Why is my '98 Dodge Interprid shutting itself down when I brake hard?

Question

It's turned off three times. Each when I've gone from a quicker speed to a stop (like braking on the highway). The electrical stuff does not shut down (A/C keeps working and radio etc). And when I shut it down and restart it it restarts fine and goes liek nothign is wrong. Anyone have an educated guess as to what the problem is and what it should cost to fix?

Sorry. It's a '99 Intrepid. Automatic if that makes a difference.

I should add that this is not 3 times ever, this is three times in the last week(approx). It started a week or so ago.

Answer 1

The torque converter in an automatic transmission takes the place of the clutch for a manual transmission. It uses fluid motion to accomplish the transfer of power from the engine to the transmission. To increase efficiency, auto manufacturers started making locking torque converters. At high, steady speeds the torque converter locks much a clutch in a manual transmission. This will increase fuel efficiency by a few mpg. The locking mechanism is electronically controlled, and can fail over time. Having the locking mechanism unplugged by a mechanic is probably the cheapest and easiest quick fix for this problem, however you will lose a few mpg on the highway. A torque converter replacement would be labor intensive, and therefore expensive. I'm not familiar with Chrysler electrical systems, so it may not be possible to disconnect the torque converter electronic controller individually. This solution works on GM cars (at least mid 90's GM cars), not familiar with newer models.

Answer 2

Take it to a real mechanic, they'll know in an instant.

Guessing: This is related to the deceleration. Have the carburetor checked. Something is loose or stuck. The gas line may also be affected if the pressure is not right. Look for a loose tube on the vacuum. Replace the gas line filter, bad gas would plug it up.
A visual check may solve it. Remove the air filter and look around for something out of place or broken tubing. Replace if necessary. Start the engine with air filter off and do a visual to see or hear anything unusual.
I had a car that did something similar and it was the PCV valve on the valve cover. It was plugged with dirt and oil.

Get familiar with the pollution system on the car and check all lines. Sometime tubing gets loose or break. Particular attention to the connection end. Replace all old cracked hoses. Do not over tighten the tubing clamps.

Answer 3

I have seen a similar problem with a 96 Dodge Avenger. Maybe this will help: The tranny has trouble downshifting right when in overdrive. This car was staying in OD even though the cra had slowed down and this was causing the motor to sputter and almost stall (too high of a gear for the speed). Try switching it out of overdrive and then braking.

Answer 4

It is the transmission assuming it is an automatic. It isn't disengaging. However if you are driving a manual and it could be the clutch is getting week. I forget what that part is called but i believe it is the synchronizer. A cheap starting point is just to make sure you have plenty of fluid in the transmission or have it serviced.

Answer 5

Is it an automatic? It could be the transmission if the car is not downshifting to first gear. I'm sorry but the best answer to your question is taking it to your mechanic. I've learned the only way to save money on car repair is to either have a good friend as a mechanic or learn the stuff yourself. Buy Chilton reference book for your vehicle. Good luck.

Answer 6

Take it to a Dodge dealer to have a look at it....... you can usually 100% guarantee when you take it in for them to look at it, it won't do it when it's with them.... then it'll start doing it again a few months later (it seems to work with nearly all cars).

Hard to know without knowing what kinda transmission it has...... if it's an Auto, I recall they're nearly always fitted with an Anti-stall device to do the job of when in a manual transmission car you dip the clutch when you roll to a stop..... so it could be that screwing up.

Answer 7

If you had to hit the brakes really hard, or hit a hard bump and it dies..It has an automatic fuel pump shut off something or other....Mine is a 97...They do that in case you have a wreck the fuel pump will shut itself off and not keep pumping incase of a fire...

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Torque converter?

Answer 10

It's a P.O.S?