95 Cavalier auto transmission issue

95 cavalier, 3 speed auto trans, 2.2L, 130K miles.

After driving for a bit on the highway (high speeds), the trans will not downshift. When I attempt to slow down/stop on a highway off ramp, the car stalls. It almost seems to be a heat related issue, as if I'm overheating the trans. It will not shift correctly/stop stalling until I let the car sit for awhile. Any ideas on what might be causing this?

I have changed the ATF twice including the filter, and the fluid level is fine.

Thanks,

Eric

There is a multitude of possibilities here. Could be computer/electrical related (i.e. shift solenoids), could be debris in a spool valve, a check ball could be sticking. The first place I would look is the wiring for opens, shorts, and grounds, then the solenoids. I highly recommend taking it to a transmission shop.

I have done a bit of work on manual transmissions, so I'm going to see what I can do. I only paid $500 for the car, so taking it to a shop is out of the question. Thanks for the advice.

There is a solenoid that sticks on these transmissions but I can't remember what it's called. Common problem though and easy fix at a transmission shop. I believe it has something to do with the torque converter lockup solenoid.

Alright, I am going to finish pulling the trans outta the car today and go from there. Thanks for the help.

Cousincletus may be right, and I believe he is talking about the TCC, or Torque Converter Clutch solenoid. I can't believe I didn't think of that one, it most likely is the TCC. If that is sticking it would be like trying to stop from 60 mph in third with the clutch engaged with a manual tranny.

OK, so now I have something to try and fix. The hayes manual I have been using is not going to come close to helping me find/fix this. Any ideas for online sources of info?

i have that manual too and it doesnt say crap about that damn tcc silinoid. i can tell you where it is though. looking from the front of the car, it will be on the tranny toward you, on the right hand side. let me ask you though does the tranny have overdrive? if so you need to replace that silinoid, but if it doesnt then just disconnect it. if you do have to replace it, then just take it to a tranny shop since there is no documentation on the transmission at all in the manual unless you opt for a shop manual ($100 or more) but the connector will be round, and i believe it will have more than a few teeth on the connector. also make sure it sits for a good while before trying to disconnected to ensure that the silinoid has positioned itself back open. if it is closed when you disconnect it. you will not get the engine to run unless you press the gas while holding the break which after time can cause your tranny to bite the dust. (one more thing, make sure it doesnt throw a code [check engine light come on] after you disconnect it. if it does, go to autozone and they will let you use their odb2 reader to clear the codes) hope that helps you out man.

Cheers... we get good gas milage

I have the same problem does anyone know how to go about repairing this? Also how do I find out which trans I have? The parts store says there are 4 differant transmissions listed for the 2.2L engine.:crying:

To go about repairing it, you replace the TCC.

As for your tranny, I am going to guess that you have the 3-speed (non-overdrive) 3T40/TH-125. Look at your shifter, a "P R N D 2 1" without a "3" or overdrive symbol would verify a 3-speed. or you can just look at the bottom tranny pan and see what it has to say (although it might not say anything).

Would there be a problem if I unplugged it & just left it unplugged. I would wait till cooled down & reset itself.