tranny problem?

[hotgmcracer]

Finally seemed to have gotten the car going on the right track then we had another problem...when you first start out driving, it seems okay, but then if you get on the freeway for any length of time, when you get off the freeway and come to a stop the car shudders, jerks and then dies when you try to keep going, almost as if the tranny isn't downshifting itself...anyone know what this could be?? Hope you can help!! 1991 Skylark 3.3L 4 dr 79000 mi thanks in advance

[Madcat455]

Does it make anykind of CHattering noise when driving (intermittant)??

Which trans does it have... My 92 3.8 had a 4T60e... If you have the same trans, you might want to check and make sure the converter is unlocking from Highway speeds.

Best way to check is to drive above 50mph... and leaving you foot on gas to maintain speed, press on the brake just enough to light up the lights but not actually apply them. Do this while watching the Tach on the car (if you have one)... you should see the RPM's go up about 2-300. IF not then its stuck in Lock up & that will cause it to die when comming to a stop.

[hotgmcracer]

when i drive at highway speeds above 50 to 65 after i drive for 5 to 10 miles it happens i come to a stop and it sounds like grinding and kills the engine i put it in park start up try to put it in gear and dies like the tranny is locked up, bearly got home the other day, if it is the converter locking up how do you fix it now this car sat for about a year before driving it, thanks for your help, i dont know what tranny i have it is a 3300 v6 1991 skylark 4dr no tach

[hotgmcracer]

it does not make any noises when driving, only when i come to a stop after it is locked up, thanks again forall help

[Madcat455]

That sounds alot like a converter not comming unlocked... Could be a couple of reasons... TCC (Torque converter clutch) solonoid not functioning.... Converter clutch stuck engaged.... Or a bad wire to the TCC.

On the front of your trans, there is a Plug with about 12 wires going into it. Grab a helper & a test light, With the car off & key in the run position, pull off the plug. Using the test light... stick it into the end of the plug (each wire one by one) and have the helper press on the brake. The TCC will have power except for when the brake is on. Look for a wire that lights up, then have them push on the brake. Find the wire that shuts off when the brake is applied. If you're able to see that then the wireing is fine, meaning its a mechanical part. From there its up to you, I just cut the stupid wire and drove it like it was a 3 spd. (didn't want to waste 1500 for a trans on a 500 car).

Of course this only works if the converter isn't already locked up. Try to get it running in gear, to make sure it's unlocked. Then try to find the wire (if you decide to cut it...lol).

Repair costs vary depending on the shop doing it. Some trannys can have the solonoid changed without removal.. My shop wanted 800 just to take it out and put it back in.... (92 Transport). So it might not be that bad for you.

Good luck.

[hotgmcracer]

did the wiring test it looks good, so i guess the solinoid in the tranny is out, i just don't get it i can drive around town no problem but hit the freeway and i can't come to a stop without it dying, and a grinding noise, i got a new solinoid to put in,
went to a pick n pull yard to take one out just to see how that way i dont have to worry about puting it back together and this way i know what is in there, thank you for the help

[hotgmcracer]

just wanted to update, changed the solenoid and the car hasn't had an episode yet and we have put well over 100 miles on it, highway and town driving combined...thanks for all the help, I knew I could count on this board to help me get back on the road in "know" time!! Thanks again!

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i have the same problem that engine dies when i slow down but every time, not just on freeway(higher speed). how does mthat solenoid looks like, i have to know what to look for on junk yard.