1991 Buick Century Engine quitting when shifting into drive

SPUDMAN714

MEMBER
1991 BUICK CENTURY
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

My Buick Century stalled whiile slowing down for a red light. At the point of stopping, the engine shut down completely. It would restart, but when shifting into drive, it would buck once and then shut off. This happened four or five times. The last time, I shifted into reverse to get myself off the road, and it did not quit that time. Sat for a minute, shifted into drive and was able to drive away. At first, the engine seemed to stutter a bit, but after about 30 seconds, it seemed okay. It has been fine since then, but I also do not want to get stuck or stranded somewhere. Should I be concerned or look at something in particular? Thank you!

2 Replies

JIVO RILEY

MEMBER
1 POST

I have a 91 Century that does the same thing. Mine has only done it 4 or 5 times in the last couple years. I realized after the second or third time that it did it when I made an quick stop. Not a skidding stop but a quick de-acceleration. I think what's happening is it's not down-shifting and is stuck in second or third gear, because the only thing that made it go again was revving it up and slamming it into either reverse or D1. It makes a large clunk sound and would take right off and wouldn't happen again for months. I figure it's something in the transmission as my car has 291,000 miles on the original drivetrain and motor. I don't think you'd want to try this on a car that was doing it on a daily or even weekly basis though.