Disengage Lockup Torque Convertor Switch
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
Disengage Lockup Torque Convertor Switch
I'd like to get some ideas from you guys on where and what type switch you used to manually disengage your lockup torque convertor. I'm planning to install a brake switch, but thought I'd like to be able to switch the lockup off in certain situations. What are your thoughts and show me your switch please.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
I am in the unusual situation of having two headlight dip switches in my 70 as the steering column was swapped out for a 77 tilt tele at some stage. The floor dip switch does the lights and I've wired the unused column one to do the lock up, I have the brake switch as well.
There isn't many convenient spots on the vette dash to put a switch but just a thought what about fitting the floor mounted dip switch to do the job? This would keep everything looking std.
Started out with the painless lock up kit, also added a vac time delay relay so I can vary the delay before shifting from 4th into lock up (feels like a 5 speed):-)
I have a wiring schematic of this set up if you would like it.
There isn't many convenient spots on the vette dash to put a switch but just a thought what about fitting the floor mounted dip switch to do the job? This would keep everything looking std.
Started out with the painless lock up kit, also added a vac time delay relay so I can vary the delay before shifting from 4th into lock up (feels like a 5 speed):-)
I have a wiring schematic of this set up if you would like it.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,578
Likes: 7,017
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
To keep your dash looking original, just install an OFF/ON rocker switch under the dash in a very easy-to-reach spot.
(My '34 street-truck has a dash mounted rocker switch with a built-in red illumination light when in the ON position)
(My '34 street-truck has a dash mounted rocker switch with a built-in red illumination light when in the ON position)
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
I have a switch on the brake AND a disconnect switch. That way I can turn it off completely when in traffic, but when I have it ON, it will shut off when I hit the brakes. Works well for me.
I put the disconnect switch in the forward trans tunnel cover on the driver's side. There is space available, it gives access to wiring for the trans tunnel, and it is easy to reach but somewhat out of the way (so it can't be accidentally hit/turned on.
I put the disconnect switch in the forward trans tunnel cover on the driver's side. There is space available, it gives access to wiring for the trans tunnel, and it is easy to reach but somewhat out of the way (so it can't be accidentally hit/turned on.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to try to fab something in the ash tray. I have a Trans Temp gauge to mount and also will relocate cigarette lighter as charger port.
What type of switch will I need? SPST?
What type of switch will I need? SPST?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
For my disable switch I used a push button mounted in the side console extension along with a small LED to indicate when the TCC solenoid has both power and ground. I also used a 81 oil temp gauge and sensor and installed in place of the clock. I had whitegauges.com make up a custom inlay for the gauge face. I did LED dash lights at the same time.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
For my disable switch I used a push button mounted in the side console extension along with a small LED to indicate when the TCC solenoid has both power and ground. I also used a 81 oil temp gauge and sensor and installed in place of the clock. I had whitegauges.com make up a custom inlay for the gauge face. I did LED dash lights at the same time.
I was going to mount my trans temp gauge in place of the clock, but didn't want to cut the original gauge console stuff.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
I would tie into the brake switch and do the weather tight push button style switch.mjust don't forget about it. From what I understand, the trans will get very hot cruising down the highway with the converter unlocked.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
That's how I did it, and I believe the lube circuit is affected when in 4th and not locked up.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I think the 1989 and newer 700R4 transmissions can be driven "unlocked" without overheating. I use my 1989 700R4 unlocked when carrying heavy loads in my '34 street truck. I use the OFF-ON switch when driving in-town/vacuum-electric switch to allow it to shift itself in or out of lock-up/the brake-switch to prevent stalling during hard braking/the vacuum switch makes it "easier" on the transmission when it needs to downshift during hard acceleration or climbing hills.
Last edited by doorgunner; Feb 8, 2015 at 06:30 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 6
Ok, I have wanted to install one of these switches in my car. I like it to lock up when on the interstate, etc, but around town I want it off. Could you not wire an on/off switch between a male and female pigtail on the wiring harness that goes to the trans? That way the original wiring is not affected. Does that not eliminate the problem of the trans staying locked when trying to stop? Am I missing something? I know that when I unplug it from the harness on the drivers side that it will not lockup and it runs great so why not just be able to shut it on and off from there?