1996 caravan 3.3 - The torque converter stays engaged (locked-up) all the time. Because of this , it's almost imposible to drive from a stand still . It will start and run fine in park but when I shift it into gear it dies.
Any idea and what would cause it to stay locked-up?

Thanks,
Bruce

 

I'll take a stab at this. If it was a GM it would be the TCC ( torque convertor clutch) solenoid. I don't know exactly how these **** backwards front drives actuate the clutch to lock on the convertor but I'll betcha there is a solenoid in there somewhere. On GM rear drives you have access to this solenoid just by dropping the pan.

 

Yes, my thought also. But where's the soleoid located?

 

The solenoid is in the solenoid pack on the front of the transmission. Doubt its that though, could be a failed torque converter. Not like a GM at all. Could be other problems too.

 

I guess it is like a GM afterall, it has a soleniod controlling the lockup doesn't it ? They all have a solenoid of some type to lock the convertor up. That solenoid pack was about 200 dollars aftermarket last I priced one.


I darn sure would try that before pulling the tranny unless you need the exercise because there is just as a much a chance that is what the problem is as the convertor clutch being shot. You don't even have to drop the pan to change the solenoid pack. I checked that out a few years ago and totally forgot about it.

 

Unpluging the solenoid have any effect?

 

You can unplug the solenoid, but you will have 2nd and reverse only. Will put the trans controller into limp-in.

 

Cool,should stay running when put in gear. Unless converter is locked[sm=lockeddance.gif]

 

lightorch, did you fix your trans? i have 92 that is also locked, did unpluging solenoid work/ or replacement of solenoid? please let me know,
thanks, jason

 

Here is a video I took when it would only die cold but start driving when it was hot. In the video I start the car (this was like the 10th time lol), put it Reverse and it dies with a lurchy thud. The next time when I put it in Drive it's fine. But this is after multiple attempts that it finally works.

I've since tried unplugging the harness to force it into limp mode but it still dies in anything but P and N. So no change.

I removed the solenoid box and took it to a repair shop here in Mexico (it's originally a US car) and asked about a rebuild kit but the guy said they only work for a couple months which I find hard to believe.