Hello all,
I am very close to purchasing a pretty nice 1989 Bonneville. I own an AutoXray code reader that will read both OBD I & II equipped cars. When I checked the car out, I asked the owner if he would mind if I scan it for trouble codes. Only one came up: "torque converter clutch error 39"

I guess my question is what exactly does this mean? When I drove the car, I didn't notice any slipping, but then again I've never driven an 89 Bonneville, so I had nothing to compare to as normal. Does this code spell major trouble? Should I avoid buying this car?

Thanks in advance!

I had that code come up on me also with my car. The engine light came on, I got the code checked, and it was code 39. But then never came back, and drove the car for 2 years with no trans problems. Still driving the car now.

SO it may or may not indicate a big problem.

I have the same thing on mine. It resets and then when you drive it and recheck it is there.

So if the car is a good deal, should I buy it despite this code, or plan on expensive repairs?

Blank the code...drive it again and see if the code comes back like mentioned.

From there, it'* your game.

I replaced the TCC on my wife'* van several weeks ago. It cost $42.00 and about 1 1/2 hours of my time. There is a cover on the side of the transmission with about a dozen bolts. Pull that cover off and the TCC is held on by a torx screw w/ some wires...easy fix....new gasket and you are done. If you're not good at turning a wrench, then the repair is $150-$300 or so.

If your TCC is bad you'll know.....it'll buck, kick in and out while driving in the 45-55 mph range. IF it gets stuck while idling it will kick and shut the engine off. It'll feel just like a manual transmission without the clutch applied. This basically is what the TCC is....a clutch for an automatic transmission.