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Old Jun 7, 2009 | 11:31 PM
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Default no lock converter

I don't think my lock-up converter is working on my 81. It is turning 2700 to hold 65 mph. Where is the wire to activate it?
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Old Jun 8, 2009 | 09:09 PM
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Default Lock converter

I found a few posts taking about the wire to manually lock the converter but I am a little dense. Can one of the trans guys shed a little light for a thick headed guy?
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Old Jun 8, 2009 | 10:05 PM
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Lockup requires a command from the ECM, or as in earlier days, a 12v source to the TCC solenoid in the tranny. The 350C or in your case the 700R4, gets a signal from the ECM but goes thru a switch or two in the trans to make it lock. If you put 12v to the correct terminal on the side of trans, it'll lockup. You might need to drop the pan to figure out which terminal is which.
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Old Jun 8, 2009 | 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by TimAT
Lockup requires a command from the ECM, or as in earlier days, a 12v source to the TCC solenoid in the tranny. The 350C or in your case the 700R4, gets a signal from the ECM but goes thru a switch or two in the trans to make it lock. If you put 12v to the correct terminal on the side of trans, it'll lockup. You might need to drop the pan to figure out which terminal is which.
I was think this was a 350c, was the 81 a 700R4?
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Old Jun 9, 2009 | 05:04 PM
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Either one, the basic idea is the same. I think the 350C had a switch that closed in 3rd gear and the 700 had one that closed in 4th. There were (are) so many different configurations of switches, solenoids, and outside of the trans controls it's really tough to guess at which does what.

I thought (maybe incorrectly!) that 81 went to the 700R4, but without looking at it I don't know. I do know a couple of guys that have 81's and they are 700R4's
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Old Jun 9, 2009 | 05:16 PM
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Default 700r4

would the 700R4 be turning 2700 RPM to hold 70 mph?
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Old Jun 9, 2009 | 06:12 PM
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It would with a 4.xx rear gears.
I have a 200r4 with 4.56 and see about 3000 at 70.
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Old Jun 9, 2009 | 07:35 PM
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I've got a Muncie with 4:11's and I'm right there too. And that's a 1:1 4th. 26 inch tires.

I don't know- did all 81's come with 700's? Options? Did some maybe swap a 350 or 350C in to your car? The 1:1 sure sounds like it could be like a 3:73 rear.

Here's another thing- Early TCC's had a brake switch- From a stop, you should feel distinct shifts and see a drop in RPM as it picks up each gear. A 350 will have 2 shifts- starts in 1, then 2 then 3. If it's a lockup (that's working) you'll get a softer less distinct shift, and the TCC lockup will also have an RPM drop. Same with a 700- 1,2,3,4 followed by lockup. After the lockup, maintain a steady pressure on the throttle and touch the brake just enough to get brake lights- you should feel a definate "bump" when the convertor unlocks and an slight increase in RPM.
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Old Jun 9, 2009 | 08:22 PM
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81 was 350c lockup, 82 was only shark I ever heard of with 700 r4....

I think the wiring is nearly identical on outside of the car...
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Old Jun 9, 2009 | 11:28 PM
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Default only 3

I only feel the three gears shifting. The RPM never drops. The cruise does not work also. Anyone know if they could be related. If the computer can't read the speed for cruise, maybe that is why the lock-up fails also
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Old Nov 5, 2009 | 09:33 PM
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Default traced wire finally

took a while but traced the wire down. The trans has 12v running to it and the computer grounds as expected, but the TCC does not work. This means the issue is inside.

Any ideas what and how much trouble (or cash) to fix. Sure would be nice to drop a few RPM on those long trips.
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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 10:14 AM
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I am in the process of de-CCC'ing my '81. If you are having problems with the lockup, maybe something has gone wonky in the wiring or control module. The part in the link below ought to take the place of the CCC functionality. I plan on getting one myself. Wish I had the funds for a Kiesler 5-spd conversion. Maybe some day.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMM-70244/
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Old Nov 6, 2009 | 02:00 PM
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wish it was the CCC, I could by-pass it. But there is power to the trans and the CCC provides the ground at the proper time, just nothing. The bug is in the trans itself. Really would love to get the RPM down even a little bit on the longer trips.

any ideas anyone?

Originally Posted by nate99
I am in the process of de-CCC'ing my '81. If you are having problems with the lockup, maybe something has gone wonky in the wiring or control module. The part in the link below ought to take the place of the CCC functionality. I plan on getting one myself. Wish I had the funds for a Kiesler 5-spd conversion. Maybe some day.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMM-70244/
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 09:48 AM
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Default trans advise needed

anyone know the insides of the 350c to point me in a right direction?
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 10:06 AM
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I have a 81 also and my transmission is the 350C it is stock never been modified.
Ken
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 06:34 PM
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they are just solenoids inside the transmission not a big deal or even expensive.

this is one in the 700r4 that locks up the TC in 3rd





all accesible from the oil pan

Last edited by bobs77vet; Nov 8, 2009 at 06:38 PM.
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Old Nov 10, 2009 | 07:14 PM
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Are you supposed to feel the torque converter lock up? I have a '81 and only feel it shift second and third also.....2500 at 60 mph. Also earlier in this post it was asked if computer controls cruise, it does not it is a separate system.Hope this helps ( my cruise is inop too.)
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Old Nov 10, 2009 | 07:39 PM
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you will feel it but you will see it happen on the tach and hear it .....the tach goes from some fluctuation(not locked up)....drops several hundred rpm and stays steady(in lock up)
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Old Nov 10, 2009 | 07:58 PM
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Thanks! My car is not locking up. Something else to add to list to fix this winter.
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Old Nov 10, 2009 | 10:32 PM
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Default i think

as I understand: power comes from the fuseblock thru the brake switch to the trans. Ground is provided by a relay controled by the computer. I have verified the 12v is there and then the computer is turning the relay on (I even hooked a temp wire to ground it myself). Something is off inside the trans.
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