1. Fuel pump issues. If your fuel pump is not working properly, it may not be able to provide enough fuel to the engine, which can cause it to cut out. This is especially likely to happen when you are driving at high speeds or under heavy acceleration.
2. Clogged fuel filter. If your fuel filter is clogged, it can prevent fuel from flowing freely to the engine, which can also cause it to cut out. This is most likely to happen if you have not had your fuel filter changed in a while.
3. Bad spark plugs. If your spark plugs are worn out or damaged, they may not be able to create a strong enough spark to ignite the fuel in the cylinders, which can cause the engine to cut out. This is especially likely to happen when the engine is cold.
4. Faulty ignition coil. If your ignition coil is faulty, it may not be able to provide enough voltage to the spark plugs, which can cause the engine to cut out. This is most likely to happen when the engine is hot.
5. Bad camshaft sensor. If your camshaft sensor is faulty, it may not be able to provide accurate information to the engine's computer, which can cause the engine to cut out. This is most likely to happen when the engine is running at idle.
6. Faulty Crankshaft Sensor The crankshaft sensor is responsible for detecting the position of the crankshaft and transmitting this information to the engine's computer. If the crankshaft sensor is faulty, the engine computer will not be able to properly control the fuel injection and spark timing, which can cause the engine to cut out.
7. Vacuum leaks A vacuum leak can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to the engine cutting out. This is most likely to happen when the engine is idling or under load.
If your Vauxhall Astra is cutting out while driving, it is important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.