A few yers ago -- in 2003 -- the tranny in my 86 Cavalier RS convertible (V-6) totally locked up. It locked so abruptly the engine and tire rotation just stopped, almost like it seized up. Fortunately, I was almost stopped at a stop sign, so I restarted it, put her in gear, and with a loud 'BAM' it stopped again. After about 6 tries I had moved about 12 inches
I was hauled to the transmission shop where they diagnosed the problem. They said they could fix it for $1,700 or if I perfered, they could disconnect the source of the problem and I could drive it away. The cost for the disconnect was nada, zero, free. They said I might get 1 or 2 MPG less but unless I did a lot of long distance driving it would not be worth the $1,700 repair.
I'm not dumb. After profuse thanks to the service writer, I drove it home. Over the years I got all the dings out, a new high-quality red paint job, $1,300 for a new black top, a new Le Bra, a parade boot, and a lot of other spare parts.
Now I'm giving it to my granddaughter for her 16th birthday. But I still don't know what was disconnected. I asked the shop and they didn't remember. They said if I would bring it in they would diagnose it for free. However, I think it's the tranny lock-out switch. That should have only cost a few dollarrs back in 2003.
My question is "What else could it be?" Should I trust them? Is it safe for my granddaughter to drive with it disconnected?
Many Thanks, Grant W. Johnston, Chico, CA
If it's something that simple, it sounds to me like the TCC solenoid was bad, which is actually pretty common in those cars. Since you didn't say, judging by given information i'm going to assume it's auto. The TCC solenoid goes bad, and your torque converter stays locked, then when you come to a stop, the engine stalls just like coming to a stop in a manual in gear, but not stepping on the clutch pedal.
Why it would cost 1700 dollars to repair it, I have no idea. All that's happening with it disconnected is the torque converter doesn't lock up when you're cruising. This makes you have a little higher engine RPM, so yeah you lose a little bit of MPG.
I wouldn't trust them. Sounds like they're interested in making more money than they're worth.
Actually, if you ask me.... for the estimated repair cost, it sounds like they were wanting to charge for a transmission rebuilt. 10 bucks says they would have claimed to rebuild the tranny, yet only replace the TCC solenoid.
