Oldsmobile/Buick: think my olds calais has a bad TEC solenoid, cutlass calais, olds cutlass

Question
oops--make that TCC solenoid....

hi ray.

i have a 90 olds cutlass calais with 31k miles. my model is very basic v-4, 2.5 liter engine, front-wheel drive. i've driven this car for about 16 months with no real problems (including a cross country jaunt: atlanta to seattle via los angeles). well, no real problems means that i don't count the cv axle, the starter, or the brakes...

twice in the last two months, my car has inexplicably died after coming to a stop. it starts right back up again but dies when i shift into drive. i had it towed to my mechanic after the first incident and they told me i had overheated (even though there was no smoke, no temp guage light). they replaced the coolant system sensor, flushed my radiator, and replaced my transmission belts.

i'd driven my car maybe 75 miles since that repair (i don't drive that much) and this weekend it happened again. she stalled at a stop and would not go into gear without dying. my tow truck driver suggested the TCC solenoid. it sounds like a likely candidate except that i've driven on the highway several times and this hasn't happened then.

my questions are: does this sound like a TCC solenoid problem to you? can i unplug the blue switch and drive for a while to check the diagnosis?

any advice you can give me, including ball park repair cost, would be great. i live in seattle. thanks!

lori

Answer
Hi Lori,
Sounds to me that the TC sensor is likely the culprit. Most often stalling occurs in that area. I would give the induction system the once over to be safe. Oldsmobile uses a mass type air metering system. Coupled in line to the air filter box. Usually it looks like a round cylinder with a mesh screen. This meter depending on year can run electrically, so look for the plug in. The air metering system regulates the air flow similar to a carburetor. I'd have it checked to make sure it's flowing at peak performance. Mostly trouble free, this unit can get dirty if you drive in very dusty conditions. As for the TC sensor, it can go bad due to heat and age. Replacing it is easily done, and you can pick them up for less than fifty bucks. The labor I would think would be at least $20. While you have the intake hose off the throttle body itself, a good cleaning with a throttle body cleaning spray will help remove any varnish.
The sensor is a delicate piece and requires care when installing. Whatever you do do not attempt to drive the car without this sensor or disconnecting any component. It's all tied into the cars computer. Hope this helps! Ray