Engine shuts off when transmission is shift into drive?

Hi,

It could be related to the torque converter. That is what allows the engine to remain running when the vehicle is stopped.

Have you checked to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored in the system? On this vehicle, I would recommend having the can-bus scanned. CAN stands for controller area network.

Basically, all the computers/modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the module storing them.

Here is a link that explains how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Let me know. Also, let me know if it jumps when this happens as if you popped the clutch on a vehicle having a manual transmission.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

If it stalls, does the vehicle lurch or does it do anything out of the ordinary other than stall? Also, are the engine RPMs low when it happens? Have you ever noticed a rough idle?

I'm asking because if there was an issue with the torque converter or transmission, it should have set a code.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

If the RPMs slowly reduce, will the vehicle move when it is happening? If it does, that sounds more engine related and not transmission. If you would have told me it would lurch and stall, then I would think it was the torque converter.

Does it respond the same way all the time? I'm sorry for so many questions. I'm just trying to get a clear understanding.

Joe

If it is neutral, are you able to rev the engine normally? If so, I suspect something is failing in the torque converter.

Joe

Hi,

Based on your description, my first suspicion is with the transmission and not the engine. If I was to start checking, I would start with the torque converter clutch assembly. I need to confirm something. You identified the vehicle as an RX300. I'm only showing an RX350 in the manuals. Could you confirm the model for me?

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

Is this an RX350? Also, the converter itself may not be the problem. It could deal with a line pressure issue, the TCC, and so on.

I need confirmation of the model. If it is an RX300, I have no info on it, and I'll have to go about testing differently.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

The converter would need to be replaced.

There are two different transmissions for this vehicle. I attached the directions for testing line pressure below.

The first 7 pics are for the U660E transmission, and the remaining are for the U660F.

I hope this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

As always, you are very welcome. If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you and what is found.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

The leak would likely be internal (valve body). As far as the clutch being defective, that could indicate a few things. Something could be preventing it from engaging, clutches have failed, but I don't think a hole is likely.

Take care,

Joe