Hey, I'm new here, and looking to get some help with my Camaro. It's a 94, with the 3.4 V6 (yeah, I know, crappy engine, but the price was right). Anyway, here's my problem. When I'm on the highway, seemingly at random, the torque converter will lock and unlock rapidly (lock, 1 second, unlock, 2 seconds, lock again, etc). I've already changed the temp sensors and the lockup solenoid in the tranny, as well as flushed the fluid and changed the filter. It's intermittent, so I doubt the brake switch is the culprit. I do have an SES light on the dash, and it's intermittent also (I think a separate issue as it does not correspond with the tranny problems). I don't have access to an OBD1 reader, so rather than take it to my local dealer and be charged $100, I thought I'd come here and ask for input. If anybody can help me out, that'd be great.

I do have some basic car knowledge, and I've done many repairs ranging from transmission and engine replacement to brakes to shocks, etc. Just the basics. However, I'm not too familiar with the electronics in these newer cars, so like I said, any help would be awesome. Thanks!

 

You may have to drop the $$ to see what the codes are. Sounds like you have already done alot of the things that would have helped.

 

would be better to have it scanned, could try callin a tranny shop and ask a few questions. vss, tps, or the brake switch are a few that come to mind.

 

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm gonna try to get it scanned next week.
I've ruled out the VSS, because it shifts great in all other gears, and the speedo is accurate all the time. I thought it was the TPS too, and it has been replaced twice (both times with new parts) just to make sure. And I don't think it's the brake switch, because it unlocks just fine when I press the brake pedal, and locks back up after I release the pedal....
I'm afraid I might have a worn TCC Apply Valve in the tranny.... that's the only thing I can think of. Although, if that were the case, the problem would occur all the time, not just occasionally.
I have a hunch, though... The car runs pretty cold all the time (never over 180F, usually like 170-175F if the gauge is accurate), and I have no idea when the thermostat has been changed last. I'm thinking it might be stuck open, and the low temp might be screwing with the computer systems, like a "closed loop/open loop" kind of deal. I had trouble with an old Supra I had a while back, and it turned out the computer was wacking out because the engine temp was too cold. So, I'll try replacing the thermostat this weekend, and I'll letcha know. Thanks for the input, keep it coming!

 

look to see if u have an aftermarket chip in the system. some of the worthless ones plug into the iac.
u may have to get a tune done on it or get it read to see if its been programed with a bum tune.

 

Well, I know for a fact that the car is completely stock. I bought it off an old lady who's owned it since it rolled off the lot. It had computer issues when I got it, so I bought a new computer and had it programmed and installed at the local GM dealer.
I'm gonna head over to Aamco transmissions tomorrow and get the codes pulled. Hopefully they have an ALDL connector.

 

i would give the dealer a call and have them check out the computer as well.

 

OK, so here's an update.
I went to Aamco, and they scanned it for me. 4 codes came up, which kind of suprised me. They were: 77 (EGR Solenoid 1 Problem), 75 (EGR Solenoid 3 Problem), 15 (Coolant Temp Sensor Temp Low), and 66 (A/C Pressure Sensor/Circuit Problem/Pressure Low).

I had already replaced the coolant temp sensor (the one for the ECU, in the water-neck) a few weeks back, but I went and got another new one and installed it anyway. I also went down to the local junkyard and got a clean-looking EGR valve assembly (all 3 solenoids) and installed it, and also had the A/C system recharged at my local AutoZone.

The SES light remains, and there is no noticeable difference. Read: the problem is still there! I'm getting frustrated. I'm about to get rid of this thing, because I can't afford to keep replacing parts, and I can't afford a shop. Help!

 

see if any of these will help.

 

Wow, thanks! I'll take a look at these this afternoon and letcha know. Again, thanks for the help!