TCC Solenoid

[OldsSW]

I have heard this is the place to post when it comes to TH 200-4Rs. I don't have a Buick GN, but I do own several cars with TH 200-4Rs (and I have a couple spares too). It's really nice to find a forum with people who actually know their stuff on these trannys.

I have a '90 Olds with a TH 200-4R (stock) that has a TCC solenoid problem. I am thinking the solenoid may be going bad.

After driving the car on the highway for a little while the TC lock-up sticks. It won't deactivate even when I hit the brake. When I slow to a stop it unlocks when it downshifts to first. But when I acclerate the car locks up and lugs down as soon as it hits second. It acts exactly the same as when you ground the TCC terminal in the ALDL. After driving around at lower speeds in drive, it usually starts acting normal again.

So, I thinking the TCC solenoid may be sticking when it gets hot? I am assuming it unlocks in first becuase there is no hydraulic path for the TC lock-up when the tranny is in first? Is there any way to test the solenoid before I replace it? Are there any other areas I should check before I replace the solenoid?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[chris718]

it definately sounds like it needs replacing.you may also want to push the valve up an down ewhen you remove the solenoid to ensure that it returns back against the spring pressure .

 

[OldsSW]

So it's also possilbe that the valve could be sludged up and sticking? Is there any way (other than regular fluid changes) to fix this? Is there a way to test the solenoid with a mutlimeter or test light to see if it is the problem?

 

[chris718]

an ohm meter will not tell you if the solenoid is sticking .this problem is almost always solenoid related.if the valve was stuck it would always have lockup in 2 3 and 4 th gear ,but it is always a good procedure to stroke the valve to make sure it moves correctly and to loosen accumulated debris.an ohm meter would be helpful if you had current to the solenoid and it did not respond .than it would be necessary to ohm it for continuity .change it .

 

[OldsSW]

Thanks! Sounds like it would definitely be a bad solenoid then. This place is very helpful so far, keep up the good work.