Engine shut off

Tiny
RONJJ22
  • MEMBER
  • GMC
I have a 1994 cutlass ciera with 139000 miles. The engine is a 4 cylinder. I was recently driving the vehicle and then when I stopped it the vehicles engine shuddered and then shut off. The vehicle started right up but then when I put it in drive it shut off again. I complete these steps multiple times. I was finally able to keep the vehicle started by placing the vehicle in neutral and reving the engine slightly then puting the vehicle into drive. What could be causing this? (Bad gas?) The vehicle also has a slight transmission leak would this be the cause.
Friday, March 10th, 2006 AT 3:56 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JPAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 307 POSTS
Does this only happen after the car is warmed up? Did u try shifting it manualy? Just triing to collect info to help process along, so if you can write back that would be great. Thnks jess s.
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Saturday, March 11th, 2006 AT 12:24 AM
Tiny
MVANNESSJR
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  • 223 POSTS
Try this. Let the car sit for a few hours and drive it around at city speeds. 25-35MPH and see if the car stalls when coming to a stop. If the car doesn't stall take it close to home or a service center and break 45-50MPH. This will engage the TCC. Try slowing down and see if the car stalls. If it does, your TCC solenoid is toast. If it doesn't then look at the neutral safety switch as a problem.
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Saturday, March 11th, 2006 AT 12:50 AM
Tiny
RONJJ22
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Day two: I have just finished driving the vehicle for over two hour at speeds over 60 mph. I was attemping to run the gas that I believe is bad out of the vehicle. I made a stop and as I slowed down the vehicle began to shutter then cut off. I did not get an opportunity to drain the tank of the bad gas and I did put more gas in the vehicle. Please advise. Thanks.
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Saturday, March 11th, 2006 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
JPAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 307 POSTS
Id try out the little test that mvannessjr posted before you repost. Pretty sure its not a bad gas problem. I was thinking TCC solenoid myself but couldnt remember the name of it in my last post. Thnks jess s./
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Saturday, March 11th, 2006 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
RONJJ22
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  • 9 POSTS
Mr problem has returned intermittently. You folks seem to think it is the torque converter soleniod? Any other thought? I am going to a transmission shop to have it checked out. Thanks.
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Monday, March 13th, 2006 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
MVANNESSJR
  • MECHANIC
  • 223 POSTS
Sounds like a classic torque convertor solenoid issue. Basically the torque convertor only kicks in when you exceed 40-45MPH and if it doesn't disengage it is like driving a stick shift car without a clutch. It will eventually die and when you put it in gear before the TCC opens up the car will die. Get a couple of estimates, a full transmission shop may overcharge you as that is there specialty.
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Monday, March 13th, 2006 AT 5:28 PM
Tiny
RONJJ22
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
What do you think this repair will cost? I also have a situation where the first or second gear shift slowly. Is this a situation where I should think about getting the transmission rebuilt (what do you think this will cost) or can they just replace the torque converter solenoid. I appreciate your assistance
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Monday, March 13th, 2006 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
MVANNESSJR
  • MECHANIC
  • 223 POSTS
Torque convertor should be between $100-$150 depending on labor. The part for your car is roughly $40-$50 or more if from a dealer. I would get this replaced rather than doing a transmission job. That's often over $1000.
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Monday, March 13th, 2006 AT 5:49 PM

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