1993 Chevy Lumina Stalls at Stops

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JOYFULL1979
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I have a 1993 Chevy Lumina 3.1L V6. When I come to a stop at a light my car will die. If I shift up into neutral and play with the gas the car will stay running. I was told that it was an issue with the overdrive not disengaging and that it would could be disconnected, but when I took it into the shop they said that this wire controlled other items. Can it still be disconnected? what other items are on that section? I am not a car expert so could really use some help before I go into a shop and get hit with a huge bill for something I didn't necessarily need.
Jan 22, 2006 at 3:25 PM
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MVANNESSJR
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Well they are probably referring to the TCC (Torque Converter Clutch) solenoid switch that attaches to the break pedal. When pressure is applied to the break it is supposed to disengage the torque converter (as you referred to overdrive). The TCC is supposed to engage at freeway speeds in order to reduce gas consumption, if it doesn't disengage at lower speeds it will stall the car.

Sometimes the switch on the back of the break pedal will share the same harness as your break lights. So disconnecting the switch at this point would eliminate break lights in some cars.

I am not familiar with your vehicle but there is also a wireharness going to the transmission on some cars that will disable the TCC.

I have been told this type of stalling could also be related to the fuel system. I would have fuel pressure checked out for a possible failing fuel pump. If this is the case replace that and the fuel filter.

I'm having similiar problems, but I hope this helps you.
Jan 22, 2006 at 11:22 PM
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BBENTROD
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It has been my experience that the fuel pressure regulator under the intake manifold has a ruptured diaphragm causing raw gas to flow directly into the intake. Is the car getting worse than usual mileage?
Jan 23, 2006 at 2:11 AM
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MVANNESSJR
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Just to add on to my previous post... I've found out on some newer vehicles the switch on the break pedal is responsible for the cruise control and the computer system will bypass the switch and still engage/disengage the TCC. Disconnecting this switch on newer vehicles will just disable your cruise control and not affect the Torque Converter at all.
Jan 24, 2006 at 4:58 PM
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JOYFULL1979
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We just had a friend disconnect the wire for the TCC and no change except now it doesn't shut off so quickly. As far as worse gas milage i'm not sure since it is a car that we don't drive much to begin with.
Jan 28, 2006 at 9:59 AM
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MVANNESSJR
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Review my earlier post. Disconnecting the wire for the TCC may not disengage its function. I would recommend having the TCC replaced, especially if this usually happens after breaking 50MPH prior to it stalling on coming to a stop. I just had this problem in my 92 GA and disconnecting the wire didn't solve the problem, but a new TCC solenoid did. She runs great now!
Feb 1, 2006 at 5:13 AM
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Suggested Repair

Replace the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid rather than only disconnecting its wire, especially if the stall follows highway speeds. Also have fuel pressure checked; a weak fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or ruptured fuel-pressure regulator diaphragm can cause the same stall at stops.

Conversation Summary

A 1993 Chevy Lumina 3.1L stalls when stopping at lights but keeps running in neutral with throttle. The owner was told the overdrive or TCC was not disengaging and asked whether a related wire could be disconnected. Experts explained that the brake-pedal TCC switch may share brake-light or cruise-control functions, so disconnecting it may not release the clutch and can disable other systems. After a TCC wire disconnect made little difference, the expert recommended replacing the TCC solenoid. Fuel pressure, the fuel pump and filter, and a leaking fuel-pressure regulator were also suggested as possible causes.

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