Starts, runs, coughs, dies

[GTRS Fiero]

This is an '84, so, a 4-cylinder, auto.  Title pretty much says it all.

The car made it through inspection.  They shut it down, then went to back it out of the shop.  Apparently, the Fiero had other plans.

Literally, the engine starts.  It runs.  It revs up.  It idles.  When you think about moving the vehicle, the engine dies.  You don't have to put it in gear.  It coughs, as if saying something rude under its breath, then dies.

I know several things for sure:
1.  I drove it more than 10 miles to the shop
2.  The coolant tubes are not crushed, yet
3.  There is fuel in the tank
4.  The engine ran for several minutes
5.  When on the lift, it will stay running in drive and reverse
6.  I'm not going to let them tow it out of the bay.
7.  I had darn well be able to drive it back, when I pick it up.

[GTRS Fiero]

I stopped by today, to see what's up.  The engine was out, and so was the steering column.  Apparently, there is a short in the steering column.  The mechanic was rather disgusted with himself for dropping the engine, but says everything will be buttoned back up tomorrow.

[GTRS Fiero]

So, the engine is back in.  A wire was pinched in the steering column, and just the slightest movement would short out the wire, and kill the engine.  The wire was repaired and re-routed.