'89 wierd tranny problem

i have an 89 cutlass cierra with auto tranny. The problem is that the tranny wont let go of second or third gear if your in " stop and move traffic " for too long.
In other words, if your in bad traffic for too long the car will not down shift and thus making it stall . Kind of like not pushing in the clutch on a 5 speed. The car will start right abck up but sometimes as soon as you put it in gear it stalls. Sometimes not.

Any ideas would be greatly greeted.

If the torque convertor is not releasing you can unplug it (the plug is at the front of the transmission)
Have you tried to shift manually?
How is the condition of the trans fluid, is the level ok?

Thanks Mrbiz for yor reply. To answer your questions - The fluid level seems to be above the add level and in good color - I havent tried to shift manually. It doesnt have this problem all the time. Only for a long period of stop and go traffic about 20 mph tops.
What do you mean unplug the torque converter? I never knew it had a plug. I suppose its computer related then. If I were to unplug it, would it still work?

Thanks Mrbiz for yor reply. To answer your questions - The fluid level seems to be above the add level and in good color - I havent tried to shift manually. It doesnt have this problem all the time. Only for a long period of stop and go traffic about 20 mph tops.
What do you mean unplug the torque converter? I never knew it had a plug. I suppose its computer related then. If I were to unplug it, would it still work?


By your description the trans hangs up when it heats up. You say it won't let go of second or thiird gear. The torque convertor engages at about 40mph, it's possible that it is not releasing and the trans is never getting to the lower gears causing it to stall.

My ciera was a 88 2.8v6. I had the same problem you describe.
Many GM cars back then had this problem. A mechanic friend told me to unplug the convertor ( which stops it from working). I drove it like that for several years and 50k plus miles. You will use a little more fuel due to the loss of one gear ratio but will probably never notice any difference.
On my 88 the plug was on the front side of the convertor, open the hood, the convertor is bolted to the right side of the motor. The plug is on the lower part of the convertor, and it faces front. It has a little cover around it for protection. you will need a small screwdriver to lift up on the plug clip which releases it.
I still have the factory service manual, which probable has a photo I could email you if you like.
Good luck