What damage is done when a car with an automatic transmission stalls?

Question

I was in a very near accident Friday night on a major interstate. I was going between 75-80 MPH in a 2005 Nissan Altima when I was cut off by a slow moving truck who suddenly stopped - in less than 30 seconds I went from 75-80 MPH to a sudden stop. My car turned itself off during this time and the brakes locked up. I managed to roll off the highway through 3 lanes of traffic where once I put my car into park and sat for a moment I was able to restart the car. Is it normal for a car with an automatic transmission to stall like this when you suddenly stop? Also, should the brakes have locked or is that just a result of the car stalling?

Answer 1

Its not uncommon for a car to stop under that kind of a sudden deceleration... fuel in the fuel tank goes way forward, and so the fuel pump might have been sucking air for a few seconds, so no fuel to the motor. Not sure about the brakes.. if the car has ABS, it should not have locked up, otherwise, normal.

Answer 2

If the vehicle with automatic transmission stalls while moving, carefully put the shift lever in neutral and start the vehicle up. Every automatic has a safety interlock system that won't let the driver start the engine if in gear. You don't want to put it in park because the parking lock will tear out of the transmission resulting in a huge repair bill. I don't know why the brakes locked up. Have the dealer check that out and while there make sure you don't have an open recall on the rear suspension sub frame. That's a dangerous recall that needs attention. BAX

Answer 3

Should not have stalled with hard braking...Your lucky your brakes locked. It was a result of the car stalling, but I've seen most where you loose most of your power brakes, with the engine stopping......Get your car looked at...