Expert: Van - 7/24/2005

Question
My check engine light came on and my car cut off while tryint to make a left turn.  After I restarted it, it seemed to hesitate a jerk a little in between gears. This is an automatic transmission.  I never changed the transmission fluid (125,000 mi.) My mechanic advised me not to do so because of the "grit" that my transmission has created.  It has never done this before.  I have a new alternator and serpentine belt.  My last complet tune up was 10 mos. ago.  Just give me a list of possibilities of what it could be and the level of cost.  (cheap, affordable, costly, expensive)

Answer
Hello Shena,
Was the fuel level in the tank low, and if so, has it been acting ok since?
You might just need to keep more fuel in the tank.
It could also be a vacuum leak that was exagerated during the turn by the engine shifting, so check all the vacuum hoses.
Don't just assume it is an expensive repair. Lots of problems are just simple cheap things.

I would want to check the fuel pressure if the problem persists, just to make sure it isn't a fuel supply problem.

Van