Having a problem I need to get some info on. If anyone can give an
answer, it would be much appreciated. Please reply via email as well as
the boards, as my server doesn't keep a lot of messages, it seems.

2003 Buick Century 3.1L V6 with 4 spd automatic trans, 119,000 miles

Recently started shifting hard at times, not constant. When I had the
oil changed last weekend I had the trans fluid changed as well. Started
shifting harder, but again not constant. Yesterday on the way home, it
started shifting extremely hard, shaking the car in 1-2-3 and banging
into and out of 4th. Got it home and checked tranny fluid, it was a bit
overfilled, but not incredibly so. Parked it for the nightand borrowed
my daughter's car.
Talked to a good friend who is a Jaguar Service Manager, he told me the
controller (computer) may need reset, and recommended Lucas anti-slip
additive as a temporary measure. He said the overfill on the hydraulic
fluid wouldn't hurt anything.
I did the computer reset, no change at all, just had to reset the clock
and the presets on the radio. Took it back to the shop that did the
fluid change when they opened this morning, they checked and agreed the
fluid was high, drew out the excess and added the lucas in for me. No
change, maybe a little softer shift, but after a 15 mile test drive it
was back to square one. Also started noticing that when it downshifts
from 2nd to 1st, the car feels like its on a bumpy road for just the
time it takes to shift (which is 2-3 seconds since this started getting
worse)
Then the Service Engine Soon light came on, so on the way home from test
driving, I stopped at Autozone and had them put their tester on it. Not
sure of the code #, but it said "Torque Converter Circuit Stuck Open". ???
I called Jon (Jag man) andhe said he had never heard of this code but
would look it up and let me know what he finds. I've Googled it a few
different ways and can find nothing, and in the GM trouble codes, this
verbage doesn't show up. I'll call the dealer on Monday,but in the
meantime, wondering if anyone can shed some light on this?
Could the trouble code be causing the slippage and hard shifting?
Or the hard shifting and slipping cause the trouble code?
Am I about to invest in a new or rebuilt tranny? The hopeful answer here
is NO!
Any help much appreciated

Marty
mmontjoy at sc dot rr dot com