What will happen if my engine is racing out of control and I put the car in neutral and turn the car off?

Question

The car has an automatic transmission.

Wow, I am really confused now. You folks know a lot of different things about cars.

Answer 1

I'm sorry people, but there are some really STUPID answers so far. (not all) Do NOT put it in neutral. You could blow up the engine. Just turn the ignition off and if you're driving, your steering and brakes might become a bit heavy, but nothing that you can't handle unless you have the strength of a 4 year old. Sheesh.

Oh, and yeah, calpauly is right. Just turn it one position. If you go too far and lock the steering, go clockwise with it again to unlock the steering.

If you blow up the engine, it will STILL shut off and you will STILL not have power steering or brakes.

Answer 2

If the engine is racing out of control, Get on the brakes and start down shifting. You will have to bog it down, to turn the ignition off , could cause the engine to blow. You would loose all power . Brake hard with your left foot, and start down shifting. A run away engine sometimes will not stop, even with ignition turned off. You can try and tap the gas peddle real hard, some times they get stuck. And sometimes, something gets stuck under the gas peddle. And by all means turn on your four way flashers to let people know you are having a problem. If you are going slow enough pull off the road. A lot of Highways have sand pits for truckers with this problem. You see one drive into it,it will stop you car or truck.

Answer 3

Safety & someons life is more inportant than whatever happens to you're car. If a problem like that develops at highway speeds turn you're hazards on first & shift to neutral while watching to you're right for a safe gap to merge off the road. But if u shut the engine off while its revving you're cylinders will probably flood out with fuel. That or timing chain/belt, valve-train may suffer damage.

Answer 4

It really depends on what powers your steering and braking systems. If you have power steering, steering will become very difficult. If you have power brakes, so will stopping. When you turn it "off", be sure not to turn the key all the way to the "lock" position, or the steering wheel will lock in place and you'll be really screwed.

It would be the same thing as if you'd run out of gas.

Answer 5

ok, well if you turn the car off you will lose your power steering, and your brake servo, so your steering will be VERY heavy, and your brakes will be like wood, not a good idea,
just put it in neutral and stand on the brakes, if the engine blows you can get another, you cant get another you. !!!

Answer 6

sounds like your throttle is stuck kick the pedal a couple of times and if it dont work turn it off and check your throttle linkage... putting it in neutral and shutting it off is not going to hurt it anymore than just letting it run outta control.... i live in alaska and in the winter my throttle would ice over and stick just had to kick it a couple of times and let the ice break off... and sometimes i would actually have to pull it in a warm garage shut it off and let it melt out... never hurt my engine..... of course im assuming that you have stopped the car... never turn your car off if it is in motion... put it in neutral and brake till its stops then do what i mentioned above..

Answer 7

It could possible over rev. and damage the engine, but over racing in itself is damaging so just do it quick. then find out what is causing the throttle to stick in he open position and get it fixed.

Answer 8

do not put it into neutral as the motor will go wild and you could do some very expensive damage. leave it in gear, turn it off and be prepaired as you will loose all your power accessories, i.e. brakes and power steering, oh and for the fools out there, yes your a.c. as well................

Answer 9

It will die from lack of fuel after a few minutes. Don't put it in neutral. Sounds like your throttle is stuck.