Engine shuts off when transmission is put into gear

1984 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
56,000 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DMIKE3392
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
When I turn the car on it cranks over fine stays on in park but once I put it into reverse or drive it shuts off. The problem began while I was driving down the road one day it just started losing power. Now it continues to shut off as soon as I put it into gear but stays on fine In park.
Jun 5, 2018 at 4:45 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,676 POSTS
It sounds like the torque converter is locked up. When you put it in gear does the car bang and immediately stall like you let the clutch out too fast in a stick shift car?

Let us know.

Cheers, Ken
Jun 7, 2018 at 12:45 PM
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DMIKE3392
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  • 3 POSTS
Yes, like if the vehicle would stall in a manual vehicle I found it weird. When I turn it on it cranks over fine stays on in park but once it goes into drive or reverse it shuts off.
Jun 7, 2018 at 12:59 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,676 POSTS
Yes, it sounds like the torque converter has fallen apart. Here is a video showing a torque converter being replaced along with the transmission:

https://youtu.be/3vJAojsrfuU

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
Jun 8, 2018 at 4:50 AM
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DMIKE3392
  • MEMBER
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Thanks Ken, I had it checked out but it cannot be my transmission or torque converter it was rebuilt last year and I hardly ever drive the car just every other day and it was only for a short period of time. Any other advice on what it might be?
Jun 17, 2018 at 9:51 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,676 POSTS
If you can make a quick video using your phone I would know for sure. The engine runs fine unless you put it in gear it stalls instantly?
Jun 18, 2018 at 3:03 AM
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