When I shift the transmission into park the engine stalls

Tiny
RICH1966
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
I did a tune up. After putting it back together I noticed a red wire from the firewall by the master brake cylinder hanging. I don't know where it connects to. Now when I start my car I put it in park and it stalls on me. Does this wire have something to do with that?
Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 9:16 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,575 POSTS
Hi,

Chances are that wire doesn't. However, what you explained doesn't make sense either. LOL It only stalls in park? Are you able to keep the engine running if you touch the throttle when it's in park? When it's placed in neutral or any other gear, does the engine continue to run?

As far as the wire, take a test light and check to see if there is power to it. If there is, use electrical tape to insulate it until we determine where it goes. Also, if possible take a pic of it so I can see where it's coming from. Hopefully I will be able to identify it. One last thing. If you can, video with your phone what is happening so I can see and hear it.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
RICH1966
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Thanks for the quick respond Joe. It does stay running in all gears. It's no longer stalling in park. Now it sounds like it wants to stall in park. I checked my fuel cap like google says. It seems good. Could it be that the fuel pump is failing or perhaps a clogged fuel filter? I have replaced the back o2 sensor and did a tune up. Before I did the tune up it ran okay. No stalling or fluttering. After I changed the o2 sensor I had no issues with stalling.
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 5:32 AM
Tiny
RICH1966
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Okay, I took a video of what it sounds like. I also took another pic of that wire. This wire is about 3 feet long if that helps. Its color is red on one side white on the other. It's only one wire though. Thanks again for the help.
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 5:59 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I hear the engine. Does it run normally in all other gears? Honestly, that really doesn't make sense. I do have a couple things I need checked. First, check to make sure there are no disconnected vacuum lines on the engine and the intake tube (from the air filter to the throttle body) is properly installed and not loose. Here is a link that explains how to check for a leak. Also, let me know if the check engine light is staying on when the engine is running.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Next, that wire is not a factory wire. It looks like someone installed something aftermarket and that was running power into the vehicle or opposite. If you follow it (opposite of the firewall) where does it end? Is it near the battery?

Let me know.
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+1
Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 2:28 PM
Tiny
RICH1966
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I checked all the vacuum hoses. A couple were broke so I replaced them. I did that test on all the parts the site said to. I even cleaned the TPS and MAP senors. It seemed to work somewhat. It still sounds like it wants to stall but not as much as before. I have no codes on so I'm guessing the sensors are good. It only does it in park no other gear. The wire leads into the steering column. It's kinda hard for me to get to because I'm a big guy around the waist and they don't think of us big guys when they build these lol. I do appreciate all the help you've given me. I'm going to go buy some MAF sensor cleaner. I'll keep you posted on the outcome. Again thanks for everything.
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Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It is really odd that it only happens in park. Let me know if the MAF cleaning helps. Also, it still could be a sensor that is sending inaccurate information. If it sends a signal, the computer doesn't always know it's wrong. Nothing is easy. LOL

Let me know how you make out.

Joe
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Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
RICH1966
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Cleaning them sensors seemed to work. I haven't had any stalling issues in park. Thanks again for all your help with this. If I have my more issue I'll be sure to ask you again. Thanks
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Wednesday, July 29th, 2020 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

That's good news. I'm glad to hear you got if taken care of. Please feel free to come back in the future. You are always welcome.

Take good care of yourself,
Joe
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Wednesday, July 29th, 2020 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
RICH1966
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Me again, lol. I had my car inspected. Dude said converter code came on. Said it probably has nothing to do with the converter but probably the flex pipe. Could I just use a straight pipe on it or should I get the flex pipe? He said he wasn't sure if it would work or not.
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Friday, August 14th, 2020 AT 8:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

What code was found? Was it a P0420? If so, replace the converter. As far as the flex pipe, that needs to be there. It has give when the engine moves. If you replace it with a straight pipe, there will be no ability for it to move and something will break.

Let me know.
Joe
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Friday, August 14th, 2020 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
RICH1966
  • MEMBER
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Sorry it took so long to respond. Yeah, it was a po420. I replaced one of the 3 converters in all 4 02 sensors. I have another po420 code on. I used catty clean. Was thinking if doing it again. Not sure if I can though since I used it a couple days ago.
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Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 AT 2:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

No problem about the time. As far as the code, what I need you to do is start a new thread specific to the converter issues. We are trying to keep the links specific to one topic so that it is helpful to others. I hope you understand.

Here is the link:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

I will watch for the new thread.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 AT 6:18 PM

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