1990 Pontiac Grand Am Dies at Stops

Avatar
THE_HYDROXIDE_CHILD
  • MEMBER
  • 82 POSTS
Ok i have a 1990 grand am 2.5L 170K whever i am driving about 55-70 the torque converter locks up due to the lockup solenoid... and when i stop my car dies.. i restart put it in drive it dies... its does this forever... eventually it will quit and i can drive again... is there any way i can disable this or what can i do to fix it??? its doesnt always do this but its has done it a bunch lately im estimating every 4 out of 10 stoplights/signs
Jan 25, 2007 at 8:31 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
It probably needs a tcc solenoid. However, you can unplug it and try it that way.
Jan 25, 2007 at 9:08 AM
Avatar
THE_HYDROXIDE_CHILD
  • MEMBER
  • 82 POSTS
how do i unplug it???
Jan 25, 2007 at 4:48 PM
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
Look at the connector, there are a couple tabs or fingers that lock the connector on, lift them and pull back with the body of the connectors, NOT by the wires.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_tcc_1.jpg

Jan 25, 2007 at 8:38 PM
Avatar
THE_HYDROXIDE_CHILD
  • MEMBER
  • 82 POSTS
ok and ur positive this wont fry my transmission or nothing like that lol
Jan 26, 2007 at 2:23 PM
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
This isn't a long term solution, but a way to help isolate your problem. My brother has been driving his like that for 3 years :roll:
Jan 26, 2007 at 2:26 PM

Suggested Repair

The TCC lockup solenoid likely needs replacement. As a temporary diagnostic test, unplug its connector by lifting the locking tabs and pulling on the connector body, not the wires. Driving with it unplugged is only for isolating the problem, not a long-term fix.

Conversation Summary

A 1990 Pontiac Grand Am with a 2.5L engine stalls after the torque converter locks up around 55-70 mph, often dying again when placed in Drive until the problem clears. The expert said the TCC solenoid is the likely cause and explained how to unplug it to test, while noting that leaving it unplugged is not a permanent repair.

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle