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1998 Ford F-150 Lariat Reg Cab 120

1998 Ford F-150
Trim Info:
Rear Wheel Drive, Reg Cab 6.5' Styleside
16 mpg city / 19 mpg hwy
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January 25, 2013, 8:48 am

Michael B
 

Question: Starts but when put in gear it shuts off

When I start the truck in park it runs fine, when I put it in forward or reverse it lurks forward and shuts off. Need to know how to tell if its just the converter or trans needs whole rebuild


February 2, 2013, 11:07 am

Ron W
Expert Mechanic

That sounds like the toque converter is lock up solenoid is stuck on. You need a scantool to check it.

If you think it is the cat, you can unscrew an O2 sensor and start it up (It will sound loud as the exhaust now has a big hole in it where the O2 is usually screwed into) and put it into gear. If it doesn't stall the exhaust could be the issue. Basically you are making a new path for the exhaust to flow so it can run if it is restricted. If it doesn't change anything, it is probably not the exhaust.

DO NOT DRIVE IT IN THIS CONDITION (with O2 disconnected) as hot exhaust can cause a fire if you do. It is only for a quick exhaust pressure check and the test should be done in under a minute.


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