Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: idles rough, torque converter clutch, torque converter clutch solenoid

Question
Tom:  I have a 1992 Regal GS 3.8 engine, 166k miles.  You can drive the car but, at a stop light or in park it idles rough and stalls.  If you let it set it will start back up and run ok till the next time(unpredictable) it does it. I replaced the fuel filter and did not help.  What do you suggest?  Thanks, Pat (The car is well maintained and in great shape)

Answer
The 2 most common problems are:

1. A heavy residue buildup within the throttle plate area of the intake manifold of which can be cleaned off using an aersol cleaning spray.

2. The TCC (Torque Converter Clutch) SOLENOID is sticking closed inside the transmission and is not letting the overdrive portion of the transmission release fully thus causing the vehicle to idle rough and stall out.

Similar to having astandard shift transmission and the clutch pedal is stretched and it won't disengage the clutch from the flywhell thus causing the engine to run rough and stall.


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