Chevrolet Repair: Car cuts off when switched into gear, cavalier rs, torque converter

Question
I have a 1994 Cavalier RS 2.2 liter 4 door sedan with 95,000 miles on it. While going to the store one day i slowed down for a red light and my car shut off. I started her back up and shifted her into drive; she cut off again. I've heard that it may be the torque converter, but recently I heard that there is a switch on the outside of the transmission that i can pull out to make this problem cease for good.I'm not too sure about whats going on and I need my car to get to work everyday; PLEASE HELP ME!

Answer
Hello Ed...Let's fix your car....The transmission in question is a 125c. The wire you see on the front of the transmission carries current to the''lock-up'' solenoid. This solenoid energizes a circuit which engages a clutch in the torque converter. When these solenoids go bad the torque converter does not release it's clutch and therefore your vehicle tries to come to a stop and ''stall''. This would be like releasing a clutch on a stick shift transmission and keeping the brake on.Romove the side cover and replace the solenoid ..it is an easy fix and self-explanatory..There is also a switch on the brake pedal called a ''boo'' switch which cuts the current to the solenoid when you apply the brake. But again...if the solenoid is stuck in the applied position ''mechanically'' lock-up will always occur and not come off until the valves in the transmission move back into the''unlock'' position....Go find a solenoid and change it....Hint...Remove the side pan...you will see where the wires go...it's a breeze....Oh yes...You can disconnect the wire ...The transmission will still shift ,but you gas mileage may go away too!...Best....!