When the transmission is shifted into drive or reverse the car shuts off

2011 FORD FOCUS
170,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
LT217
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Will idle fine but immediately shuts off in drive and in reverse too unless revved up then dropped into gear then it stays running and will even idle in reverse.
Apr 21, 2022 at 7:50 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

That's an interesting one. I have a few questions for you. First, when it shuts off, does the vehicle lunge in the direction you shift to? For example, if you place it in drive, does it jump forward similar to how a manual transmission would react if your foot slipped off the clutch?

Also, is the check engine light staying on when the engine is running? If it is, the first thing I would recommend is to have the can-bus scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. CAN stands for controller area network.

Basically, all the computers/modules are tied together via a few wires. They communicate back and forth with each other. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the module storing it. In this case, the transmission control module may have stored codes that a traditional scanner won't read.

Here is a link that shows how it is done:

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

Let me know as much as you can as far as the issue is concerned. Also, if you can have it scanned, that may prove beneficial in helping locate the cause of the problem.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe
Apr 21, 2022 at 12:44 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.