Chevy Traverse Shuts Off When Stopped: What Could Be Wrong?

I’ve been experiencing a frustrating issue with my Chevy Traverse where the engine shuts off unexpectedly when I come to a stop. It’s happened a few times now, and I’m trying to figure out what might be causing this problem.

Possible Causes

I’ve done a bit of research and found several potential causes that might be worth exploring:

  • Idle Settings: Could it be that the idle settings are misconfigured? I’ve heard that if they’re not set correctly, it might lead to stalling.
  • Electrical Issues: Sometimes, there are underlying electrical problems that could cause the engine to shut down. Could a faulty sensor be the culprit?
  • Fuel Supply: If there’s an issue with the fuel delivery system, it might cause the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a stop.
  • Engine Performance: General engine performance issues or lack of regular maintenance might be a factor as well.

What I’ve Tried

So far, I’ve:

  • Checked the battery and alternator, both seem fine.
  • Changed the fuel filter and spark plugs recently.
  • Made sure there’s no visible damage to electrical connections.

Seeking Help

If anyone in the community has experienced this issue with their Chevy Traverse or has any advice on what I should do next, I would really appreciate your input! Any troubleshooting tips or experiences could be really helpful. Also, are there any known recalls or technical service bulletins related to this problem that I should be aware of?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

I’ve had a similar issue with my Chevy Traverse. It turned out to be a fuel pump problem. When I was at a stop, the pump couldn’t maintain pressure. A quick fix but something worth checking!

Thanks for sharing! I’ve also heard about the fuel system being a culprit. Could it also be the fuel filter?

7 Likes

Definitely check the fuel filter! I replaced mine, and it made a big difference. A clogged filter can really affect engine performance.

I had issues with my battery too. If it’s weak, the car can shut off unexpectedly, especially at stops.

5 Likes

Good point! Batteries can be sneaky. Before I replaced my battery, the car would shut off constantly. It’s a simple check, just make sure the connections are tight too.

A friend of mine had a similar problem. For him, it was the alternator. The engine needs a consistent power supply even when idle.

5 Likes

I think you’re right, but what if it’s something more complex like the ECU? Has anyone had that issue?

4 Likes

It could be the ECU! I’ve read that sometimes it needs resetting. If it’s faulty, it can cause all kinds of problems. Definitely worth investigating.

This is all great advice! But at this point, I’m also wondering if the problem could just be bad gas? Anyone experienced that?

3 Likes

I’ve seen that happen! Bad gas can cause rough idling and stalling. Always good to fill up from a reputable station.

Yeah, bad gas can be the hidden villain! A good way to clear it out is to add a fuel cleaner to the tank occasionally.

That’s a simple tip! I wonder if the age of the vehicle could also play a part in these issues?

Definitely! Older vehicles can develop multiple issues. It might be worth getting a comprehensive diagnostic if these things don’t fix it.

5 Likes

I just wanted to add that I once jokingly said my Traverse was turning into a pumpkin when it would shut off, but now I realize it was serious!

That’s hilarious! But seriously, this is a valuable discussion. It seems like every little thing can lead to this problem!

Stalling issues in the Chevy Traverse can often trigger diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) such as P0220 or P0300. These codes can help you identify whether the issue is related to throttle position or misfiring. Checking these codes with an OBD-II scanner is a great starting point.

1 Like

That’s really helpful! Are there any common symptoms to look for alongside these codes?

5 Likes

Definitely! If you see DTC P0300, it often comes with rough idling or decreased performance. That might be an indication of bad spark plugs or ignition coils. It’s good to check those components if you’re getting that code.

Another code to consider is P0500, which relates to vehicle speed sensors. If this sensor is faulty, it might cause stalling when stopping! Anyone else experienced that before?