1991 Pontiac Sunbird

[sandis10]

I own a 1991 Pontiac Sunbird LE with 218,000 miles on it. It is the 3.1L V6 edition and I'm having problems with the transmission or the fuel filter/pump. I just had the fuel pump changed a couple of months ago, so I don't think it's that. Anyways, I drive the car to work which is 30 miles away and it only gives me problems when I've driven it for 15-20 miles and then let off the accelerator and come to a stop. The engine dies or starts chugging and if I don't put it in neutral it will die for sure. When I put it back into drive, it chugs along for a few hundred yards and then is just fine. Any help would be appreciative.

[Three_Fingers]

Sounds like the torque converter clutch relay is sticking on. Try this: Remove the fuse from the fuse block that says "TCC" or "TCC sol" and see if it still dies when you come to a stop.
You'll notice the engine revving a little higher at highway speeds, but that's only because you've disabled the direct drive torque converter lockup (that 'extra shift' you feel when you're reaching cruising speed.).
The TCC locks up to provide a direct coupling between the engine and transmission for fuel economy-it's supposed to disengage when speed drops/load increases, such as passing another vehicle (acceleration).
What sounds like is happening is the TCC lockup is not disengaging, so in reality it's like stalling your car in high gear when you come to a stop.
I have a '93 'Bird that did the same thing.