92 grand am 3.3

please can anyone help.......i have a 1992 grand am with only 17000 miles on the clock.....the problem........it will go about 20 miles and drive like a dream.....then......when i try to stop......the auto transmission will not disengage and i have to stall the engine........after 10 to 20 mins the car drives perfectly.......untill it happens again........ive tried flushing out the transmission and changing the oil but it hasnt helped........has anyone had a similar problem.....a solution would be most appreciated......thanks in anticipation.......joe

Have you tried putting it in Neutral when comming up to a Stop???

I'd say that it's the TCC not unlocking the converter... but if it still does it in Neutral then that's not it...

Have you tried putting it in Neutral when comming up to a Stop???

I'd say that it's the TCC not unlocking the converter... but if it still does it in Neutral then that's not it...

thanks madcat......its fine in neutral......so im sure youre right.....can you tell me how to correct the fault......ie....do i just diconnect the switch.......where the switch is etc.....many thanks.....joe

thanks madcat......its fine in neutral......so im sure youre right.....can you tell me how to correct the fault......ie....do i just diconnect the switch.......where the switch is etc.....many thanks.....joe
Two ways to go about fixing this problem....

1: Just a "patch" but cheap and easy.... On the electronic plug going into the trans... grab a friend and a test light.. put the key into the RUN position, but don't have the engine on... Have your friend work the brake pedal while you look for a wire in that plug that has 12v+ then goes dead when he hits the brake.... Cut that wire. Of course, you should only do this if you're sure the converter is unlocked and not stalling the engine.

2: Probably the desired method, but costly if you can't do yourself.... Replace the TCC solonoid... while I think the solonoid itself is cheap.. I have had some say that you have to remove the trans to replace it... and others say it's servicable while on the car. Of course it might not actuallay be the probelm.. your converter might be sticking on its own.

At least with method #1, you can re-connect the wire whenever you're ready to do it right. Unless its just a junker driver that you don't care too much about, then just leave it untill you buy another car.

Worked on my 92 trans sport... The wire was on the 10 or 11 o'clock position if I rember correctly.

Two ways to go about fixing this problem....

1: Just a "patch" but cheap and easy.... On the electronic plug going into the trans... grab a friend and a test light.. put the key into the RUN position, but don't have the engine on... Have your friend work the brake pedal while you look for a wire in that plug that has 12v+ then goes dead when he hits the brake.... Cut that wire. Of course, you should only do this if you're sure the converter is unlocked and not stalling the engine.

2: Probably the desired method, but costly if you can't do yourself.... Replace the TCC solonoid... while I think the solonoid itself is cheap.. I have had some say that you have to remove the trans to replace it... and others say it's servicable while on the car. Of course it might not actuallay be the probelm.. your converter might be sticking on its own.

At least with method #1, you can re-connect the wire whenever you're ready to do it right. Unless its just a junker driver that you don't care too much about, then just leave it untill you buy another car.

Worked on my 92 trans sport... The wire was on the 10 or 11 o'clock position if I rember correctly.


MANY THANKS MADCAT455.......i'll give that a try and let u know how i went on......joe

Two ways to go about fixing this problem....

1: Just a "patch" but cheap and easy.... On the electronic plug going into the trans... grab a friend and a test light.. put the key into the RUN position, but don't have the engine on... Have your friend work the brake pedal while you look for a wire in that plug that has 12v+ then goes dead when he hits the brake.... Cut that wire. Of course, you should only do this if you're sure the converter is unlocked and not stalling the engine.

2: Probably the desired method, but costly if you can't do yourself.... Replace the TCC solonoid... while I think the solonoid itself is cheap.. I have had some say that you have to remove the trans to replace it... and others say it's servicable while on the car. Of course it might not actuallay be the probelm.. your converter might be sticking on its own.

At least with method #1, you can re-connect the wire whenever you're ready to do it right. Unless its just a junker driver that you don't care too much about, then just leave it untill you buy another car.

Worked on my 92 trans sport... The wire was on the 10 or 11 o'clock position if I rember correctly.


MANY THANKS MADCAT455.......i'll give that a try and let u know how i went on......joe

Many Thanks Again Madcat, Car Is Running Fine Without The Torque Converter Lock........i Dont Suppose U Know Of A Pontiac Dealer In Southern Spain Do You, I Need An Ignition Swith And I'm Quoted 121 Dollars To Ship It Over......again....many Thanks........jo Le Taxi

Do not drive that car in 4th gear with the tcc solenoid disconnected or you WILL burn up the trans and there goes your cheap fix.

Do not drive that car in 4th gear with the tcc solenoid disconnected or you WILL burn up the trans and there goes your cheap fix.How long will it take.. My 200K mi 92 Transport with the 3.8L had 15mo. like that, then I sold it to a friend about 11mo ago, and its still running great... has like 240K mi on it now. Ant thats in a heavier van.

Just curious as to why an Unlocked converter would have any effect on the clutch packs in the tranny. There will be some extra heat from it not locking up, but why would only 4th gear matter (since the converter locks up in 3rd as well)??

Again, Just wondering... so I can tell my friend what to expect.

Oh, Joe.. Sorry, I can't help with dealers in Spain. That does sound like alot of $ to ship though.