Engine shutting off

1994 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
57,189 MILES • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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NICOLE GARRETT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Randomly, when starting to brake the motor shakes horribly and when brake pedal is pushed down fully to stop, the car shuts off. Cranks right back up but once shifted into reverse or drive, it shuts off immediately. In park is fine.
Jun 12, 2022 at 2:50 PM
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BORIS K
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 836 POSTS
Hello,

As the vehicle is fine in park it sounds like you might have a problem with the automatic transmission.

First check the transmission fluid level. This should be done in park or neutral.
See image below for transmission dipstick markings when cold and at operating temperature. These markings can be found on either side at the tip of the dipstick
The transmission fluid should be clean, red in color and in the middle of min/max.

If fluid is correct, then the next issue could be faulty torque converter.

In a car with an automatic transmission, the torque converter takes the place of the manual clutch and is responsible for transmitting power. If the torque converter is broken, or if there is a low fluid level in the transmission, the converter will not do its job, and the car will be unable to maintain power at low speeds, which causes the engine to shut off. A defective TCS or torque converter solenoid can also cause this issue.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Boris

Jun 12, 2022 at 7:48 PM
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NICOLE GARRETT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you very much.
Jun 14, 2022 at 3:36 PM
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