Stalls When put In Reverse

TWIZTIDMAFIA

MEMBER
1996 DODGE NEON
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Hi, First off let me start by saying thank you guys for your prompt and always correct answers, even if they do go over my head a little bit at times. My mother has a 96 Dodge Neon, with a 95 year motor in it. A used transmission ( her old recently went out ). This problem presented itself before she got the user tranny, so I don't think thats a factor. Anyways, when the car is put in reverse, it will idle, and even roll slightly, but once throttle is applied the car immediately stalls out. It only happens in reverse, 1, 2, Drive, Neutral, Park, the engine runs fine, idles and what not. This one has really got us and a few local mechanics stumped. Please ask any questions I will get back with the answers asap. Thanks so much again.

4 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

If you "feather" the gas pedal as you put it in reverse, does it still die? When it dies, does it start right up? Does it stumble before it dies or is it like you turned off the key? My first thought is it has to be something on the main wiring harness (spark or fuel) that is going "open" or shorting when the engine torques forward in reverse.
It would be Helpful if we can narrow it down to loss of spark or fuel. Please advise

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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 12:20 PM

TWIZTIDMAFIA

MEMBER
43 POSTS

If you ease on the gas pedal, it will go in reverse, but ur right, the minute the engine rolls from torque in reverse it stalls. After stalling, it doesnt start right back up, when it does die, it dies right out, no stumble, unless you catch it trying to stall, you can ease off the throttle and "save it" from stalling. So its like you turned the key off when it stalls, jus to be more specific.

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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 12:20 PM

TWIZTIDMAFIA

MEMBER
43 POSTS

Well, as you said, the torue from the engine was causing the cam sensor to unplug, the clip on the plug is apparantly broken, and when the engine rolls, it loses contact with the cam sensor, thus killing the engine. Thanks again, you guys are always on point, and I as well as many other truly appreciate your time to help us solve these problems. Thanks again.

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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 12:20 PM

JAMES W.