Controlling torque converter lockup
Controlling torque converter lockup
(OP)
Ok, I'm probably over my head here as I doubt I'm as technical as many of you, but here goes...
Is there a way to directly control when the coverter locks up (I'm assuming by way of the torque converter clutch circuit?)? For example, for a car (Ford, if it matters) that normally only locks up in 4th, is there a way to apply voltage (or remove voltage) from the TCC circuit in order to force lockup in say 3rd or even 2nd? Any specifics would be appreciated. And yes, I realize this is only a limited application deal as I'm sure continual lockup isn't good for tranny longevity.
Thanks
Is there a way to directly control when the coverter locks up (I'm assuming by way of the torque converter clutch circuit?)? For example, for a car (Ford, if it matters) that normally only locks up in 4th, is there a way to apply voltage (or remove voltage) from the TCC circuit in order to force lockup in say 3rd or even 2nd? Any specifics would be appreciated. And yes, I realize this is only a limited application deal as I'm sure continual lockup isn't good for tranny longevity.
Thanks





RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
The trouble is, when you activate the LU clutch the electronics will detect a fault condition and drop you into third gear, where your car will stay (if you are in Drive) until you reboot the ECU.
Yes, it is easy to fit an LED on that line so you can see when it is locked, if you can't tell by ear.
Incidentally if you select 3 then it will hold 3rd locked as long as humanly possible, it is designed to be a very good towing gear.
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
The TCC in these trans. releases every time you let up on the gas (return to idle)-someone in GM apparently decided that in a panic-stop, it's better to unlock the TCC early. I guess some lawyer managed to win a case against GM or something, so too bad about early TCC failure caused by a few extra thousand clutch applies every year or so. With the TCC switch "on", it stays locked up. If the engine is at ldle (coasting), after about 5 sec. the computer makes the "check engine" light go on, but that's all it does. It stays lit until the next restart.
Ah well, light bulbs are cheaper than clutches.
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
Oh, I also wired mine through the brake switch, I don't know if it is causing premature wear or not, I was just following the advice of others on that one.
It will lock in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears. The switch is kind of a pain in the butt, if you forget about it when you come to a stop light, then pull away, the instant you hit second the converter locks and pulls the engine waay down! A better solution is a vacuum switch/4th gear switch
I think Painless has a diagram on their website for both techniques.
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
Pancholin
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
Just a bit of logic and a few inputs- only one output.
Jay Maechtlen
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
A much better way to go, especially if your problem doesn't occur at low-mod. trans. oil temp., is to add a trans. oil cooler ahead of the radiator/AC condenser to remove some heat.
You can also use a slightly thicker ATF from Red Line, because this problem USUALLY involves the oil getting too thin, so the valve-body valve leaks a bit more than what the "designer" thought it would.
It's a very common problem with these trans; starts around 50,000 miles.
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
I'll check into the Redline fluid. Prior to the transmission cooler, it would surge when the outside air temp was greater than 75 degrees, after about 20 minutes of highway driving. With the transmission cooler, it typically only surges after approximately 20 minutes of highway driving, when the outside air temp is at least 92 degrees.
At cruising speeds, it is fine. Climbing slight grades, under load is when it really lopes. I manually switch off the torque converter lock-in for the hills. I wired a test light to the solenoid circut. At idle, the light is on; when locked in, the light is off. The transmission must come out of this car to access the valve body. Thanks.
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup
RE: Controlling torque converter lockup