Engine shuts off when transmission is in drive

2003 TOYOTA COROLLA
150,000 MILES • 1.5L • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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OLAWALE IGNATIUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Runs fine in drive and neutral but shuts offs in drive.
Mar 19, 2021 at 5:54 PM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
I assume you mean it runs in park and neutral but shuts off in drive? If so this is most likely due to a locked up torque converter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

This is basically like when you let the clutch out but don't accelerate. The engine just stalls so when the torque converter clutch is stuck on it does the same thing.

The only way to fix this is to replace the converter.

So to confirm this we need to start with checking for codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Then we need to use a scan tool and monitor the input and output turbine shaft speed sensor on the transmission. The torque converter should be disengaged so the speeds should be different. If they are 1:1 then the converter is locked up and it just stalls the engine.

Let me know if you have questions or what you find. Thanks
Mar 20, 2021 at 2:07 AM
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