So I have a 96 7.3 f250 with a new tranny 30k miles with a billet tq converter. And iv noticed that it never wants to unlock the torque converter even in around town driving. How can I fix this ? My tranny lines are at 140 degrees as well as my oil to air cooler when I got home from the store. Now the tq converter will unlock but only when its cold. And for towing my 7k pound trailer I really need the extra 2:1 gear reduction that the tq converter gives me. How can I fix this ? Better cooler ?

 

Does it unlock when you stop, or is it stalling the engine when you stop?

 

No it unlocks at stops like it should. I guess I forgot to say that it works like its supposed to but when I'm pulling a hill or accelerating it never likes to unlock the converter it'll just drop a hole gear.

 

None of the E4OD's I have/had seem to want to unlock converter with throttle increase. All seem to downshift instead. Certainly different than the GM 700R4/4L60E's im used to, which will unlock converter first, then downshift if needed. Few yrs ago researched if Ford's programming could be easily changed. Apparently not. From what I was told ECM programming would have to be re-written. This explanation was talking about binary code stuff (I think that was terminology). Way beyond me

 

Hmmm ok I was thinking that as well. Because yep my 98 f150 did the same thing but I thought it was due to 255k miles and pushing big tires. But I'll look into reflashing or reprogramming the computer. I leanered a bit on binary code in automotive school

 

You could always install a toggle switch in the dash to keep it from locking.
I did it the other way around, my toggle switch keeps it from unlocking.

 

That's the way it is programmed. You'll need custom software to change this.

 

Hmm ok how safe and reliable is the toggle switch ? And yeah I'll look into rewriting the software I know a shop that claims he knows how.

 

The toggle switch is 100% reliable but you have to operate it.

Note with the TC unlocked the transmission oil temp will be hotter than with it locked.

How safe to run a TC clutch unlocked?
Automatic transmission have used TC with no clutch in them for years (1940's -1990's).

 

Ok do u have a link on how to do this ? Just so I can look into it. And yeah I know it'll make my atf temp go up but I'm ok with that because I flush it every 30k miles with good oil

 

sounds like you have more of a engine performance issue than a transmission one.
i would replace the crushed factory down pipe if you haven't yet and if you have 3.55 gearing,id swap to 4.10.

 

Oh yeah my motors running like a top 3.5" down pipe to a 4" straight pipe. Gotta bha intake and I take really good care of my fuel system. Plus a 140 hp chip but I don't run that 24/7. But yeah I do have the taller gears but I like them being taller for high way driving. At 2k rpm I can be doing 65 mph

 

To do what you want to do just put an off-on switch in wire 480 P/Y.
When the PCM grounds the wire the clutch is on.
If you brake the wire 480 with a switch the TC clutch will never come on.



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Cool thanks.

 

yeah i hear ya.it's hard to have your cake and eat it too when it comes to gearing.7k lb trailer is gunna feel sluggish im afraid no matter what ya do in town w/ 3.55's.
before you tackle the converter wiring.go ahead and see if it will do what your looking for first.it's very simple:
simply turn on your hazard lights and drive around town.try it out of the way on back roads away from traffic at same speeds if you can,though im sure hazards wont be too alarming in town for a mile or two.
this will prevent the converter from locking up.if it supplies you with the added nuts your looking for,then you'll know to go ahead and add the unlock switch.if you don't notice much,then you'll know to save your time.
OR
if your ok with running your hazard lights in town and it does supply you with the added grunt your after,there ya go then.you've already got your unlock toggle switch.

keep in mind;
the converter shouldn't be locking up until approx 35mph anyway though and 0-35 is where the 3.55's are doing you the hurt compared to 4.10's.this is why i suspect the converter unlock toggle might not give you the results your after.