My brother has an 85 Camino 305cu.in with a TH350, I suppose, he has complained that as the transmission warms up it won't release to allow him to stop without stalling the engine. That he must manually down shift the car and even then put it into neutral so it won't stall when comming to a stop. I suspect that with the low milage, 75K, that at the least it needs back flushed. Upshifts from a standing start seem normal. I've checked the fluid looks ok and and adjusted the TV cable to what the factry calls for. Any ideas? :?

It sounds as though the torque converter is staying in lock-up mode, or one to one with the engine. This was a common problem in those years. The solenoid that locks up the converter is sticking. Have a reputable transmission shop take a look at it. It's a fairly easy fix, but if you haven't done it before, I advise you to leave it to the pros. Try this: As you are driving the car above 45 miles per hour and at a steady speed, lightly step on the brake pedal with your left foot - just enough to turn on the brake lights. You should notice an engine rpm increase, usually about 250 rpm. If you don't, it's possible that the torque converter is staying in the lock-up mode. Hope you find the problem - good luck! :cool:

I was also going to say the same thing that it sounds like the torque converter so have someone look at it unless you can't afford it. If you can't than you just get use to having to start it at every stop.

No doubt about it, the lockup torque converter is remaining locked up as the vehicle comes to a stop. This will stall the engine everytime. There is a switch on the brake pedal that should cause the locked up torque converter to unlock when the brake pedal is pushed just enough to illuminate the brake lights. Check that switch first for proper operation. If it tests OK, the torque control solenoid inside the tranny is probably faulty.

You could also try to cause the torque converter to unlock due to slower speed and increased load. At 55 MPH, approach a hill at a constant speed so that the venicle begins to lose speed. Do not increase the throttle pressure but let the engine begin to lug as it slows down going up the hill (at constant throttle). If the system is working properly, the torque converter should unlock. It will feel like a down shift has occurred. If the converter does not unlock, it is almost definitely a bad lockup solenoid. However, I suppose it is possible that the converter is the problem, but that is unlikely. At any rate, this test will answer the brake switch question.

I have an '84 Buick Century FWD that did the same thing. The local tranny shop that I TRUST told me of the updated torque converter solenoid part number and I got it from the local Chevy dealer and it worked. I know we're talking push ahead vs. pull ahead, but it seems like the same problem. Mine would act up after a long highway drive. It got worse as time drove by. It makes you feel like you're driving a stick shift and don't know how. People look at you like you've never been behind the wheel!!!
Try the solenoid.

Yeah that is an odd situation if the torque converter won't unlock and people are looking at you. I agree it is most likely the solenoid but check the brake pedal switch first.

Most probably one of the two, but I must admit, I find I replace more solenoids than switches on customers cars.

This happened to my 87' a few years ago. It wouldn'y unlock until I just about stopped, causeing the car to shake until it released. Never stalled on me though. I took it to a friend, since I didnt know what was wrong, and he rolled under the car and unplugged the lockup wires on the drivers side of the trans. Works just fine now, but it doesn't lock up. Standard 4-speed automatic now w/o lockup.

The Thread you posted to is over 7 years old, ddruma14 - so, don't expect them to answer.........immediately..............Ken :beer:

The Thread you posted to is over 7 years old, ddruma14 - so, don't expect them to answer.........immediately..............Ken :beer:
LOL:brainfart:

Try the solenoid first. It's even possible it's a defective torque converter. My 91 chevy lumina with a th180 3 speed does it so bad that when it won't unlock and it stalls out on me, i have to wait 5 min. or so before i can take off with out it dieing when put in gear. I know that if u mearly unplug the connector and run it with out locking up the trans will over heat, I wonder if ddruma14 had those problems with there's unpluged. I mearly wired in a toggle switch into the circuit from the brake switch to the tran's so i could unlock it 3 miles before my exit on the interstate and leave it off in short drives, 10-4 on the old thread, But there is alway's something new to learn.