Stuck in overdrive? (88)

[jersey_john]

i just recently bought an 88 grand am so that i could learn how to work on cars. well, to say the least..... i think i will learn alot more than i wanted to know! lol i have only owned the car for 3 days, and this was my first attempt to drive it after spending $200 for tags.

when i was driving to work the other day my car stalled out on me when i tried to stop. it seemed as if it were locked in 3rd gear or above. it would shift fine from 30 up and back down the 30, but when i tried to slow below 30 it would sputter as if it were a manual being started in a higher gear.

someone please help as i am illiterate with automatics as i have only owned maunuals my entire life. someone told me it could be stuck in Overdrive, but i dont know how to fix that.

Please help
John

[grfnkl]

Your Torque Converter is not allowing your trans to downshift to a lower gear, I know there is a wire you can unplug from your trans so it won't lock up anymore, Unfortunetly I was very unsuccessful on finding it on my 88, but to get the converter replaced cost about $250 at a shop. Hope this helps

[Chameleon-kat]

If memory serves me correct, that wire is connected to the torque converter soleniod (think thats what it is called), and that may be the part that is bad and needing replacement

[jersey_john]

well i had actually disconected the torque converter's electrical connection to the tranny itself for the moment being and it seemed to work. i was going to just install a manual switch to switch it over to Overdrive, and back out when i slow down.

unfortunately it is the TCC itself because this morning i went to move my car, still w/ the tcc's electrical disconected from the transmission, and it was locked in Overdrive anyway. so now i am sure that that is the issue, even though it was hoping it was just electrical.

Thanks guys
John