New tcc solenoid not working

[Mike70gtx]

My old solenoid was a little erratic (sometimes keep convertor locked at stop light and sometimes after cruising in town it might not lock up on the way home) but worked most of the time. So I ordered a new GM one to swap out. I put it in last night and drove about 10 miles to town and my convertor is not locking up. I'm sure I got the two wires hooked up right and the plug. It should work immediately, shouldn't it? I was getting it ready to go on a 800 mile drive this weekend. Do I need to pull the pan again and put the old one back in? Any ideas?

[mikestertwo]

It should lock as soon as the engine temp reaches a certain point depending on the chip you are using. Did you check to see if it will lock when you connect pins "A" to "F" on you ALDL connector? Do you have +12v on "F" when you turn the key on?

[Mike70gtx]

No idea. I just know that the old one was working, but now the new one won't. As much as I hate to, I will probably pull the pan and check the wiring. Maybe put the old one back in.

[mikestertwo]

Just connect "A" to "F" on the ALDL to eliminate a bad connection at the computer. It's easier than pulling the pan.

[Mike70gtx]

Too late, I pulled the pan. First I checked my old solenoid by blowing in it with the black wire on the negative post on a 9 volt battery and the while blowing I touched the red wire to the positive and the I couldn't blow anymore. The solenoid worked. So I pulled the new one and did the same and it worked. As I re-inspected everything, I noticed one difference. The connector going to the 4th gear solenoid (one with the longer wire) had no insulation over the connector like my old one. I have the 700r trans filter conversion. I think the filter pushed up against the connector and grounded it out. I spliced the old connector on and put it back together. It now works.

[Mike70gtx]

The overdrive worked for about 100 miles. Then it would start to go in and out and then would not go into overdrive anymore. I will check the electrical when I get a chance, but it seems like something else. What can happen mechanically to cause them to quit. The convertor is an art carr 3500 stall 9 1/2 that was restalled about 2000 miles ago.

[ntrenn]

I have a similar problem. Erratic TCC several years ago - seemed to be intermittent connection at the coolant temperature sensor-fixed that. Problem came back. Finally broke down and bought a new Delco solenoid - had the local tranny shop put it in - wasn't worth $25 to get oily that day. Now, a couple of years and maybe 500 miles later - have NO lockup at all. Checked the pin F voltage - 12.5. Checked the brake switch operation - takes volts off pin F when brake pedal is depressed. Won't even force into lockup by shorting pin F - sounds like a bad solenoid - again or a wiring problem. I've got to be out of town for a couple of weeks, but will watch your solution with interest.