I have an 1982 Trans Am with the 200c three speed auto. Lately, when the torque converter locks up if I try to accelerate from about 35 MPH, it feels like the T.C. is locking and unlocking rapidly, like 5 times per second. Also, if I go up a hill and the T.C. doesn't unlock, it will growl like I'm driving over a rumble strip, regardless of the road. It does it on gravel just as much as pavement. As soon as I give it enough gas to get the T.C. to unlock, or push on the brake with my other foot enough to get it to unlock, both problems will go away. I have changed the fluid and filter to try to get rid of this, and the fluid is up to the right level. Is it possible that the Torque Converter clutch is worn out? Or do I have another problem? Please help, you guys really seem to know your stuff.

 

sounds llike I tcc solenoid to me. If its not working right that will happen and I ve seen a bunch of them go bad

 

Try putting a Vacuum Gauge on it and drive under those conditions. If the gauge stays steady when the problem occurs go after the TC. IF it goes nuts, start with plugs, wires, etc.

 

Thanks Guys. I'll check the vacuum and then the TCC solenoid.

 

Thought you would like to know: On a TH200C, the L/U Solenoid is bolted to the backside of the Pump.

 

On the pump? Good grief. I checked the tune of the engine with a vacuum gauge this weekend, and while the shudder/chuggle was going on, the gauge stayed solid at 19. This morning on my way to work, while climbing a hill, it was acting like something was slipping. I could see the RPM of the engine changing by about 500 until the TCC unlocked. I held the car in first with the brake at a stop sign, and it did not act like it was slipping then. Thanks for the info, I'll let you know what I find out. If you can think of anything else, I'll be more than happy to hear it!

 

check this out, it is a similar problem... i've been looking for an answer for forever b/c mine is messed up also, nobody seems to help me out though...
check this link out:

http://www.10w40.com/pages/fix_diag_area.asp?pagenum=8

About 3/4 the way down is an article about the lockup.
let me know if you fix it, i wish someone would help.

 

Sounds like you isolated it to the Trans. I don't think I would go through the trouble of putting a Solenoid in it alone. You might want to make sure that the signal TO the Trans (and onto the Solenoid) is on solid. You could have an intermittant problem on either the power OR ground side. Best to eliminate it now because it is impossible to check once the Trans is out and apart.


TrnsmGTA: As for your problem, how about starting over and posting here instead of making us jump through hoops? OK!

 

unnecessary to post that comment, people are looking for help, not attitude.