Pontiac Repair: 91 sunbird convertible, solenoid valve, torque converter

Question
Hi Todd

I have a 91 Sunbird 2-door convert. LE with 2.0 TBI engine, automatic transmission (VIN 1G2JB34K3M7555750). I bought it a few days ago. Initially, driving ok. After driving long enough to warm up, it would stall on a traffic when I came to a stop (like forgetting to push the clutch on a manual transmission). After a minute or two, it would start up normal and drive normal. After using it for 2 or 3 hours in this condition, i stopped at a gas station, and now it doesnt start at all. When turning the key, there is a very light click sound, and the indicator lights go off. When pulling key and re-inserting, the lights are there. I bought a new battery, but this didnt solve the problem. Please help. I desperately need the car, and have no money to buy a new one.
Thanks very much.
Daniel

Answer
Hi Daniel:

I think you have 2 issues here. The stalling at a light is an issue with the trasnmission torque converter cluth it stick on and it will stall just like you forgot to push in the clutch on a manual transmission. either the valve in the trasnmission valve body is sticking of the solenoid valve is sticking. Now as for the no start just clicks. It can be a bad connection somewhere that the starter is not getting full battery power to crank the car over, it could be a bad starter motor. you mya want to have someone crank the car while to tap on the starter motor with  a hammer and see if it cranks. The starter may have a "dead" spot and tapping on it may make it go past that spot and crank the car over. Good luck :0