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What causes cars to stall when applying brakes?

Cars can stall when applying brakes due to several reasons:

1. Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Issues: The IAC valve regulates the amount of air that bypasses the throttle plate when the engine is idling. If the IAC valve is faulty or dirty, it can cause the engine to stall when brakes are applied.

2. Vacuum Leaks: Vacuum leaks can cause the engine to run lean and disrupt the air-fuel mixture. When the brakes are applied, the vacuum increases, further leaning out the mixture and potentially causing a stall.

3. Fuel System Issues: Problems with the fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel injectors can lead to insufficient fuel delivery to the engine. This can result in engine stalling, especially when additional load is applied, such as when braking.

4. Electrical Issues: Faulty ignition components like spark plugs, spark plug wires, or ignition coils can cause misfires and stalling. When brakes are applied, the increased electrical load can exacerbate the problem, leading to a stall.

5. Transmission Problems: Issues with the transmission, such as a faulty transmission control module (TCM), torque converter, or transmission fluid issues, can cause the transmission to behave abnormally and potentially stall the engine when brakes are applied.

6. Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Malfunction: A malfunctioning TPS can send incorrect signals to the engine control unit (ECU), causing the engine to stall when brakes are applied.

7. Faulty Brake Booster: If the brake booster (a vacuum-powered device that assists in braking) is malfunctioning or has vacuum leaks, it can affect engine vacuum and potentially lead to a stall when brakes are applied.

To determine the exact cause of stalling when applying brakes, it's recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or technician who can diagnose and address the underlying issue.