Troubleshooting / Engine Stalls on Steep Grade

• Why does my engine stall?
• Why is my engine running rough?
• Why won't my engine crank over?
• Why does my engine have low power output?
• Why does my engine hesitate?
• How an engine works
• How to check compression
• How to retrieve trouble codes
• How to test engine vacuum
• How to test fuel delivery system
• Engine cranks but wont start
• Engine cranks excessively
• Engine stalls
• Engine vibration
• Engine has excessive smoke
• Rapid ticking sounds when engine is cranked
• Engine has lean mixture codes
• Engine idles high
• Engine idles low
• Engine is making excessive noises
• How to tune up your engine
• How to jump start your engine
• How to change engine oil and filter
• How does a MAF mass air flow sensor work?
• How to test an oxygen sensor
• How to test a fuel injector
• How to open a car hood

Engine Stalls at Top of a Steep Hill (grade)

On long hills or steep grades your cars engine is under extreme stress, testing all powertrain operating systems in the vehicle. These conditions can overload components causing them to fail resulting in engine operation failure (engine stall). After the car has cooled the engine will restart and run again until driven up a steep hill, then the process starts over again. We have listed some common problems and some that are more difficult to diagnosis.

Troubleshooting

• A. Testing Fuel Pressure. A fuel pump can fail with extreme use causing the engine to fail. Test for proper fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge. Connect the gauge to the test port on the fuel rail. Fuel pressure reading's vary depending on the system your in our vehicle, but most throttle body injection cars (TBI) are between 13 psi and 17 psi. and most (DPI) direct port injection systems are between 35 psi and 65 psi. To find out your vehicles fuel pressure consult a repair manual. If low fuel pressure is present the fuel pump needs to be replaced.
  Test Fuel System Pressure Video
   
• B. Test for Weak Ignition Spark. An ignition system can fail under extreme conditions. A weak ignition system can be a sign of a failing ignition component. Remove spark plug wire and insert an extra spark plug into end of wire, attach spark plug to engine ground then crank engine. You should observe blue spark between spark plug gap and ground source. If a yellow spark is observed, your ignition coil is weak and needs to be replaced. If your spark is not consistent you may need an ignition module or crank angle sensor.
  Test Ignition System Video
   
• C. Non-Adjusting Cam Lifters. The camshaft lifter or sometimes referred to a cam follower adjusts the valve lash or clearance between the camshaft and the intake or exhaust valve. When the engine is under extreme conditions the exhaust valve will expand. If the valve lifter does not adjust properly (due to improper maintenance) the lifter will hold the exhaust valve open causing the engine to lose compression and stall. Once the exhaust valve cools it contracts the valve size allowing the cylinder to regain compression. To repair this problem you must replace the camshaft lifters.

For exact specific repair procedures for any of the steps above visit our online repair manual page.

Troubleshooting / Engine Stalls on Steep Grade

Check Manufacturer Specific Engine Stall Questions and Answers

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