95 Grand Am shuddering, jerking, and occasionally stalling

[RenaBoBeena]

Hello. I have a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am (2.3L) that has started shuddering and jerking, mostly when I brake or accelerate, though these symptoms also occur throughout the ride. Additionally, she has stalled when I've come to a stop. Any input about what the problem could be would be greatly appreciated.

[3100]

Hello, how is your braking? The reason I am asking this is because the power booster could be leaking air. Try this engine off, pump brakes7-8 times and press the pedal, when you start the engine pedal should go to the floor. Let me know what happens.

[RenaBoBeena]

Turns out it's the transmission, and I officially am not putting $1400-1900 into a car that I paid $1600 for, especially considering I've already done more than $1600 in repairs in 2010 so far. I'll miss her, though.

[3100]

What exactly is wrong with the trans? Just asking for the future reference.

[RenaBoBeena]

According to the shop, "TCC problem and TCC selonoid. TCC engaged too soon and keep engaged at stops."

[3100]

check ERLS 15A fuse under the hood, also check if brake lights go on when brake pedal is pressed.

Check codes and let us know what codes you got.

[RenaBoBeena]

I was able to check all my lights before I gave up and took her to the shop. I managed to get on the phone with my regular mechanic across the state, and he even suggested the TCC selonoid, so I'm more inclined to trust the shop here in their judgment. That guy has looked at my car since I bought it five years ago.

[thephantom1492]

You might actually be able to disconnect the TCC completly
Unless you drive it hard, pull a trailer or alike it shouln't do more than cost a bit more in gas.

The torque converter is the part that "replace" the clutch on a manual transmission.

I mean, it allow the motor and the wheel to not be locked.

Normally, the torque converter get bypassed at higher gear (usually third gear), and then the motor-wheel get locked and stay in sync.

The solenoid is what activate the locking clutch.

This is mainly a fuel saver feature, as well as helping keep the transmission colder.

I had to disable it on my cavalier 1993 when the solenoid messed up. In my case, the transmission was fine until it heated up, then the TCC solenoid failed to disengage, and you know the problem...

On my cavalier, it was a 3 wires plug on the side of the transmission.