torque converter solenoid

I have a 96 grand am, 4 cly, 3 speed automatic trans.

I have done a little research and found that the problem is the torque conberter clutch solenoid is staying locked in and causing the car to stall.

My question is can I fix this myself?

I have also read that I can just unplug the solenoid, to fix the problem. Is this true, will it result in shorter life of the trans?
Thanks in advance
mikumber

I have a 93 Grand am and i need to replace the same thing..so a car mechanic said...when i go about over 50mph for a sec or two once im starting to slow down the car with start to shake in the front and then it will die and sometimes won't start up right away...i still need this fixed so help would be greatly appreciated...and also i have heard that you can unplug the solenoid to see if it runs better with it off?but im not sure if its safe to leave it off cause the guy that told me that also jacked my car up on my oil pan....anyways i could use some help with this also

You can unplug the solenoid with no adverse affects to the transmission. You may see slightly less gas mileage due to the transmission and engine turning a few more rpm's. If you want to change it I suggest that you purchase service manual for the transmission and find out where it is located. On the older TC 125 transmissions it was located inside the side cover but on the 93's I don't know where to find it. The solenoid only costs about $50 and takes about an hour and some simple hand tools to replace.