a friend has a 97 with an auto, he says the cel comes on and starts bucking like it won't stay in gear.. i suggested the tps or trans control solenoid but i don't know..... would there be a code we could pull with a scanner? if anbody has any ideas, thanks in advance

 

If the cel (check engine lamp) comes on, there's probably a stored code. If you don't have a scanner or have a friend with one (even the cheap ones work OK on the older trucks) go to your friendly auto supply store like AutoZone, Schucks, Kragen, etc. and ask them to scan it for you. My '98 bucked like that when the TC lockup cycled improperly.
Purchase of a scanner that can read and erase codes is a great investment.

Dan