Questions and Answers

Pontiac Sunbird Dies When Put In Gear Q. Dear Vincent, First, I think it's great that people like you are out there to help the regular guy (or gal) just trying to fix their cars correctly. I teach computers at the local library because that's what I know best and if everyone help out with what they know best, it would be a better world, wouldn't it? Anyway, I'm no slouch when it comes to auto repair, but I have to know what's wrong before I can fix it.

The car in question:

• 1991 Pontiac Sunbird
• 2.0 liter
• Automatic transmission

My problem is this:

This car runs great, until I put it in gear. It doesn't matter what gear, except neutral, that I put it in, the engine starts to sputter and either wants to stall out or does. Also, when accelerating, the car responds very slow and gets, maybe, 8 miles to the gallon.

What I am looking for is, the answer would be nice, some options for me to check on because this has really got me stumped. Also, if you know of any way to get the engine codes off the car without one of those machines, my 1988 Lebaron lets me do that, I'd be much obliged.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Larry

A. You can flash codes on this car by jumping terminals A-B with a fused jumper wire. The Check Engine Light (MIL) will begin flashing the codes. This is where I would start if the light has been coming on.

Sounds like you may have a partially broken wire to something fairly important and it momentarily opens with the shock of putting it in gear. Just a thought. Check those codes and let us know.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes