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1997 LeSabre problem

3 messages,  Last post on May 26, 2009 at 6:45 AM

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#2 of 3 Re: 1997 LeSabre problem [whozleft] by stephen987 May 26, 2009 (6:18 am)
Replying to: whozleft (May 26, 2009 3:57 am) DISCLAIMER: I don't own a LeSabre. My comments are based on experience with a different GM transmission in a Monte Carlo.   What you're feeling may not be an engine misfire but a failed torque converter solenoid. The solenoid is supposed to lock up the torque converter, to eliminate slip and improve fuel economy. If the transmission is shifting into OD at low speed (below about 45 mph) then the engine will "lug" (run too slowly to run smoothly under load).   If the solenoid fails, it may only partially engage the lockup function, or it may engage and disengage repeatedly, creating a nasty surge and possibly a clunking noise.   Either that, or you may have a failed speed sensor in the transmission (assuming the trans is electronically controlled). If the trans isn't electronically controlled, then a vacuum leak could cause the behavior you describe.   I ran my Monte Carlo with no problems for 65k miles after the symptom first appeared, just by waiting till I was up to freeway speed to engage the overdrive. It's not an ideal solution, but it didn't create any additional problems.
#3 of 3 Re: 1997 LeSabre problem [whozleft] by imidazol97 May 26, 2009 (6:45 am)
Replying to: whozleft (May 26, 2009 3:57 am) I am not sure about your transmission. I believe you have the 4T60E rather than the 4T65E which started in 1998. In the 4T65E there was a solenoid that adjusted the torque converter lockup slip amounts and something like 98% was the max lockup. That moving valve would wear the channel and have trouble controlling the lockup amount. So the engine speed would vary a hundred or more RPMs driving along with minimal load on it. Typically this was more of a problem with a hot transmission after being driven a long time. I believe it was called a throttle valve.   But I believe you'll find your problem in spark plugs and wires. If not replaced in 4 years or 50,000 miles or so, replace with the proper AC Delco plug per the books at PepBoys, e.g, and replace the wires with a Delco AC replacement or Belden from NAPA. Don't go for fancy or sporty or racing wires in nice colors. You want OEM resistance wires.   You might make sure the wire in back isn't close to the wire for the Oxygen sensor in the exhaust pipe. Some people think the electromagnetic induction can affect the O2 readings.   Then check your coils. Use a resistance meter between coil terminals. Compare all three. Then take off each coil one at a time, put in a paper clip or pin to measure the resistance of the terminals on the primary side underneath. Compare all three. While they're off check the prongs on the contacts that stick into the coil and make sure they're clean and lube with dielectric grease just like you use on the plugs to prevent the wires from sticking to the porcelain.

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