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What is this connector for?


68grandprix

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My car is an '89 Grand Prix with a 3.1 auto. The connector is the one on the front of the transmission just under the airbox. My trans has a 4-prong plugin, but my wiring harness has a 5-prong connector, so it is just left unplugged. I assume someone changed the trans at one time. What is the function of this connector? My car does something weird sometimes and I'd like to find out if this is why. I have pics if needed. Thanks, Jimmy.

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Pic one-Wiring harness connector. When you enlarge this pic you can see the trans plugin in the background, and below that you can see part of the vacuum modulator. Jimmy

 

[attachment deleted by admin] Removed to free up storage space.

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I dunno what the plug on the tranny is... the 4T60 has a 5 prong plug that that connector is supposed to plug in to.

 

Count your shifts... maybe someone threw in a 3 speed.

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So someone put in a 3-speed? That sucks. What are your revs at at 60mph on the highway? The problem with my trans is that sometimes when I change throttle position (like part-throttle to full-throttle, or no throttle to part-throttle) the engine revs up like the trans is searching for a gear and I have to let off then reapply throttle for it to engage. I figured the connector was the problem. I did some searching and found out it's the TSS (right?) that controls torque converter lockup. I didn't anyone having problems like mine though. Should I just go to the junkyard and try to find a 4-prong connector to splice? Thanks, Jimmy

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the 4T60 has a four prong plug, i've never seen a five prong plug like that, maybe it was a manual at one point :dunno:

 

The two 4T60s I have have a 5 prong plug.

hmm, the transmission I pulled out of the regal had a 4-prong connector like that and i'm pretty positive its the original drivetrain, could it have switched between years? Now you guys have got me wondering what transmission i have sitting in my trailer as a spare. I'm gonna check this weekend.

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Yes, I can. And I recall now that I've accidentally put it in drive before, which made it rev higher on the highway. Then I'd put it in OD and the revs come down. So either it is a 4-speed overdrive, or drive on mine restricts it to second? I'm pretty sure it's a 4speed. I'll just have to pay attention when I drive it today. My main problem is the revving up and searching for gears, but the car also won't go over about 80mph. It just seems like it's getting drug down or something. It runs fine everywhere else, and has new plugs and wires, etc, but when I hammer it it'll go to 80 easy enough then feel like there's something wrong with the trans. I was just wondering if the unplugged connector could cause this. Thanks, Jimmy.

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So what car would have the 4-prong connector and 4-speed? Also, the trans is a 4-speed. When it hits 80 at full throttle it won't shift until I let off, then I can go faster. Jimmy

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so you do have a 4 speed (4t60).

 

i know on a 88' regal 2.8/4t60 i saw it had a 4 plug connector. i kinda want to bet that your trans was replaced at one point in time

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the unplugged connector would cause it to shift funny, I know it controls the tcc lockup soleniod, but I can't remember what else.

 

The plug is just for the tcc, it wouldn't cause it to shift funny, you'll have to look elsewhere for that problem. The tcc and the plug only comes into play at at around 45 when going at a constant speed or slightly accelerating. Otherwise the tcc stays unlocked, if its locked and you give it enough throttle it will unlock. Search around the bay and try to find a plug that might goto it if you havn't already, some people will just unplug the tcc when it goes bad (will lock up and stay locked untill it cools down causing the same effect of trying to stop a car with a manual transmission without puching the clutch in- ie kills the motor). If it turns out your tcc is bad if you get the whole plug problem worked out its not a real expensive fix, but its not like beginner easy either, if yout not comfortable opening your trans side pan cutting and slpicing into wires inside don't try it yourself. Wouldn't there be an rpo to tell if it had a auto or a manual from the factory? post up your RPO codes and I or someone can decode them and see. they should be on the bottom of your spare tire cover in the trunk iirc, or on the inside of your trunk lid.

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