My wife is stranded at my moms and the car is showing p0742. What can I do? How bad is it ? i'm at work and cant do much from here. Should I just have it towed to a tranny shop?

It would appear as maybe the solenoid is stuck. This is a link to the diagnostics.
P0742

Will the car move at all? From the diagnostic chart, it would appear as it could be driveable.

Yes the car is drivable, I told her to go ahead and drive it home and she said that it "felt normal". When the SES light came on apparently she felt it bog down and felt like it was missing. I guided her through using the aeroforce and had her check tranny fluid. from what she described on the phone the fluid was fine and at the proper level (had her bump it through all the gears and running of course). I have a feeling that this is just a sign that the tranny is about through, I haven't had OD for a while. I have the money saved up so I guess I'll make an apointment on Monday.

Oh one more question, with this code does it take multiple instances of the malfunction or does it trip the light at the first sign of a problem?
EDIT: should have whent to your link first, it takes two malfunctions to trip the light on.

How many miles on it? Has the fluid and filter been changed recently? Sometimes varnish can build up on the parts, making them stick. As a test, you can try some SeaFoam Trans Tune. Follow the instructions on the can and see if that frees things up. It won't fix a failing transmission, but could buy you some time.

It has 93,000mi on the clock, so I feel it has gotten a petty respectable amount of miles. I had the fluid/filter changed when I bought it with 64k. I think I'll just go ahead and get the GM rebuild swapped in it has a 100,000mi warranty. Too bad there isn't a manual tranny that would swap in and take the weight of the Bonneville I think this would be a great time to swap.

Follow the suggestions stated. You don't want to change the whole tranny for just a stuck solenoid or valve body.

My 2003 Bonny wiht 90K miles just started shifting hard, not downshifting, chugging, etc and set this code. I've been quoted just over a grand to open it up and replace the TCC solenoid valve.

Is there anything else that should be replaced while they are in there? I don't want to pay all that labor only to have some other $60 solenoid or something go next.

BTW I'm new to the board and new to this car. What are other problem areas I should keep an eye on for this year Bonneville?

Thanks!
Chris

Chris - a lot will depend on where you take the car, and how much you want to spend. There are many upgraded, hardened after-market parts available - for a cost.

Read the sticky at the top of the page for problems that others have experienced. Keep in mind that not all of them are "common". Add your vehicle information, including your trim level, to your profile so we'll be able to give you better advice.

Hey Chris!

This original post is old- to keep the information current, we request that you start a new post about your issues and copy/paste the url address of this one for reference, if you wish. Thanks and good luck!

And welcome to the club!