1994 Cavalier Tranny Lockup Issues...

[derekbroerse]

Having a rather unusual problem in the Scabalier. 2.2L four popper and 3 speed auto. The torque convertor is intermittantly not unlocking, ie: stalling the engine pulling up to a stoplight. Manually shifting into 2nd or low, or even reverse makes no difference.

This is the 2nd time in a week its done this, and probably the 4th time in the year I've had the car. Didn't do any diagnosis at all, was so pissed off at it got it in the driveway (stalled out) and walked away from it.

Ideas? The car has approx. 250000kms and isn't worth spending any real money on, its just been handy to have around as a runabout. Car currently needs (besides tranny repair) a rear wheel cylinder, drivers seatbelt, front seats, and something shaking in the front end that I haven't even gone after yet. Body is decent, I believe still the original red paint, but getting to the point where it could use a paint job and some minor bodywork. Also, before my birthday in December, the car needs a tuneup, oil change, and e-test.... oh and I'm smelling some coolant in the front end, though not a visible leak, the level does go down.

In the past year I've replaced brake lines, neutrel safety switch, front right hub assembly, heater core, alternator, muffler, and incidentals. Car is becoming a money pit.

Ideas or opinions on the tranny issue? Everything else I can pick away at, and already have most of the parts for... I'd like to keep it alive but only within practicality...

[snowjoker]

Derek, I had a 92 lumina did the same thing, its the torque converter lockup sensor ? On the drivers side you will see a plug in the transaxle, unplug it and the problem will go away. I beleve it just makes the converter direct drive for better economy.

[Pickering Snow]

Unplugging it Walt kinda defeats the purpose of gas mileage and increased wear on the tranny.

Simple fix Th125 trans pull side cover easy replace Tcc Sol cost 40 bucks and a 10 dollar side pan gasket.

Keep in mind by unplugging your also taking out the second and third gear pressure sensors has well , not a good idea.

[sonjaab]

I also have been reading in the GM truck forums with GM converter
lock/unlock issues. I noted that the brake light switch also controls
the TC lock/unlock. Some have had success with replacing the
brake light switch.

[additudeguy]

unplugging the plug is a temp fix that will work.... leaving it that way will lead to replacing/rebuilding the transmission sooner than later....

most of the time its the TCC solenoid in the side cover....

[flykelley]

Derek, I had a 92 lumina did the same thing, its the torque converter lockup sensor ? On the drivers side you will see a plug in the transaxle, unplug it and the problem will go away. I beleve it just makes the converter direct drive for better economy.This is right on the money, I unpluged mine and no more problems.

Regards Mike

[flykelley]

I also have been reading in the GM truck forums with GM converter
lock/unlock issues. I noted that the brake light switch also controls
the TC lock/unlock. Some have had success with replacing the
brake light switch.George
Great to see ya buddy.

Regards Mike

[derekbroerse]

Simple fix Th125 trans pull side cover easy replace Tcc Sol cost 40 bucks and a 10 dollar side pan gasket.


Are we talking the sheetmetal cover on the end of the tranny that covers the chain (I'm assuming) from the convertor area to the clutch and drum area? I'm not familiar with these trannies, but am familiar with the 700R4 setup, where the solenoid plugs into the pump. Similar?

Also in the 700R4, the tcc solenoid controls the fluid going to the cooler, if I'm not mistaken... ie: alot of heat buildup without it...

[towman]

if you pull the drivers side tire off you will see the side cover that needs to be removed, will be a black inner fender to pull off also, like fred said not a hard repair, does help to have small hands though

[derekbroerse]

does help to have small hands though

Then I'm in trouble already.... :D Thanks guys...

[wagonman76]

GM had a lot of problems with the TCC solenoids going bad in those 3 speed trannies. I replaced 2 on Corsicas. The parts were less than $30, and it was a 4 hours of work having never done it before. 2nd time was about 2 hours. If you search online, youll see it is a common problem, and there are several pages on how to do it. Some are on Fieros, which uses the same tranny and use FWD parts so it is still applicable.

Id just replace it. Its not good for it to stay unlocked, the converter just spins fluid and heats up. Plus the gas savings alone would make it worth it to fix it.

[derekbroerse]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/125C-3T40-NEW-LOCK-UP-TCC-SOLENOID-AND-SIDE-PAN-GASKET_W0QQitemZ260050488334QQihZ016QQcategoryZ337 27QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Is this looking like the right stuff? Can't beat the price LOL

[Pickering Snow]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/125C-3T40-NEW-LOCK-UP-TCC-SOLENOID-AND-SIDE-PAN-GASKET_W0QQitemZ260050488334QQihZ016QQcategoryZ337 27QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Is this looking like the right stuff? Can't beat the price LOL



Yes and no yes its the sol and gasket but i beg to differ with his claim to direct fit , personal opinion i dont use those butt style connectors "the white ends" the Delco sol is complete harness up to the trans case and is 45 and some change.