Shuts off instantly when put into gear what could be the issue, possibly a vacuum issue?

Tiny
KRIS1972
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE DURANGO
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 107,434 MILES
It started on the freeway, accelerated and my rpms went halfway then all the way over, sputtered and then drove fine. Stopped at 3 lights no problems, the pulled into a driveway and it died. It starts just fine, idle was a little low at first, so I cleaned the throttle and adjacent parts, TCM, etc. Idle went up. Checked for leaks air etc, None that I can feel or hear. I'm at my wits end on trying to figure this out. Turns over great, idles great, then when I shift it into gear it shuts off! Does fine in neutral, tried it in reverse, e brake on, foot brake off, put it into reverse it jerks and then dies. Help me please I've practically rebuilt this engine and I'm going to have a bonfire if I can't get it fixed. Thank you
Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 3:45 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
To me it sounds like you have a transmission torque converter that has come part internally or the TCC solenoid is stuck open which will stall the engine instantly once the car is put into gear. have you run the codes? This can help, please go over this guide

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

Here is the TCC solenoid so you can swap it out, also if you can please upload a video from your phone into your response I can see for sure what's going on. With the solenoid off you should not be able to blow through it. Also, looks for metal in the pan which is a sign the unit is having issues. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, August 1st, 2025 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
KRIS1972
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I did the dash code and it came up with P done. That was it. Does that mean my catalytic converter is bad?
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Monday, August 4th, 2025 AT 1:26 PM
Tiny
KRIS1972
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  • 3 POSTS
Also I just remembered it was making this metallic sound, kind of like metal scraping when I would put it into drive, then it would stop. Hasn't done it since this all happened.
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Monday, August 4th, 2025 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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If you upload a short video of what the car is doing I can help more. So I sounds like no codes are present correct? If you can rev the engine in neutral the problem wont be the catalytic converter. I need to see the car have it problem to help more. It still sounds like the TCC solenoid or the torque converter came apart internally.
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Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 AT 8:15 AM

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