Hi guys, I have a 1982 Oldsmobile 98 with the 5.0 L 307 engine. I can't quite recall which transmission was standard with that car, but I do know that all of those had torque converters. The issue I have is mine does not seem to want to function the way previous cars that I've owned did. It only seems to want to engage when I've got the engine under load such as climbing a hill or accelerating, but then it doesn't want to release until I nearly got the pedal to the floor and it's switching to low gear such as passing or climbing a very steep hill. I recall with my previous Oldsmobile which was a 1980 '98 that the torque converter would even come on during cruise on the highway so long as I wasn't pushing the pedal down or releasing it. Can anyone give me some idea as to what the problem might be? Or is this just a idiosyncrasy of this type of transmission that Oldsmobile produced at the time? Any help would be very much appreciated thanks.

 

I assume you are talking about torque converter lockup function. The solenoid valve that controls this frequently sticks. It's easy to replace by dropping the trans pan.

 

Make sure your fluid level is correct. Check the ATF with the engine HOT, idling in Park.

 

See Joe's post,, I assume to,that you are referring to the clutch lock up solenoid. To verify this, do not put the car in drive move it 1 gear down from drive, so third not overdrive, the problem should not be there like this if it is the torque converter lock up solenoid is the problem. This should only act up in drive..

 

Pin F of the ALDL is the terminal for the converter clutch.

If I remember correctly, you can put a test light on pin F, turn the key on, and the light should be on. Push the brake, the light should go out. Once the trans shifts to 4th and the converter locks, the light will go out, assuming the ecm is commanding the converter on.

Before doing anything, verify the brake switch for the converter/cruise control is adjusted correctly. Keep in mind, there are 2 brake switches. One for the brakes and the other for the TCC and cruise.