1992 Chevy Cavalier

CHEVYGIRL75

MEMBER
1992 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

When I have been driving my car for extended times (more than to the store and back) as I am coming to a stop she will spit and sputter and cut off, then she'll start back up and as soon as I put her in drive she cuts off again. After sitting for a while, she starts right up and goes like there was nothing wrong. I have had to push her out of an intersection for her to start right up and act like nothing happened! We just did a tune-up and an oil change and she still does it. However I have not put the fuel injector cleaner in it. Some people say it is bad fuel and/or fuel filter, some say it is my O2 sensor. But my engine light has not come on at all. The water in my radiator is rusty (radiator and water pump were replaced less than a year ago), could that be the problem? It seems to happen after she has heated up.

1 Reply

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

Sounds more like the TCC (torque convertor clutch) solenoid is sticking.
This locks up the convertor at a designated speed and rpm. It should unlock when brake pedal is depressed, if it does not, it will cause the engine to stall.

There should be a small square connector on trans (usually blue, white or pink) this is TCC connector. Unplug it, if symptoms go away, then TCC solenoid is cause.

Drain and flush cooling system, this should be done at least every 2 years.