Why Your Mercedes Shuts Off When You Step On The Gas Pedal

Your Mercedes could be suffering from a malfunctioning ignition system, fuel pump, fuel filter, or other parts that need to be investigated by a qualified mechanic. An inspection can be performed by the mechanic to diagnose the problem and suggest repair options. Having your car inspected as soon as possible is vital if your car turns off when you step on the gas pedal.

As a preliminary step toward understanding your Mercedes’ problem, let’s look at some common causes.

Possible Causes

When you attempt to accelerate, your car might stall or stumble due to a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the more common causes.

Fuel pump malfunction

An engine gets fuel from the gas tank by means of the fuel pump. A malfunctioning fuel pump will result in less fuel reaching the engine, which will adversely affect performance, and ultimately lead to the vehicle’s inability to start.

During acceleration, hesitation is one of the first signs of a malfunctioning fuel pump. It is likely that the vehicle will lose power during idling as the problem progresses, and eventually, it may shut down.

Vacuum leaks

Car engines are essentially large air pumps. During combustion, air is drawn into the cylinders and mixed with fuel which is then compressed and ignited. Using a butterfly valve, air is drawn into the system, which creates a vacuum. Several auxiliary devices are powered by the vacuum.

Engine performance can be adversely affected by even the smallest leaks. A rough or excessively fast idle speed is to be expected. Another common problem associated with vacuum leaks is misfiring or hesitation during acceleration. It is likely that the car will stall as the leak worsens. Additionally, the “Check Engine” light may be illuminated, and a hissing sound may be heard.

Ignition system failure

The ignition coil is responsible for delivering power from the battery to the spark plugs, which ignite the fuel and cause the engine to run. As the ignition system wears out, the vehicle will exhibit a number of symptoms.

One of the first symptoms you may notice is misfiring. Misfiring is a consequence of improperly firing ignition components which results in incomplete combustion. You will have trouble starting your vehicle as the situation progresses, as well as a drastic reduction in your fuel economy. It is possible that this issue will result in a flashing “Check Engine” light.

In the end, the ignition system will fail, and your car will start misfiring and stalling. Sputtering, coughing, and jerking may be expected, especially at high speeds. The car may stall if irregular sparks are present, and it may even shut off when you come to a complete stop.

Fuel filter failure

Fuel filters clean the fuel before it reaches the engine to protect the fuel injectors. It is important to replace them on a regular basis in order to maintain the performance of an engine. Fuel filters should be replaced at the recommended intervals to maintain optimum engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Fuel filter failure can present similar symptoms to fuel pump failure. One of the first signs of a problem may be a loss of power, particularly during acceleration. Eventually, the fuel filter may become clogged, preventing the engine from receiving fuel, leading to a no-start condition.

Visit Paladin Automotive For Auto Servicing

It is important to note that all conditions leading to this type of stalling problem are quite severe and need to be addressed as soon as possible. You will not be able to have any of these problems resolved without a repair, and as they continue to worsen, your car may become completely inoperable, posing a safety hazard to you and your passengers.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with us at Paladin Automotive if your car stalls frequently, shuts down when you step on the gas pedal or runs rough. We will provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs after our skilled service technicians determine the source and cause of the stalling issue.

We are proud to serve Mercedes drivers in Spring Valley, Summerlin, and Las Vegas, NV. Call or stop by today to learn more about how we can help!