Please help

ANTHONYB

MEMBER
2000 PLYMOUTH NEON
15,000 MILES

Tranny fluid was low. I filled it to the proper level not over full.2 days later when I came to a stoplight it died. It started right back up but now when I put in reverse or drive it dies. It's like when you try to take off whithout using a clutch. But THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC. If I rev the engine and throw it in gear it won't die but again acts like it's a manual tranny. Someone told me it could be the lockout converter what is that?Can it be fixed by myself because im broke and the car can't be worth more than $600 bucks it's my only transportation. Im desperate. Thank you for any help

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,858 POSTS

Sounds like the battery might have been disconnected or run dead recently. If so, the Engine Computer lost its memory and has to relearn "minimum throttle" before it will know when it must be in control of idle speed. It also might not give you the normal "idle flare-up" to 1500 rpm when you start the engine. To meet the conditions for the relearn to take place, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals.