Stall (engine)

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A stall is the slowing or stopping of a process and in the case of an engine refers to a sudden stopping of the engine turning, usually brought about accidentally.

It is commonly applied to the phenomenon whereby an engine abruptly ceases operating and stops turning. It might be due to not getting enough air, fuel, or electrical spark, mechanical failure, or in response to a sudden increase in engine load. This increase in engine load is common in a manual car when the clutch is released too suddenly.

The ways in which a car can stall is usually down to the driver, especially on manual transmission. For instance if a driver takes their foot off the clutch too quickly while stationary then the car will stall; taking the foot off slowly will stop this happening. Stalling also happens when the driver forgets to depress the clutch and/or changing to neutral while coming to a stop. Stalling can be dangerous especially in heavy traffic.

Digital electronic fuel injection and ECU ignition systems have greatly reduced stalling in modern engines .

[edit] See also

• Stall torque