Car engine shuts off when in reverse

ETHANWAITS21

MEMBER
1989 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
102,823 MILES

I have a 1989 Cutlass Ciera Oldsmobile, when I put it in reverse it cuts off. But it is fine when I put it in drive. Any ideas?

Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 12:30 PM

5 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good afternoon,

This happens due to the torque converter is locking up. It is like trying to start out in fifth gear from a light.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

How does the transmission fluid look? Is it dirty or discolored?

How long since you changed the fluid and filter?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Roy

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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 3:46 PM

ETHANWAITS21

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Transmission fluid is a little low, and I haven't changed the filter since I got the car last year.

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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 5:04 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Got it.

You can try changing the oil/filter in the trans and see if it helps. If it does not, then most likely the torques converter will need to be replaced.

Roy

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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 5:12 PM

ETHANWAITS21

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3 POSTS

Do you know how much that would cost and if I can replace it myself or do I have to take it to a shop?

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Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 AT 7:03 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

You need a lift and the sub frame has to be removed then the transmission has to be removed.

At a shop they would charge about $1,000.00 to $1,200.00.

Roy