Lock-up Torque Converter

Asked by sambeth Apr 25, 2012 at 06:38 AM about the 1998 Buick Park Avenue FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The torque converter on my '98 PA locks up too early, and will not disengage, even at slow speeds.  
However, if I pull over and turn ignition off for approx. 10 seconds, and then restart, everything works
fine.  Any ides??

1 Answer

24,745

Your torque converter has a locking clutch that is engaged by a solenoid and control by the computer. It senses load and speed to decide when to lock the converter. This solenoid can be sticking which will cause it to stay in lockout. to long. What does your tranny fluid look like is it nice and reddish pink or more brown in color? One good test is to take a clean white cloth and wipe the tranny dip stick down. If you have a lot of black or brown on the cloth you have excessive wear in your tranny. As far as the speed at which the torque converter locks do you remember what speed it locked out before? Under light or no load it should around the 45 mph mark give or take a few.

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    jateen29
    Reputation
    3,210
  • #2
    Joseph King
    Reputation
    2,060
  • #3
    Jim Campbell
    Reputation
    1,120
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Buick Regal
5 Great Deals out of 35 listings starting at $5,600
Used Lincoln Town Car
8 listings starting at $9,995
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 15,103 listings starting at $1,712
Used Toyota Avalon
4 Great Deals out of 28 listings starting at $4,988
Used Buick Riviera
2 listings
Used Toyota Tacoma
57 Great Deals out of 1,080 listings starting at $8,708

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.