Torque Converter Lock-Up
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 28
From: Montclair New Jersey
Torque Converter Lock-Up
I have a 1986 coupe. I wanted to know if the ECM can be programmed not to lock up the TC so early. I recently had the trans rebuilt and installed a 2300 stall. The trans shop unplugged my lock up. They think it locks up way to early. The suggested a switch so when I go above 50mph I can manually lock it up. The car runs great and shifts perfect. I would like it to lock up on the highway.
Any thoughts about this???
thanks......
Any thoughts about this???
thanks......
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 28
From: Montclair New Jersey
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: North Bay Ontario
A very simple procedure is to locate your brake switch near the hinge part of your brake pedal. As you know, touching your brakes will unlock the TC at anytime. Splice a toggle switch into one of the wires (I don't remember which one, but I can take a look and let you know) and then locate the toggle switch in a convenient location. I located the switch in the centre console just to the left of the selector. It works sweet...you can keep the TC from locking up when driving in the city or the country roads, manually unlock the TC when climbing hills or switch it on and the TC looks up as programmed. I think mine locks up at 68 km/h, which is sometimes a little too early for my preferences.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Sure. The Torque Converter Lockup is controlled by the ECM and the brake switch. Ecm tells it when to engage, the brake switch tells when to disengage so the engine doesn't stall when stopped. With the exception of first gear, the TQ can be manually engaged (over-ride) by jumping pins A & F from the ALDL connector under the dash at your right knee.
Switch on selector
Switch on ALDL
ALDL pin out
Switch on selector
Switch on ALDL
ALDL pin out
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 13
at stock setting by ECM ( or earlier if you jumper the ALDL terminals.)
Only way to achieve later lockup that OP wants is;
as noted to reprogram lockup in the tune
Install a switch as noted by pletzvet on the control wire to the ECM so he can delay when lockup occurs.( after ECM has commanded it)
Run the control wire through a switch to ground or your ALDL jumper trick but disconnecting the wire to the ECM so he has full manual control of when it happens ( remember to turn off before coming to a stop )
Wire TCC solenoid internally to a 4th gear switch internally so lockup only occurs when trans shifts into O/d
Last edited by vetteoz; May 26, 2012 at 03:22 AM.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
I just intercepted the lockup solenoid ground wire going into the tranny. I use a switch on the console which grounded the wire when I wanted lockup. Works perfect. I would lock up the converter when on the freeway and used it as a fifth gear. Now at the track, I lock the converter up after the 1-2 shift. Good for .15 in the quarter.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 28
From: Montclair New Jersey
Lock Up
A very simple procedure is to locate your brake switch near the hinge part of your brake pedal. As you know, touching your brakes will unlock the TC at anytime. Splice a toggle switch into one of the wires (I don't remember which one, but I can take a look and let you know) and then locate the toggle switch in a convenient location. I located the switch in the centre console just to the left of the selector. It works sweet...you can keep the TC from locking up when driving in the city or the country roads, manually unlock the TC when climbing hills or switch it on and the TC looks up as programmed. I think mine locks up at 68 km/h, which is sometimes a little too early for my preferences.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 28
From: Montclair New Jersey
Ok I hooked up the lock up on the TC with a toggle and it seems to work. Its been so long since it has been hooked up that I don't remember what RPM the car does at 70MPH. I did install a 2300 stall when the trans was rebuilt and that's when the TC was unplugged. Today when I switched the TC the RPM's fell only about 300-400. Is this about right or did I do something wrong? I just can't remember...
thanks again for any help....
thanks again for any help....
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: North Bay Ontario
Help from another member I found the wire (purple) at my brake switch. Installing the switch isn't a problem. I just don't understand how this will manually lock and unlock my TC?? It just be one of those days.......A little more info would be appreciated....I just can't see it in my mind working...
