2002 6 cyclinder Idles until shifted out of park

Okay our Tac is now sitting in the yard and we have no clue where to start. It started to occasionally run rough a couple months ago. It would come out of it in a few miles. The other day it started to run rough after probably 150 miles of driving around. It died at the intersection right at our house and we were able to restart it and rev it up good to get it across the road and parked in the yard. The next morning it starts up and idles but dies as soon as we shift it out of park. No codes shot so we have no clue where to begin. It has 298K on the engine and we replaced one side of the coil packs about 6 months ago. Anyone have an idea what may be the culprit?

 

Hi. Welcome to the site. I'm no mechanic but I'd start at the easy fixes first. My guess is the neutral switch followed by the throttle body then the torque converter.

 

I’d suggest leaving it in park until you get the problem fixed. Runs better that way at least.

In all seriousness, how’s the fuel filter, injectors, spark plugs, air filter, condition of fuel, EGR, oil (radiator fluid mixing into it? Rich fuel smell?)? Could be lots of things affecting engine.

 

Fuel and air filter were replaced recently. Water and oil are good. We run a lot so at least a tank of gas a week so gas stays fresh. Gas smell reminded me of last summer when it was hot and we drove up a mountain it has a strong gas smell and sounded like the gas was boiling. Maybe a vapor lock issue. We will check the egr and plugs next. Thanks

 

When was the last time the spark plugs were done? I only suggest this as it's probably the most common issue on this site for a 3.4 that runs rough. If it had gotten progressively worse, it could stall the engine.

My next guess would be something transmission related, like the torque converter.