Engine shuts off when put in gear

1993 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
183,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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TOSHIAANN1
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When I come to a stop at a red light, my car shuts off. It will start right up, but when I put it into reverse or drive, it falls shuts off again. It does this for about 20 or 30 minutes, and then it drives just fine.
Feb 17, 2020 at 1:26 PM
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JOETECHPRO
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Hey TOSHIAANN,

It sounds like you may have a problem with the idle control or a vacuum leak when the engine is cold.

Can you please start the engine from cold and check for vacuum leaks?

Guide to checking for vacuum leaks below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let us know what you find.

Regards, Joe
Feb 17, 2020 at 2:04 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon,

This sounds like the torque converter is locked up causing it to stall at idle whether in drive or reverse.

Is the check engine light on? If it is, I need the code to see if one of the solenoids has set a failure code.

When was the last time you changed the fluid and filter?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Roy

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Feb 17, 2020 at 2:11 PM
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TOSHIAANN1
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The check engine light only comes on after it shuts off. The fluid and filter were checked about 6 months ago.
Feb 17, 2020 at 2:13 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, that was 6 months ago. You need to do it now to see if there is any metal in the pan on the magnet.

Roy
Feb 17, 2020 at 2:19 PM
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TOSHIAANN1
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Okay, thanks.
Feb 17, 2020 at 2:20 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

always glad to help.

Roy
Feb 17, 2020 at 2:24 PM