Bad solenoid may be causing vehicle to stall

By Doug McAllister

Q. I would like to have your input on my 1987 El Camino with a 4.3-liter engine, fuel injected with overdrive transmission. The El Camino has 65,000 original miles on it.

The problem I am having seems to be with the transmission. When the car is cold, everything works perfectly. As soon as the car warms up, the transmission will not downshift and when you come to a complete stop the engine dies. The car will start right back up, but then the transmission will make all of its upshifts within a few feet and the engine will die again at the next stop.

If the car sets for a while, the transmission will work perfect again until it warms up. I have had the transmission fluid and filter changed with no luck in solving the problem. Do you have any ideas what the problem is?

A. Thanks for your question and what a fun car you have. I assume with that low mileage the body is in good shape, as well. I would love to see the car sometime.

I think the problem you are having is with the lock-up torque converter circuit. There is a switch in the transmission called a TCC solenoid that is responsible for locking the converter after you shift up and hit cruising speed.

What happens is when things warm up, the solenoid can stick and won't release the torque converter, so the engine dies. It's like driving a stick shift and forgetting to push in the clutch when you come to a stop.

Replacing that solenoid should solve the problem and it is not very hard to do. You can test the theory by unplugging it to see if the problem goes away. You shouldn't leave it unplugged long term but it's fine temporarily until you can get it replaced.

Good luck and I hope this solves your problem.

• Douglas Automotive is at 417 W. Main St., Barrington; 123 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake; and 416 Northwest Hwy., Fox River Grove. For information, visit douglasautomotive.com. Send questions to underthehood@dailyherald.com.