I have a 1993 Ford Aerostar. Problem: Engines starts, no problem. Put automatic transmission in gear (D,R,1,2)the engine dies immediately. Put in Park or neutral, turn key, starts and runs perfectly. Put in gear, engine dies. Again and again.
UNLESS: I warm up engine for approx. 10 minutes (basically, fully warm). Then I put it into drive, it stays running, and I drive on my way.
Other symptoms: burnt transmission fluid.
Possibly shifting late when accelarating.
Transmission was rebuilt 17,000 miles ago to the tune of $2000.
Anyone know what is causing this problem? Or have this experience with their vehicle before?
The problem might be caused by a malfunctioning Idle Air Control motor.
This device is what controls the engine idle speed under all conditions. Sometimes these motors can be effected by temperature where they fail to move to the proper position for the idle condition. In your case, when the transmission is shifted into gear when the engine is cold.
Tester
I agree with Tester of course and what I would be really concerned about is your comment about burnt trans fluid on a 17k miles transmission rebuild. Hope there’s a warranty of some sort in place.
Tester is usually right, but I wonder if that transmission may be locking up the torque converter. BTW time to replace that transmission fluid.
Thanks for the suggestion, Tester. I hope that isolates the problem. I’ll let you know what the ultimate outcome is. It seems like there might be other issues regading the transmission. I plan to have the fluid changed and a new filter installed. Hopefully, the re-build from 17,000 miles ago is still good. 280zzz
While using that carb and throttle body cleaner on the idle air control (iac) valve pintle and passage, and on the throttle plate, and in the throttle bore, use an MAF (Manifold Air Flow) sensor cleaner to ensure MAF cleanliness (and functionality).
If you can find a fuse, under dash, or under the hood, labeled TCC, pull it and see if there is a difference in the cold stalling. If there is, a fault lies in the lockup Torque Control Converter circuit (to, and in, the automatic transmission). If this circuit messes up, it could lock up the torque converter at the wrong times.