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1994 Pontiac Grand Am 1994 Grand Am Stalls when put in reve

Tiny
KJR
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
I have a 1994 Grand Am 2.3L with a 3 speed auto transmission. The car runs good in all gears, except when I shift into reverse, the engine stalls. It is a very abrupt stall, like something is locking up. I tried disconnecting the 2wire wiring harness that goes into the side of the trans, thinking it was the TCC soleniod. It made no difference. This being a 3 speed, it may not have a TCC. Does anyone know what this may be? Thanks.
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 8:44 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
If TCC then it would do it in foward gears also.

Most likely an IAC, since ECM will command more air and fuel when a load is demanded.

Remove and clean IAC and check the cable to trans. Make sure it is anchored properly and not loose or a bracket is missing.
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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 7:14 AM
Tiny
KJR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank You for your quick response. I cleaned the Idle Air control. The car idles perfectly before and after cleaning. It idles perfectly in drive and park. I can raise the idle by using the accelerator pedal and shifting into reverse. The same thing happens, a hard stall with a backward jerk and a clunk. I doubt it is an engine problem. Is there a trans. Mechanic that can provide advice?
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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 9:50 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
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I will post to moderators forum.
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Torque converter is failing or internal parts of the tranny is failing. Will need to have torque converter checked out. If it is OK, a tear down of the tranny will be required to find the internal culprit.
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
Maybe i'm just wishful thinking.
But what about a loss of ground or some other electrical problem when the torque is reversed on the mounts?
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Sunday, May 17th, 2009 AT 8:47 PM
Tiny
KJR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Buddy was right. When put in reverse, the engine rotates slightly and was cutting off a ground wire that was attached to the trans housing.
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Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 AT 9:38 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
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Thanks Buddy.
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Thursday, April 8th, 2010 AT 9:12 AM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
Glad to help when I can.
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 1:14 AM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
PS I hate random electrical problems.
They cause gray hairs.
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 1:21 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
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Gray is all I got :).
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 7:23 AM

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