Engine shuts off when stopping

TRAVIS.HARDY

MEMBER
1989 MAZDA TRUCK

I just purchased this truck and the guy said it has a slight stalling problem. Thats a bit of an understatement. Whenever I stop at a light or a corner the truck shuts off as I approach the stop and when I restart it it runs fine until I stop again. Have a buddy who said it might have something to do with my brakes I don't know why but I thought I might add that.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Assuming this is an auto transmission and it only stalls when coming to a stop and does not stall when sitting still and pressing on the brakes, but you must be moving and then come to a stop, then the issue is most likely a torque converter is not releasing.

I have seen this a number of times but as soon as the engine shuts off the pressure in the unit drops and the clutch releases and the vehicle operates fine until the next time it locks up and does not release.

One sign of this is the fluid would be burnt or in poor condition. So, we need to start with checking the fluid. Here is a guide that will help with this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

Once we know this info, we will have a better idea on what to do but if you press the overdrive switch and see if the vehicle still stalls. This does not completely prevent the converter from locking up but it does change the operation so I suspect it will make a difference.

Take a look at the info below and we can go from there. Thanks

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