you can monitor torque converter lock using forscan

 

ok, I'll probably end up getting the set up soon. Do you know if its possible to check it with the "torque pro" app? Thats what im using now and it is able to look at a lot of different things.

 

you don't need an app to tell you if your TC is locked up... You can feel it. An app will be delayed/ inaccurate just like an edge CTS. I believe an LED can also be easily wired in to let you know, if I'm not mistaken

 

I was going to mention also, that the Edge CTS-3 shows the TC locked.

 

Unfortunately over the years (22 year anniversary this month holy cow), the number of threads/posts has shown that "you can feel it" is not an accurate way to let people know if the vehicle is acting normally. The posts of "My E-40-D [sic]" or "My R4100 [sic] is supposedly a 4-speed but mine clearly has 5 speeds....." tells me that things need to be WAY overly simplified at times.

This might seem a bit drawn-out but let me try to convey this pre-full can of chemically-enhanced energy drink goodness..........

There are basically two "normal acceleration" upshift shift strategies used by Ford through the 1999-2003 years (technically hundreds but many are similar); the earlier ones that shift 1, 2, 3, 4 with a simultaneous torque converter clutch apply and then the ones that perform a 1, 2, 3, torque converter apply (feels like the 4th speed), then 4th upshift.

There are MANY downshift/accelerator pedal release and reapply strategies so that's a story for another time.


The easiest way for me to explain whether the torque converter clutch is applying at all or correctly is to to watch the tachometer. "Normal acceleration" with the earlier strategies is not quite as easy since getting the torque converter clutch to apply without being at 45MPH plus requires a heavy right foot (they do apply the converter clutch under heavy load very quickly/soon in 2nd and 3rd). The later ones are easy using the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) on the shifter stalk (commonly called the overdrive off switch). By turning overdrive "OFF", the transmission will shift 1, 2, 3, torque converter clutch applied by 35-40 MPH. In this case, once 40 MPH is reached and the torque converter clutch SHOULD be applied, the tachometer and speedometer will rise at the same time/rate when accelerating moderately. If the torque converter clutch is not applied (anytime it's not), the tachometer needle will rise faster and independently of the speedometer needle. Of course the earlier ones will act the same way in 4th or 3rd under HEAVY acceleration.

If a scan tool is used, ANY question of whether it's working is NOT a question. By monitoring Torque Converter Clutch command (%Duty Cycle) and the Torque Converter Clutch slip (RPM) any doubt will be quelled. The 95-97 7.3s can't monitor TCC slippage independently from anything else in the transmission but this question is in the 99-03 section (they'll also show TCC on/off instead of a DC percentage). Yes, Torque Pro will monitor these.

 

Thanks for the clarification, more in depth response.
I was short on time and wanted to keep it short. I was basing my answer off the approx 100 rpm drop when it locks up/ "extra shift" as well as when the rpm's go 1:1 with the speedo. Definitely not 100% fool proof as you mentioned.

 

I am now at son's home in Dawsonville, GA.
he lives in an area with rolling hills.
Decided to do some experimenting about “when the TC locks up” and watch the CTS-3 screen.



The first time, the engine was still cold, and with gentle pressure on the pedal, and sort of level terain, it went 1, 2, 3, and TC locked, then OD shifted.



2nd time, from intersection going up a steep incline, with more throttle pressure, 1, 2, 3 ……. OD ….. then level terrain and TC locked.



3rd time, take off from level, 1, 2, Downhill we go, 3, 4 and TC locked.

Did not pay any attention to RPM.

 

Yes, Torque Pro will monitor these.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the great explanation.

I'm sorry, I can't find anything on torque pro. Do you know where I might find the TC info in the app?

 

Thanks for the great explanation.

I'm sorry, I can't find anything on torque pro. Do you know where I might find the TC info in the app?[/QUOTE]



here you go, find it here

 

In post #17 he says that he already has it.


He's trying to find it in the Parameter ID list. I know it's there but none of my 1999-up 7.3L vehicles have batteries in them right now (winter storage) and between the 35 MPH wind and the sleet falling out of the sky currently I'm not going out there to find exactly what he needs. I haven't used Torque Pro in about a year so the verbatim names escape my mind at the moment.

 

One other thing I forgot to mention about TorquePro:

Make sure you have downloaded the Ford-specific extended PID list. You won't see any Ford-specific data (just regular OBD2 data that's relatively useless for diagnosing these things) without getting the Ford extra PIDs from the settings menu.