Shift solenoid replacement

Tiny
CGRAVENER
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 91,000 MILES
I am trying to replace the shift solenoid in my car and I cannot find anything on the location. I asked AutoZone when I picked up the replacement part and they said to look it up online. I looked it up online and nothing came up that pertained to my vehicle. If somebody could please tell me where it is located so that I can replace that I can replace it that would be great! Thank you!
Friday, February 16th, 2018 AT 6:15 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,509 POSTS
What is the actual problem you are having and which solenoid are you trying to replace as there are three different ones plus the torque converter clutch solenoid and shift interlock solenoid?
All but the interlock solenoid are inside the case cover on the side of the transmission.

To remove that case cover requires removing the left front tire, tie rod end, sway bar link, ball joint then the left drive axle. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft to avoid damage to the steering gear. Then unbolt the sub-frame and remove the cooler lines and drop the transmission down enough to get the cover off.

Now you have access to the solenoids and the wiring harness. They are easy to remove but may not be the problem.
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Friday, February 16th, 2018 AT 7:01 PM
Tiny
CGRAVENER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The issue Ia m having right now is the vehicle is shifting sluggishly. After reading online I found many people reporting that the problem was with the TCS or shift solenoid. I do not have much experience as far as that area goes so I am kind of relying on other people's problems and fixes to solve my own. Also, many people reported that after about 100,000 miles that part tends to go out on my model of vehicle so I figure even if it is not the problem replacing it would give me more time with it.
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Saturday, February 17th, 2018 AT 6:21 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,509 POSTS
Sluggish shifting in all gears or just one/two gears? Usually sluggish is not a solenoid because they open/close rapidly, they can stick but that usually means you lose a gear/gears or it will not shift at all.

How does it act if you shift the gears manually versus just leaving it in drive?
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Sunday, February 18th, 2018 AT 11:20 AM

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