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Old Jul 28, 2011 | 08:07 AM
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Transmission function question

How do I know if the torque converter is in lock-up? When should it go into lock-up and when should it go out?

Will it go in in third or only in fourth?

Sometimes my transmission makes a noise when shifting into fourth (OD) that sounds like a grunt (for lack of duplicating the sound). It is brief and only when under higher load demands. Is this a sign of something going bad?
 
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Old Jul 28, 2011 | 09:18 AM
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Hang tight, Mark will chime in and give you the low down, here's a bump.
 

Last edited by jwhitetail; Jul 28, 2011 at 09:19 AM. Reason: correct
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Old Jul 28, 2011 | 04:15 PM
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Thanks! I hope to get a reply.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2011 | 04:26 PM
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Under normal driving you should be able to feel it lock in 3rd gear. Some early PCM's would lock the TC just before it shifts into 4th gear.
Count your shifts, you should feel 4 shifts, the 3rd will be your TC locking.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2011 | 05:20 PM
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OK. Thanks. That is what I feel most of the time. If I am driving aggressively it seems to go into lock-up at the time of the 4th gear up-shift which is when I hear the noise.

I was used to my Lightning and the way it shifted. I could place my foot lightly on the brake and see the converter come out of lockup. I cannot repeat this process with this truck (and for good reason).

Thanks again.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2011 | 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by true blue
How do I know if the torque converter is in lock-up? When should it go into lock-up and when should it go out?

Will it go in in third or only in fourth?

Sometimes my transmission makes a noise when shifting into fourth (OD) that sounds like a grunt (for lack of duplicating the sound). It is brief and only when under higher load demands. Is this a sign of something going bad?
On my truck, the TC locks immediately after it shifts into Over Drive (4th gear) which is around 38 mph when at part throttle. If you disable OD, then your TC will lock up in third gear. I believe Mark K told me the TC can lock up in any gear if the conditions require. Maybe he will see this thread and confirm if I understood correctly.

Can't comment on the sound you are hearing. That is a new one to me. Are you hearing any weird clattering noises when your truck is idling in Park?
 
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Old Jul 28, 2011 | 05:23 PM
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Franko72 answered the question. The torque converter lock feels like a small RPM shift. Sometimes it's hard to pick up. It can be seen in the tach, too. If you're accelerating and the engine RPM hold steady for about 2 seconds while the truck is still accelerating that is the torque converter locking.

Originally Posted by gchavez
I believe Mark K told me the TC can lock up in any gear if the conditions require. Maybe he will see this thread and confirm if I understood correctly.
Yes it can. In first and second the converter can lock if engine RPM is high enough AND the go pedal is at least 3/4 of the way to the floor. I don't remember the RPM number.

The noise on lockup is probably the start of torque converter shudder. That is usually an indication that the ATF needs to be changed.
 
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