Hello everyone
i have a 2002 cavalier 2.2 litre, for awhile now I have been having a problem with the car throwing the code po742 torque converter stuck on, the trac off light comes on as well, and the car shifts irractically and stalls. I have researched this some and have found the side panel usually has to come off of the transmission for a fix, i have heard of some people unplugging the overdrive and clearing this up, but when I do this on my vehicle, it will not run, could anyone enlighten me on this? Is there something I could do temporarily to get this car to run better? Or do i just have to take the car in for the complete fix, my budget is pretty tight right now.

thank you for all of the help

A bidirectional trans-capable-scanner can command the solenoid on and off to confirm its operation. This is the most definitive test for that circuit. Most trans shops will have this equipment.