90, 3.1 L auto tranny problem

[Gabe]

Hey guys,

i got a 1990 corsica, 3.1 L, (not sure what tranny is in it, ill try and find out). the problem is that after i drive it for a while the transmission "locks up" and so when i stop its like stopping a standard without the clutch being pushed in....the engine just dies. after i start it back up the car will run fine in neutral or park but itll die as soon as i put it in reverse or drive. the only way to get it working again is to let it sit for a while. also i noticed that when the tranny locks up if im in 3rd lets say, it wont down shift as im slowing down, itll just die in 3rd. other than that it doesnt slip, and when its working it seems to shift fine.

i did an oil and filter change on it and the only diff it made is that now it downshifts as im slowing down, but itll do it right before the engine is about to die. it still dies once its in 1st and i slow down enough.

Thanks for any help

[firechiken]

Sounds like the tcc solenoid. Unplug it for now, I think it is the only thing on the tranny that you can unplug for that year. I know a guy who's been driving around for years like that, effects your mileage a little, but that's it.

[Gabe]

Thanks firechiken, unpluging the solenoid seems to work. Is there any way of fixing that, or do i have to get a rebuild?

[firechiken]

The solenoid needs to be replaced. I've never done it, but you have to remove the side cover. I think you have to pull the motor/trans to do it, not sure. I think this was brought up before, do a search and see what you find.