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1992 Ford Tempo: Starts but engine shuts off when in gear.

Tiny
DANNY90044
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 FORD TEMPO
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 79,000 MILES
I noticed my car was running hotter than normal yesterday. When I checked the coolant reserve tank it was empty. I Filled the tank to the first line. I then drove the car and the temperature went back to normal. While idling in a drive through I heard a loud bubbling noise. The car continued to run as usual.
About 2 hours later I turned on the car. (It normally takes two tries to get the car started) I let it warm up and put it in Drive. The engine shut off but the power stayed on. I went through the same process 2 more times. On the fourth try the engine would not start. I only got a loud clicking noise.
I tried again this morning and the engine started with no problem, but continued to turn off when I put it in Drive.
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Monday, January 3rd, 2011 AT 10:04 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
You need to fill radiator not just reservoir bottle once it has drained empty. The bubbling sound might be from getting to hot again and/or air escaping out of reservoir indicating possible bad head gasket. I mean you lost antifreeze somewhere in the first place? If not a visible leak then likely out the exhaust. After refill and start up watch exhaust for dripping water and lots of steam.
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Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 2:09 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Pressure test to help locate any external coolant leaks, if there is a head problem the base idle may be to low a causing a stall in gear, regardless of that side problem you really need to sort out the coolant loss first.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 11:07 AM

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