1. The phenomenon in which an internal combustion engine continues to run after the ignition is turned off, caused by residual heat igniting fuel.
Usage: automotive; technical

1. To continue running after the ignition has been switched off (of an engine).
Usage: automotive; present participle of diesel

Examples

• The old truck was dieseling badly, continuing to sputter for several seconds after I turned off the key.
• Dieseling can damage your engine if it happens frequently.
• My car started dieseling after I switched to lower-octane fuel.
• The mechanic said the engine was dieseling because of carbon buildup in the combustion chamber.
• To prevent dieseling, make sure your fuel has the correct octane rating.
• The engine kept dieseling even after I shut it down completely.