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Engine dies when shifting into reverse

FM Former Member
I've been driving my car for over 2 weeks with no problems. Last night the engine would die as I shifted into reverse from a cold start. I have an Empi Trigger-Lock and had not experienced this before. I pull the trigger and slide the stick to the left and start to move the stick back into the reverse position. At this point the engine dies, as if someone flipped a switch. It will die at the same postion in the shift pattern each time I try. I can put the car in neutral before the car dies to keep the engine running. I try again and the same problem occurs. I am not trying to move the car, just get it into reverse. Funny thing is ... the problem stops if I let the engine warm up for a while. Typically, I would start the engine let the engine warm up a bit and back the car out of my garage onto the driveway and then let it fully warm up.

Any suggestions?
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FM Former Member
I've been driving my car for over 2 weeks with no problems. Last night the engine would die as I shifted into reverse from a cold start. I have an Empi Trigger-Lock and had not experienced this before. I pull the trigger and slide the stick to the left and start to move the stick back into the reverse position. At this point the engine dies, as if someone flipped a switch. It will die at the same postion in the shift pattern each time I try. I can put the car in neutral before the car dies to keep the engine running. I try again and the same problem occurs. I am not trying to move the car, just get it into reverse. Funny thing is ... the problem stops if I let the engine warm up for a while. Typically, I would start the engine let the engine warm up a bit and back the car out of my garage onto the driveway and then let it fully warm up.

Any suggestions?
J jspbtown
Bad reverse switch? Maybe? Here is my logic. On VW's the back up lights pull power from the coil, through a fuse, to the reverse switch, and then to the lights. A slight ground could be grounding the coil out when the switch is activated. If your Speedster is wired this way try pulling the feed wire off the + side of the coil. If it doesn't stall your problem is probably with that system.
FM Former Member
Just ignore that first message. Try again.
Where is your clutch "take up" point? If it is way down on the floor, you could be dragging the clutch and not fully disengaging. The cold engine, with or without chokes, would stall easier than a warm one so it may not be noticeable when warm. Does it happen all the time or just cold?
FM Former Member
Must have been the wire from the coil to the reverse switch. I took the wire off the coil and no problem. Then I re-attached the wire to the coil and it also worked. I think there was a loose connection at the coil. At least I know what could be wrong if it happens again.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions.
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