tranny issue

This was my original message:
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Ok, so here is the problem (97 PA, 230,000 km)

When it first started, about 3 weeks ago, i noticed that everytime the car would go on overdrive , and i pushed the gas pedal gently (in otherwords, triying to gain a bit of speed, without loosing the overdrive), it would shudder a bit. Now this has deteriorated really bad since then.

Right now, when i'm accelerateing from a traffic light, with the gas pushed about half way down, the car shutters, doesn't have power, the RPM gage is moving up and down about 500rpm while it's going up, and it wont go past 2500-3000, unless i floor it, in which case all of the above issue become 10x worse!

Also, if i'm on the highway at about 100-110km/h, and try to downshift, it will change into lower gear, no problem, but after that it would accelerate very slowly, and it would shudder.

What could this problem be?

I know for sure there aren't any missfires; the engine runs really good. The tranny also seems to be in good shape, i just changed the oil, gasket and filter, and it goes through gears smoothly. So could it be the torque converter? If so how much does it cost? and how long will it take? (at a regular shop)

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Now, to give you guys an update on the situation.

I went to Mr. Transmission, the guy took it for a test drive, and he said there's absolutely nothing wrong with the tranny, since it goes smoothly through all gears.

He did some computer diagnostics on the car, and said my problem is mainly from one of the coil packs. He replaced that, along with fuel filter, and he also cleaned up the main throttle body. When I got the car back, it would accelerate better than when i bought it.

All was well, until 1-2 weeks ago, when the same simptoms started showing up again. I'm guessing I need to change the other two coil packs (since they are not expensive, and I can install them myself).

With that kind of mileage you probably needs tranny servcied or a rebiuld.. its probably slipping internally. Bring it to a trans shop to get it looked at. probably cost 100 bucks to diagnose but will result in a rebiuld.

If it is missfiring in any gear, sounds like an engine problem. A miss under load. What is the condition of the plugs and wires?

The engine sounds great. I changed the plugs and the ignition wires about 15-20,000km ago. I will however check the plugs, JUST to make sure.

I've had a broken/cracked ignition wire, so I know how the car sounds when it's missfiring (it's really really bad), so most likely is the tranny and/or the torque converter.

Can anybody tell me what am i looking at in terms of money?

I've driven several of those transmissions over 200,000 miles (320,000 KM) but they were getting a bit sloppy by then. I've also had to have one rebuilt due to a manufacturing defect that caused a failure at 65,000 miles. Cost $1,500 to $2,500. But make sure you find a very good shop or get a Jasper or similar guaranteed rebuilt unit. Too many shops have to "go back in" a time or two to get it right. Each time you are without your car for several days at least. This is not an area where you want anyone to cut corners.
Those are generally very good transmissions according to a friend who is in the business. Make sure you don't have an engine control problem first. Buicks aren't perfect, but used ones are a lot of car for the money.

You need a 100 dollar Pressure control Solenoid. If it has never been changed get it changed. This is a known problem with your trans.

And where is this solenoid located?

update..please read the first post..

good to know, since a tranny would be overly expensive - good luck

I take it your plug wires fixed the issue.. hehehe... It would definetly cause this!