[Jedi_Master]

Howdy all...

Hope you can help...

I have a 1995 Oldsmobile 88 that has actually 2 problems...

1) When cold the transmission shifts through all gears, when you have been driving it for a while (like 1 hour on the highway) if the transmission needs to shift out of overdrive (for any reason like going up hill) it will not shift back into overdrive. If I pull over and put it in Park and and then back into OD and start back out, it will shift into over drive...but...then will shift out of overdrive for no reason...

I've checked the fluid level it's OK, it doesn't have a burnt smell. So I'm at a loss here...


2) Some times for no apparent reason the engine will just quit, I've had it to a garage and they've changed the throttle position sensor, the mass air flow sensor and one other (don't remember at this time what it was it's out in the car) sensor, but it still does it. I can be driving down the road and BAM dead, stop at a red light and BAM dead. Afterwards it will start back no problems, may go a day and not quit, or may quit 5~6 more times throughout the day...

Any suggestions (other that taking it out and putting a bullet between it's headlights, and putting it out of my misery and it's) ?

[Farmgirl22]

Originally Posted by Jedi_Master

Howdy all...

Hope you can help...

I have a 1995 Oldsmobile 88 that has actually 2 problems...

1) When cold the transmission shifts through all gears, when you have been driving it for a while (like 1 hour on the highway) if the transmission needs to shift out of overdrive (for any reason like going up hill) it will not shift back into overdrive. If I pull over and put it in Park and and then back into OD and start back out, it will shift into over drive...but...then will shift out of overdrive for no reason...

I've checked the fluid level it's OK, it doesn't have a burnt smell. So I'm at a loss here...


2) Some times for no apparent reason the engine will just quit, I've had it to a garage and they've changed the throttle position sensor, the mass air flow sensor and one other (don't remember at this time what it was it's out in the car) sensor, but it still does it. I can be driving down the road and BAM dead, stop at a red light and BAM dead. Afterwards it will start back no problems, may go a day and not quit, or may quit 5~6 more times throughout the day...

Any suggestions (other that taking it out and putting a bullet between it's headlights, and putting it out of my misery and it's) ?

You could sell it to us for a couple hundred bucks! On a more serious note though, for your first problem...I'm not sure if this applies, (we had a similar problem on a diesel) have you check vacuum lines? I know that we parked one of our trucks because of a similar thing and it turned out there was a leak in a vacuum line...Just thought I might throw that out there...HTH!

[JohnWill]

I suspect that you are probably ready for a transmission rebuild. That is a symptom of low pressure from the pump. Normally, by the time the pump gets worn enough to be losing pressure, the clutch plates are also ready to be replaced. I've rebuild a couple of older GM automatics, they were of mid-70's vintage, but the transmissions haven't changed all that much.

[Jedi_Master]

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

You could sell it to us for a couple hundred bucks! On a more serious note though, for your first problem...I'm not sure if this applies, (we had a similar problem on a diesel) have you check vacuum lines? I know that we parked one of our trucks because of a similar thing and it turned out there was a leak in a vacuum line...Just thought I might throw that out there...HTH!

Thanks for your thoughts ...

I've checked the vacuum lines, and they "seem" to be in order (ie: no leaks that I could find) but...I'll check them again...

From the research I've done the transmission is electronically controlled (the Google searches could be wrong though )...

[Jedi_Master]

Originally Posted by JohnWill

I suspect that you are probably ready for a transmission rebuild. That is a symptom of low pressure from the pump. Normally, by the time the pump gets worn enough to be losing pressure, the clutch plates are also ready to be replaced. I've rebuild a couple of older GM automatics, they were of mid-70's vintage, but the transmissions haven't changed all that much.

Bummer ...

I know what you're saying, the thing that got's me confused it that it shifts good when cold, but when heats up it will not shift back into OD (when coming out of it)...

Could it be the fluid/and or filter needs changed ?

I mean it only happens when it's hot. Could the fluid be breaking down when it gets hot ( I don't know when it was last changed ) it looses pressure ?

I don't know just guessing here...

It may very well need to be rebuilt, if that's the case it's gone...I'll sell it, or...put a bullet between it's headlights...

[Farmgirl22]

For problem 2: My hubby says to check the fuel shut-off switch...they should have done that at the garage, but you never know!! HTH!!!

[Jedi_Master]

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

For problem 2: My hubby says to check the fuel shut-off switch...they should have done that at the garage, but you never know!! HTH!!!

Fuel shut off switch ?

Where's that located at ?

Sounds likely...

[Farmgirl22]

Also for the tranny problem...I found someone who was mentioning a 94 with a similar problem, and they were discussing a "shifter solenoid"...I don't guarantee that's it, but it's worth a shot!

[Jedi_Master]

Ya...

I think I remember seeing that as well, I think it was the Master Control Solenoid, does that ring a bell ?

Or was it a different one ?

Thanks for your thoughts and efforts ...

[Farmgirl22]

Originally Posted by Jedi_Master

Fuel shut off switch ?

Where's that located at ?

Sounds likely...

He says on your car he doesn't know where it would be. You could call whomever looked at your car previously and see if they checked it...that way you don't have to hunt for it???

[Farmgirl22]

Originally Posted by Jedi_Master

Ya...

I think I remember seeing that as well, I think it was the Master Control Solenoid, does that ring a bell ?

Or was it a different one ?

Thanks for your thoughts and efforts ...

Try this SITE

I hope that helps you out...if not, I gave it my best effort!!

[Jedi_Master]

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

He says on your car he doesn't know where it would be. You could call whomever looked at your car previously and see if they checked it...that way you don't have to hunt for it???

I got pretty verbal with the guy (because it wasn't fixed in the first place, and I spent $$$ with the guy), almost came to a fight, sooooo....I doubt he will help me out...

Try this SITE

I hope that helps you out...if not, I gave it my best effort!!
1 Minute Ago 08:56 PM

Thanks I'll check it out...

And your effort is golden to me ...

At least you tried ...

That's all that counts in my book...

[muppy03]

Hi had similar problem, eventually took it to a transmission mechanic and yes it was a selenoid? The car was going into failsafe mode thats why it worked well when cold and steadly worsened when hot. Cost me about 300 australian dollars and has been perfect since.

As for the dead engine I gather you have checked your battery connections?

Hope all works out ok

[Jedi_Master]

Originally Posted by muppy03

Hi had similar problem, eventually took it to a transmission mechanic and yes it was a selenoid? The car was going into failsafe mode thats why it worked well when cold and steadly worsened when hot. Cost me about 300 australian dollars and has been perfect since.

As for the dead engine I gather you have checked your battery connections?

Hope all works out ok

Do you remember which solenoid it was ?

As far as the engine dieing...ya I've checked the connections changed the battery and changed the alternator as well (these were due to another problem with the battery dieing overnight, turned out to be the alternator)...

But...it's still dieing at random intervals...

[muppy03]

sorry no idea what one it was. I have very limited knowledge on cars all i know is it was fixed .