Car Dies When in Gear Transmission
Introduction
If your car dies when you put it in gear, it can be a very frustrating and dangerous situation. There are a number of potential causes for this problem, and it’s important to diagnose the issue correctly in order to get it fixed.
Causes of Car Dying in Gear
There are a number of potential causes for a car to die when it is put in gear. Some of the most common causes include:
- Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve: The IAC valve controls the amount of air that flows into the engine at idle. If the IAC valve is faulty, it can cause the engine to stall when it is put in gear.
- Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): The TPS tells the engine how much fuel to inject. If the TPS is faulty, it can cause the engine to stall when it is put in gear.
- Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor: The MAF sensor measures the amount of air that flows into the engine. If the MAF sensor is faulty, it can cause the engine to stall when it is put in gear.
- Fuel Pump: The fuel pump supplies fuel to the engine. If the fuel pump is faulty, it can cause the engine to stall when it is put in gear.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical problems can also cause a car to die when it is put in gear. These problems can include faulty wiring, a bad battery, or a faulty alternator.
Diagnosing the Problem
If your car dies when you put it in gear, it’s important to diagnose the problem correctly in order to get it fixed. You can start by checking the following:
- Check the IAC valve: The IAC valve is located on the throttle body. It is usually held in place by two screws. To check the IAC valve, disconnect the electrical connector and then remove the two screws. Once the IAC valve is removed, you can inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. If the IAC valve is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the TPS: The TPS is located on the throttle body. It is usually held in place by three screws. To check the TPS, disconnect the electrical connector and then remove the three screws. Once the TPS is removed, you can inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. If the TPS is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the MAF sensor: The MAF sensor is located in the intake manifold. It is usually held in place by two screws. To check the MAF sensor, disconnect the electrical connector and then remove the two screws. Once the MAF sensor is removed, you can inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. If the MAF sensor is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced.
- Check the fuel pump: The fuel pump is located in the fuel tank. To check the fuel pump, you will need to remove the fuel tank. Once the fuel tank is removed, you can inspect the fuel pump for any signs of damage or wear. If the fuel pump is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced.
- Check for electrical problems: Electrical problems can be more difficult to diagnose. You can start by checking the battery and the alternator. If the battery is dead or the alternator is not charging, it can cause the car to die when it is put in gear.
Repairing the Problem
Once you have diagnosed the problem, you can begin to repair it. The repair will depend on the specific cause of the problem. Some common repairs include:
- Replacing the IAC valve: If the IAC valve is faulty, it will need to be replaced. The IAC valve is a relatively inexpensive part and it is easy to replace.
- Replacing the TPS: If the TPS is faulty, it will need to be replaced. The TPS is a relatively inexpensive part and it is easy to replace.
- Replacing the MAF sensor: If the MAF sensor is faulty, it will need to be replaced. The MAF sensor is a more expensive part than the IAC valve or TPS, but it is still relatively easy to replace.
- Replacing the fuel pump: If the fuel pump is faulty, it will need to be replaced. The fuel pump is a more expensive part than the IAC valve, TPS, or MAF sensor, and it is more difficult to replace.
- Fixing electrical problems: Electrical problems can be more difficult to repair. You may need to consult with a mechanic to diagnose and repair the electrical problem.
Conclusion
If your car dies when you put it in gear, it can be a very frustrating and dangerous situation. However, by diagnosing the problem correctly and repairing it, you can get your car back on the road and running smoothly again.