91 century stalling at times

[subhelix]

I have a 91 century that at times will stall out. most of the times it happens, it will happen when i am slowing down, or doing things at slow speeds such as backing up. But at times, it will also happen that it will start just fine but then stall on it. This problem is really random, where as it is happening today, but might not happen for a couple of weeks from now or sooner. Some things that it will do is that at times when I stop, or even slow down, it will start shuttering like it is about to stall, but then it will jump back into normal operation, if you know what I mean, and be alright, It will also do that at times when I start it. And also at times when I start it, it will sound like it is idled way too high, and then at other times it will sound just fine. When it does stall out, I normally put it into park, turn the key to the off posistion and crank it again and pump the gas two or three times, and it will start back and go. Sometimes if I put my foot on the brake to put it into gear, it will die again, and so lately I have just been putting it into gear while pumping the gas. It happens so randomly that it has never happened with a mechanic and they cannot find anything wrong. One did say one day that they ran it a while with no problems and finally figured that it might be the torque selonoid converter but wasn't positive. Could any of you out there give me help? I am just scarred of it stalling one day in big traffic and having something bad happen. Thank You.

[lanerd]

Definetly DONT put it into gear with the gas on, your transmission will not last very long doing it. ( I know, I'm 15 and shredded the tranny on my first buick doing it) When I first had my century, the engine had been sitting for about a year and a half, and it would do that to. Try changing the fluid in the transmission, and if it still does that with new fluid worked in (Mine didn't) then it probably is the TCC locking up when not supposed to (or not fully unlocking, my lumina did that) On the three speed trannys, you don't even need to remove the axle to change the TCC, but on the four speed you'll need to shell some serious cash to have it replaced. Hope that helped!

[wheel_man]

I had a similar problem when I would slow down to get off the highway and stop at a light it would sputter and die. It turned out to be the Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid. Went out and got a replacement, but didn't figure it out until after replacing plenty of other parts on my 91 Century Custom. Don't forget to get a gasket if you change the Solenoid from the side transmission pan.

[wheel_man]

[wheel_man]

Just a closer view.

[wheel_man]

It seems to have a side pan and a bottom pan but the solenoid is located on the side to get access to the pan take off tire on that side and take off the inner fender cover behind the tire and you should be able to get to it.