Issues with converter lockup

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 5, 2006 | 09:02 PM

MassaRusty

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 351

Likes: 0

From: Pensacola Fl

Issues with converter lockup

I have noticed that my torque converter doesn't fully lockup sometimes on the interstate now. I run about 2400 rpms instead of the 2200 it runs at when it is locked. Has anyone else had problems with this? My car has nearly 70k miles on it. Does this mean that my trans is its way out? Is this likely to turn into a major problem? I drive 100 miles a day round trip to work with it.

Thanks.

Oct 5, 2006 | 11:05 PM

RedHotZO6

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 136

Likes: 5

From: Houston TX

I had the same problem with a 99 Z-28 after I installed an Underdrive pulley and torque converter. The computer would sense a misfire and refuse to lock the converter for some time. Usually it would lock the converter after you were cruising on the highway for several minutes. I installed a cam and heads and used LS1 Edit to remove the misfire detection. That corrected the problem. Do you have a check engine light?

Paul

Oct 6, 2006 | 12:49 AM

Dirty Howie

Team Owner

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 26,345

Likes: 232

From: SoCal

Check for codes ....
Check you tranny temps ......

Oct 6, 2006 | 10:27 AM

MassaRusty

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 351

Likes: 0

From: Pensacola Fl

I have no transmission related codes. The only codes i have are the typical IPC loss of communications codes in history. The check engine light has never come on and tranny temps get to around 206 after an hour of highway driving in 85-90 outside temps. I think 206 is a bit higher than I like, but it doesn't go up from there. The problem with not locking up will happen at a lower temperature also. I believe that the only reason the temp get to 206 is because the converter doesn't lockup. My car is completely stock with the exception of a blackwing air filter I have had for 2 years. The converter does lockup sometimes. I can feel it on the interstate when it decides not to stay locked up anymore.

Oct 6, 2006 | 03:10 PM

MattB

Drifting

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 1,590

Likes: 1

From: Littleton Colorado

Don’t know what it could be, but could low fluid level cause the TC not to lock up?

Oct 6, 2006 | 03:23 PM

Dirty Howie

Team Owner

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 26,345

Likes: 232

From: SoCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattB

Don’t know what it could be, but could low fluid level cause the TC not to lock up?

I would start with a basic tranny fluid/filter change....

Oct 6, 2006 | 06:09 PM

gpracer1

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 5,267

Likes: 40

From: Phoenix AZ

Make sure your brake light switch is not stuck on. Anytime you hit the brakes, the converter will come out of lockup. Easy way to check is to hold at 65 and lightly touch the pedal making the bake lights come on, and you should see the rpms jump up a few hundred and then go back down when you let off the brakes and lock up the converter again.
Are you a two footed driver?

Or the converter clutch is bad...I have been through 2 converters on my truck 185K miles. (Towing killed them)

Or the lockup solenoid in the trans is bad or flakey.