more 99 grand prix problems

[didedoos]

In the last 3 months or so my passenger side windows (front and back) quit working they will not roll up or down from either the drivers side switch or their own switches, I pulled apart the front passenger side door and it sounds like the motor has a hum, but it was real faint, by the time I got the door put back together I had no patience for the back door, I have checked the fuse and it is fine , does anyone have any suggestions? I also was having some problems with my RPM's jumping, the CES light came on I took it to Auto Zone and it was the Mass Air Flow Sensor, it went off in a couple of days and came back on so I went back and they said it was the torque converter clutch switch, so I came across a place that sells used parts bought the MAF sensor and they also gave me the IAC filter and said replace it too, and I did it solved that problem, so no one in my town seems to know what a converter lock up switch is or how to replace one, so can anyone tell me is it something I can do myself or what? Can this be causing my tranny to sound like it is racing and when the tranny shifts it is super ruff? And my last problem is my well I call it my dummy center, above the radio the MPG, Oil life all that stuff, it has decided to be in PITA and the left side is dim and the right is bright or it does not work at all, now if you take and gently tap around on the dash over it you can get it to light back up, any suggestions on where to start here? Sorry to put so many different things in one post, but it is easier than posting many posts.

[BNaylor]

What model Grand Prix and engine size?

Here is a link to a R&R procedure for the power windows. Sounds like you have either binding related to the track, cable problem or a bad window motor/regulator assembly.

http://rmcgp.clubgp.com/windowmotor.html

The torque convertor clutch will lock and unlock based on driving conditions and engine parameters. The best thing to do is get the DTC error code you got for TCC problems and post it.

The TCC works via a TCC-PWM solenoid located in the valve body under the tranny side cover and is not really a DIY job. There is also a pressure control solenoid (PCS) that could cause TCC problems.

[didedoos]

It is a 1999 GT 3800, how easy is the PCS to change?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by didedoos

It is a 1999 GT 3800, how easy is the PCS to change?

Both the PCS and TCC-PWM solenoids are located at the left hand side of the valve body. To replace them requires removal of the tranny side cover assembly. Since it is a tight fit with hardly any clearance in the engine compartment typically the complete engine and tranny is lowered from below by loosening the subframe and using an engine hoist. Also, the complete driver's side axle shaft must be removed along with a bunch of stuff. Tranny must be drained of ATF too.

So it is not easy but can be done DIY with patience and will.

[jessep28]

You are looking at a $500-600 repair if you have a tranny shop do it. It's money well worth it in my humble opinion. It took them nearly a whole day to replace my PCS. That was with the right tools, know how and experience. I could only imagine how long it would take to do DIY.

Also, based on what the shop told me when repairing, use or demand the shop replace it with a GM solenoid - as the aftermarket solenoids are just junk. If I remember right from the Buick Century PCS discussion, the replacement Pressure Control Solenoids are still prone to failure. The problem was not corrected until 2002 model 4T65E.

Kudos to GM for quickly discovering and correcting a design defect in millions of tranmissions