage and stalling.
Can bad oil cause a car to stall?
If the oil is contaminated with dust, dirt, and debris, it can clog the oil passages and restrict the oil flow to the engine. This can cause stalling.
Always use high-quality oil to prevent this from happening.
Can needing an oil change make your car stall?
Needing an oil change can’t make your car stall, but it can contribute to problems that cause stalling.
For instance, if the engine oil becomes dirty over time, it loses effectiveness. If you do not change it, it may fail to lubricate the engine’s moving parts, eventually leading to stalling.
Can a car stall from old oil?
Yes, a car can stall from old oil. Old engine oil can become dirty and clog the oil passages. This reduces the flow of oil to the engine and causes stalling.
Additionally, old oil becomes thin and less effective at protecting the engine’s moving parts from wear. This can result in a damaged engine and eventually stalling.
