This vehicle is auto trans, It starts but when i shift from parking to reverse even before i would get to drive, it shuts the engine. what could be contributing to this problem.

 

Wrong section. This is the section for problems with the forum itself.

Moved to the tech section.

 

If you press on the gas lightly, will it stay running? Do not rev the engine high and then try to shift, that will cause transmission damage. If pressing the gas doesn't help, I'd look for loose wires under the hood.

Also you can start in Neutral then shift to either drive or reverse from there. Try going to drive instead of reverse.