1990 Ford Probe 2.2 automatic stalls in forward, reverse OK

I would be suspect of the MAF sensor. It will not throw a check engine light.

Engine Runs Rough, Stalls, Hesitates on Acceleration, Hard ...

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Ford Probe Engine Runs Rough, Stalls, Hesitates on Acceleration, Hard Starting, Poor Performance. This is a verified problem based on 9 reports. Learn more ...

Starting Problems - 1997 Ford Probe - RepairPal

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Dec 5, 2010 - Starting Problems on 1997 Ford Probe ... If the engine runs rough,stalls, hesitates on acceleration, is hard to start, or has generally poor ...

A new misfire/hesitation on accel. Problem.. - ProbeTalk.com Forums

forums.probetalk.com > Tech Section > 2nd Gen (93-97) V6 2.5L

which engine,? the have up to 3 choices.
rih?
what are the full symptoms,
did you do the full listed 60k mile tune up on car?
sparkplugs,wire, cap rotor/filters? no engine runs right with bad spark
unless it's a diesel.
starts good
runs good or bad hot or cold engine
idle at 800 RPM hot?
stalls> when hot and cold engine
lost of power
bogging
misfire,
learchs>

only stalls , but runs perfect even up hills, at wide open throttle.
fresh gas, or 1 year old?fuel.
can your fast right foot , save the stall, and easily?

ok stalls 101.
1; lost 12vdc to EFI system.
2: lost engine compression.
3: lost spark.
4: lost fueling or floods
there is a simple test for each.
do you want more guesses, or how to do tests.
can do both, but my guessing fails 99 /100 times.

tune it up
do the right foot test. those are always first. on stalls.
always.

This problem is commonly caused by a dirty automatic idle speed control valve and throttle valve but always run a OBD2 fault code as well as the cleaning procedure. Buy a can of throttle valve cleaner (do not use carburetor spray cleaner!) from NAPA or Carquest (made by CRC chemicals) and spray it into the air intake while the engine is running, use up about 1/2 the can, engine will try to stall hold the speed up, shut it down and let it soak for 30 minutes, restart and blow out the remaining fluid, shut it down and disconnect the negative battery cable for 5 Min's to reset the base idle control. If the above cleaning doesn't cure your issues you need to have the computer controlled automatic idle speed control system diagnosed and repaired by a dealer or electronic engine control repair shop.

Without additional information it will be very hard to diagnose the problem.

1. Is it a manual or automatic transmission?
2. When you say pull do you mean that the engine is stalling out or that the car doesn't want to move forward - as in transmission slipping?
3. Have you noticed the transmission slipping before - especially in reverse?
4. Are the fluid correct?

check the air flow

maybe your shift linkage has slipped out of normal position? If you can find Neutral in another gear position, it would tell you how far off it is.

When was the last transmission fluid ATF and transmission filter change?


The recommended interval is 2 years or 24,000 miles.


Is the ATF color a lite pink color or it's DARK RED?


Any burn smell?


Do the old fashion drop the trans pan and filter change.


DO NOT GO TO shop that use a machine to flush your automatic transmission.

====

Most Metro automatic can go up to 140,000 miles before needing a rebuilt.

If the ATF is in lite pink and it's not burn then the most likely cause are

1)lock up torque converter is not functioning

2)transmission filter is clogged


Please rate my answer if it's useful to you.

Thanks

MUSTGO

Check throttle position sensor, and IAC motor. Possible the intake is needing to be cleaned also.

your transmission is toasted, replace it.