The Car Care Clinic with the Dr John

95 Oldsmobile Ciera Wagon - Stalling problems

Gerry in Durham

Question

I own a ‘95 Oldsmobile Ciera Wagon with low mileage of 23,000 miles, It runs great around town. After going on the motorway for an hour or so, the car stalled on the exit ramp. Coming home , the car stalled again. The dealership checked the sensors, all checking out ok. My personal mechanic checked and found everything being ok. Any ideas? I even asked our priest for help!

Answer

Ask your mechanic to temporarily disconnect the lock-up torque converter for the automatic transmission. Then go drive the vehicle on the highway for a while and see if the stalling problem still happens when you stop at the exit. I'll bet you a cup of tea the problem will not occur. If I'm right, have your mechanic replace the solenoid for the lock-up torque converter. The solenoid has a valve in it that is known for sticking and causing stalling problems under the driving condition you're describing. Your vehicle is of the right vintage to suffer from this problem.

Good Luck!
Dr. John