I just looked back after my last post and forgot to mention the replies dealing with torque-lockup. Unfortunately I guess I do not know cars as well as I thought, because I honestly don't know what that means. I'll do somework to learn about it. Hold on here, just thought about something. About four years ago, the car would shut itself off while I was driving!! The first time it happened it scared the daylights out of me. I wrestled the car to the side of the road because I really didn't know what happened. Put it in park and restarted. The next time it happened I dropped the car in neutral and restarted the car and put it back in drive. I finally got it to the dealer and they said I needed a new command module. Don't know if that sheds any more light on the matter or not. One more thing - when the chugging started I took it to a car parts store that offers free diagnostics and when they plugged the scanning tool into the car, they could not get a reading. Don't know if they did not know what they were doing or something else is wrong. I've ranted enough. Thanks

What you have described is the EXACT problem I have. Ive accepted it as my tranny being rebuilt but maybe its more than that. Im not throwing any codes but Ive been driving it like this for about a year already and its still the same with no signs of it being worse. Hopefully you can get to the bottom of this and it will help me somehow. I would go ahead and try the plugs and wires and some other tune up steps and see how that goes but Im pretty sure it lies within your tranny based on what youve described.

Start with getting your plugs and wires changed out. That should be your first step.

Most people prefer to use AC Delco plugs and wires. Do NOT buy Bosch equipment. Their equipment doesn't work well in the 3800s. If you're feeling a little extra spendy, go for the NGK TR55 plugs and Taylor wires!

Well I finally got around to replacing the plugs and wires. I bought the Autolite Pro wires but had to settle for OEM AC Delco plugs. I also replace the pcv valve just for good measures. I did the change on Sunday and so far the hesitation is gone!!! I can't believe the change in wires and plugs fixed something like that. I have to admit the plugs were in pretty bad shape. The gap looked bigger than the gap in Alfred E. Newman'* mouth!! Again thanks to all who replied with suggestions.

Again thanks for the info. It'* funny but I am still waiting for the chugging to start again. Hopefully it won't! Well now that problem is solved I am wondering what'* the next thing I should be worried about giving me problems? I had fantasies about getting a new car, thinking my tranny was shot, but now the car is fine and would like to keep it running as long as I can. I know for a fact I need a new muffler and probably should have the serp belt replaced. Should change out the thermostat, and hoses? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Maybe you can just point me to some previous posts to make it easier on you. Thanks

The next thing that could sting you would be the Upper Intake Manifold and Lower Intake Gaskets. It'* very common for them to degrade over time in the Series II 3800.

As a preventative measure, installing a 180 degree thermostat will slow the degradation of the manifold and gaskets. If you don't see any bulges in your hoses, then you should be OK that way. If the serpentine belt is original you should change. If it breaks on the road, you're dead in the water.