I have a 1995 Cavalier (2.2L, 3speed auto). It's got the usual TCC Solenoid failure symptoms (stalling when stopping after cruising). I've got the TCC wire unplugged for now. But, I want to fix the problem.
I bought a replacement solenoid, cover gasket, and have both the factory and Haynes service manuals. My question is this:
Has anyone on this board changed the TCC on a 3rd generation ('95 or newer) Cavalier?
The mounting is quite different from earlier models. I've looked at the Fiero thread in other posts, and pictures on the V6Z24.com web-site - those procedures won't work here. The main difference is the left-side transaxle mount. It completely surrounds the valve-cover and must be removed to gain access. According to the manual, to do this you have to remove or disconnect the following...
- Left wheel
- Splash shield
- Crossmember
- Ball Joint
- Sway Bar
- Drive Axle
- Transaxle cooling lines
- Left Suspension Support
...and so on.
Please tell me there's an easier way!
- Kirk
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier (formerly owned by a little old lady...)
There is no easier way to do it, it's not a job that should be done without experience, because it can go sour really fast if you don't know what you're doing. You also have to support the motor, bcause the front subframe has to come out. I've been pulling wrenches for quite awhile now and with all the proper tools(air) and a hoist it still takes me a few hours. If you think you're over your head with it, don't mess with it. Save yourself the hassle and take it to a trans shop, they'll probably charge you 5 or 6 hours to do it, but if you think you can handle it, giv'er, just be prepared for alot of work!
That's what I was afraid of.
Another post suggested just letting the transaxle/engine combo hang down on the left, the angle being enough to gain clearance. I'll have to look around carefully before trying that - wouldn't want to crush, tear or drop anything.
As for experience, I've been swinging wrenches (non-professionally) for a couple of decades. I've got all the same tools (except the hoist), and have rebuilt my share of engines and transmissions (auto and manual) and assorted other items, plus keeping a plane in the air.
I know I can do this, I was just looking for the "experienced shortcut". For example, swapping the engine on a mid-80's S10 Blazer requires lifting the body 6" (according to the factory manual) to clear the top two bell-housing bolts. But I talked to a Chevy mechanic who told me his shortcut - back the bolts out until they hit the firewall, crane the engine forward an inch, then back the bolts out the rest of the way. Another Chrysler mechanic showed me how he could swap head gaskets on a minivan V6 in an hour without removing the exhaust. I was hoping for a similar in-the-field solution.
Thanks for the reply. I think I'll wait for nicer weather - no fun working on a difficult task in an unheated garage.
- Kirk
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier (formerly owned by a little old lady...)
Have been running with the tcc unplugged for about 2 years (40,000) miles.Car has 211,000 on it...Gas mileage suffers alittle but still am getting around 30 mpg. Torque converter locks up but what the heck..Better than 5 hours labor
Sorry mean't to say never locks up
Do your tranny problem seems to be as this guys describe :
http://www.askbw.com/parts/parts/33000-02.htm although this link is for a 4t40e tranny which is 4 speeds. My car a '96 Z-24 sometimes gets funny and the tc does not apply properly but if I rev it up some in neutral then it goes ok, itīs supposed to be a valve that sticks and to fix it have to get to the valve body, when I do I will like to change the tcc solenoid just in case, apparently there is no simple way to do it just hard work and time plus Iīll get someone to help. I posted in the transmission forum last month and got some feed back, check that forum. But still looking for a shortcut....listening
jeff johnson wrote:Have been running with the tcc unplugged for about 2 years (40,000) miles.Car has 211,000 on it...Gas mileage suffers alittle but still am getting around 30 mpg. Torque converter doesn't lock up but what the heck..Better than 5 hours labor
I got this car specifically for the better gas mileage. Especially when compared against my '95 Suburban. I intend to keep it for a long while, and with gas prices the way they are I'll easily recoup the lost time and effort with even a slight increase in mileage.
But, to be honest, the engineer in me hates to have things unplugged and not working
When I get around to fixing it I'll post a step-by-step pictoral essay. Can photos be posted on these forums?
- Kirk
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier (formerly owned by a little old lady...)
