1993 Grand Am drive problem

Nowadays I am encountering a problem that has me puzzled. The vehicle runs fine most of the time. But sometimes when I try to start the car from a stop position, and shift the gear to "drive" the engine just dies. Same thing when I go to any gear... Runs fine when in Neutral or park position, but as soon as I engage any other gear, the engine just dies. And then it becomes OK and drives like nothing happened.

Anyone with any ideas on what might be going on?

any help greatly appreciated.

Does this happen when the car is cold or at normal operating temp.

Does this happen when the car is cold or at normal operating temp.

Thanks for your response...


Actually it first happened to me when I had just got off the ramp after a 15 mile drive. So it was at a nice and normal operating temp. I made a turn at the ramp and the engine started to sputter, and then stopped. I started again, no problem, but when I engaged the gear - it stopped. After numerous attempts, it finally decided to drive as it should again.

And now I get this problem intermittently, which is what make me perplexed.

Something like this happened to me.....here is a quick test you can do.
Pop your hood, and look at your transmission, you will see an electrical it is connected to a shift sensor in your tranny. if the sensor is shot and you unplug this your car will run fine.......the only thing you will notice is your engine light will come on because your computer is detecting it being unplugged. you will also use more gas because it has something to do with your emissions. the thing you are unplugging is called a TCC, transaxle converter clutch. its ok to drive your car like this i have been doing it for about 6 months and my car drives perfect.
Let me know if this test helps