I'm curious...i dont believe my car was actually shifting into o/d yesterday on the highway.. on the way it was running right around 2100 rpm at 70-75mph..on the way back i was doing 65-70 at 2900.. so i'm guessing on the way it was in o/d and on the way back it wasn't in o/d.. whats the deal? The guy i bought it off of said the trans fluid/filter was last changed at 70,000 and the car has 130 on it now..so maybe it will shift into o/d with a fluid/filter change? How many miles can you let trans fluid/filter go without changing it?
Jeff

that actually seems about right for a SSEi gear ratio

According my my tach, I get 75 mph at just a hair over 2000 rpm. It sounds like you weren't in 4th, like you think.

One question, could you tell if the torque convertor clutch was locked?

I wonder about this too. I have a '92 SSEi. It will shift into O/D and run about 28-2900, then, if not under load, it will drop to about 21-2200 RPM. It will also, quickly jump back to 28-2900 should you subject it to a slight load. Shifing it into drive will run the RPMs up higher though.

(Disclaimer:These #'* may be slightly off as I haven't really addressed this before. You get the idea though. )

ok, well i couldnt tell if the tcc was locked in or not, how would i be able to tell? i took it out today and it shifted into od at like 55 or so.

At constant highway speed, slowly apply throttle. If the revs climb with the gas pedal without holding steady, then jumping to higher revs after so much throttle is added, the TC is not locking.

70-75mph around 2000-2100 is normal. Realizing that I know my own tachometer is off by 200rpm from a scan tool,

Running closer to 3K rpm would be 3rd gear. You mention being in O/D vs not, are you sure that the gear selector was fully in place?

A fliud/filter change would be good maintenance if it'* been 60K since the last time, however if you do have a problem...it will not necessarily fix the problem.

i dont think the tc is locking.. yes i'm sure it was all the way into o/d.. yesterday i shifted from o/d to drive and as mentioned before the revs did go up.. but sometimes it will shift into od and sometimes it wont.. running in 3rd gear is pissing me off, it takes alot of gas.. and shouldnt be run at 2900 when its designed to run 2100.. and i dont and wont have 1300 to rebuild this transmission.. thats over half what i paid for the car.. Not to mention i thought i was getting into a car that got 15-17mpg in the city and what 19-22 on the highway.. i'm getting what my old 83 chevy truck with a horribly tuned carb on a 305 got..which is why i sold it. i still love the bonneville..no doubt about it.. but i cant afford to get the trans rebuilt.
Jeff