Challenger dies when put into reverse.

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Discussions' started by Christopher Rubio, Jan 20, 2025.

  1. Christopher Rubio

    Christopher Rubio New Member

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    Hi,

    I have a 2013 Dodge Challenger SXT. I currently have 225k miles on it but I’m trying to get it to last till 200k. I have a startup problem with my vehicle. It starts up a little slow, so I let it run for a minute or two. I then put it in reverse and it dies while in reverse. What should I be looking at to fix this problem? I don’t think it’s the battery, but I will be getting that checked sometime next week. I changed the spark plus 12k miles ago, so I doubt it is that as well. It feels like I have to hit the gas to keep it running. I live in LA so the weather isn’t too cold either. If anybody has an idea or has had this happened and found the issue, please let me know.
     
  2. Niles

    Niles Full Access Member

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    It could be a number of things. Do you get a check engine light? Maybe scan it for codes. Normally when putting the car in gear, the engine requires a little extra fuel to overcome the drag of the torque converter. Vacuum leaks would be the first place I would look.
     
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  3. Sexy Blue

    Sexy Blue Full Access Member

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    Could be an issue the torque converter, or the valves in the transmission.

    Does it feel like it's stalling as if the engine is under excess load in idle?

    Can you put it in forward with foot on brake, and rev it up, then try reverse?
     
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  4. baccaruda

    baccaruda Full Access Member

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    I have a 2013 Dodge Challenger SXT. I currently have( 225k miles ) on it but I’m trying to get it to last til l( 200k ) ???
     
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  5. Christopher Rubio

    Christopher Rubio New Member

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    Typo, I meant I have 125k miles. Sorry about that.
    The engine does feel as if it’s under a lot of stress. It’s as if there’s not enough fuel or power when shifting. I am able to skip passed reverse to drive, but you can feel it stall and take awhile before settling in. It only happens when cold (40-60 degree weather) but is stronger and doesn’t stall during the day/warmer weather (70-80 degree weather). I don’t get a check engine light, but the tachometer goes down when shifting to or passed reverse.

    I’ll take a look for vacuum leaks and focus on the torque converter. I’ll keep you all updated. Thank you all for the input
     
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  6. Sexy Blue

    Sexy Blue Full Access Member

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    Do you have the 5 speed, my Jeep did that for years, now I just back it in, by the time I need reverse it's all warmed up and not a problem. I have to get the transmission pulled out, and replace the front pump, that also has the valves in it, that cause this problem.