I didn't think C3s came with locking TCs.
Torque Converter Not Locking Up
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Commerce GA
Torque Converter Not Locking Up
My buddies C3 torque converter won't lock up. I have seen several posts about this subject and all point to trying to hotwire the switch to make it engage at some point or another.
We have tried to hotwire the switch but it still won't lock up. Any other ideas/suggestions that we could try?
We have tried to hotwire the switch but it still won't lock up. Any other ideas/suggestions that we could try?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 3
From: Burlington WI
Originally Posted by DocSpeed
My buddies C3 torque converter won't lock up. I have seen several posts about this subject and all point to trying to hotwire the switch to make it engage at some point or another.
We have tried to hotwire the switch but it still won't lock up. Any other ideas/suggestions that we could try?
We have tried to hotwire the switch but it still won't lock up. Any other ideas/suggestions that we could try?
What transmission is installed?? 350TH? 400TH? 700R4?
Chris B
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach Florida
I have an 81 with the same problem. Tryed grounding the groung wire that goes back to the computer still no luck, then I put a volt meter between the ground wire and a groung ,took it for a spin and watched the meter..It showed 12volts after it shifted into third. could be two things , dirt, or a bad soliniod..If you replace the soliniod replace the pressure switch also..
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
This summer my 700R4 torque converter lockup clutches went out. it's the second one in 17 years.
I've been able to get under the car and jumper on 12 volts and you can hear the seliniod pick and unpick. If you can hear the little clicks while your under the car chances are the lockup clutches went out. Then you just need a new TC
I've been able to get under the car and jumper on 12 volts and you can hear the seliniod pick and unpick. If you can hear the little clicks while your under the car chances are the lockup clutches went out. Then you just need a new TC
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Mason MI 82-93-04CE
Originally Posted by DocSpeed
My buddies C3 torque converter won't lock up. I have seen several posts about this subject and all point to trying to hotwire the switch to make it engage at some point or another.
We have tried to hotwire the switch but it still won't lock up. Any other ideas/suggestions that we could try?
We have tried to hotwire the switch but it still won't lock up. Any other ideas/suggestions that we could try?
My TCC would not lock unless it was a hot day and the engine well warmed up. I changed thermostats (mine was stuck open) and now the computer lets the TCC lock up as soon as temps get to normal.
I suggest looking at those two areas first, and it's likely one of them.
