1992 Ford Tempo: Starts but engine shuts off when in gear.

1992 FORD TEMPO
79,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DANNY90044
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I noticed my car was running hotter than normal yesterday. When I checked the coolant reserve tank it was empty. I Filled the tank to the first line. I then drove the car and the temperature went back to normal. While idling in a drive through I heard a loud bubbling noise. The car continued to run as usual.
About 2 hours later I turned on the car. (It normally takes two tries to get the car started) I let it warm up and put it in Drive. The engine shut off but the power stayed on. I went through the same process 2 more times. On the fourth try the engine would not start. I only got a loud clicking noise.
I tried again this morning and the engine started with no problem, but continued to turn off when i put it in Drive.
Jan 3, 2011 at 10:04 PM
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FIXITMR
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you need to fill radiator not just reservoir bottle once it has drained empty. the bubbling sound might be from getting to hot again and/or air escaping out of reservoir indicating possible bad head gasket. i mean you lost antifreeze somewhere in the first place? if not a visible leak then likely out the exhaust. after refill and start up watch exhaust for dripping water and lots of steam.
Jan 4, 2011 at 2:09 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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Pressure test to help locate any external coolant leaks, if there is a head problem the base idle may be to low a causing a stall in gear, regardless of that side problem you really need to sort out the coolant loss first.

mark (mhpautos)
Jan 4, 2011 at 11:07 AM
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