Torque Converter Lockout Switch
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 260
Likes: 2
From: Apache, OK
Torque Converter Lockout Switch
I recently ran across an article in a diesel magazine that highlighted a 1999 F250. One of the “features” touted was a switch to lock out the torque converter lockup. That’s interesting.
Why would I want to lock it out?
On the other hand, could/would it be beneficial to lock it in?
Why would I want to lock it out?
On the other hand, could/would it be beneficial to lock it in?
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
Preventing the torque converter from locking allows the engine to develop a little more RPM. This puts the engine in a different spot in the power band, the idea being your engine makes a little more power at that spot.
Elder User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 968
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From: Tennesee
Jim McCarty,
Get the TS Performance lock up module, locks the TC at your desired MPH, has a trans temp gauge and is great for racing or towing. Helps make MPG too.
Mark @ DPPI
Get the TS Performance lock up module, locks the TC at your desired MPH, has a trans temp gauge and is great for racing or towing. Helps make MPG too.
Mark @ DPPI
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,993
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From: Bend, OR
SP diesel sells a very nice kit that runs off of the cruise control buttons. Press and hold for 2 sec set button at your desired lock up speed, press and hold for 2 sec the resume at the unlock speed... Very nice! Love mine!!!
www.spdiesel.com
www.spdiesel.com
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 260
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From: Apache, OK
Mark at DPPI &
CSIPSD,
I like the idea of locking up the converter quickly and plan to look into the two systems suggested. What's your suggestions for a set lock up speed?
Also, when downshifting while pulling a trailer in tww/haul, will it stay locked up and just downshift a gear?
CSIPSD,
I like the idea of locking up the converter quickly and plan to look into the two systems suggested. What's your suggestions for a set lock up speed?
Also, when downshifting while pulling a trailer in tww/haul, will it stay locked up and just downshift a gear?
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,993
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From: Bend, OR
Originally Posted by Jim McCarty
Mark at DPPI &
CSIPSD,
I like the idea of locking up the converter quickly and plan to look into the two systems suggested. What's your suggestions for a set lock up speed?
Also, when downshifting while pulling a trailer in tww/haul, will it stay locked up and just downshift a gear?
CSIPSD,
I like the idea of locking up the converter quickly and plan to look into the two systems suggested. What's your suggestions for a set lock up speed?
Also, when downshifting while pulling a trailer in tww/haul, will it stay locked up and just downshift a gear?
I run SP diesels exhaust brake and TC control kit. Best bang for your buck as far as I am concerned.
Mark will have to comment on the TS unit as I have no knowledge of it.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Bend, OR
Originally Posted by thedaddycat
Those kits sound interesting, any idea how much of an improvement in MPG to expect?
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: Surrey, BC
BD Power Torque Unlock Kit
BD Power does sell a kit called a Torque Unlock, it consists of a 3 way toggle switch to manually lock and unlock the torque convertor, with a 3rd position for stock operation. Unlike most home-made kits the BD torque unlock kit will automatically release the convertor under 20MPH to prevent engine stall and having to switch the controller off every time you come to a stop.
There is some advantages to unlocking the the T/C like building more RPM but there is also issues with building to much heat in the transmission, also getting less efficiency out of the transmission. On the other side of that coin there is huge advantages to keeping the T/C locked up on deceleration especially with a big load or with use of an exhaust brake.
Hope this helps
dave@bd-power.com
There is some advantages to unlocking the the T/C like building more RPM but there is also issues with building to much heat in the transmission, also getting less efficiency out of the transmission. On the other side of that coin there is huge advantages to keeping the T/C locked up on deceleration especially with a big load or with use of an exhaust brake.
Hope this helps
dave@bd-power.com
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,993
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From: Bend, OR
Originally Posted by dave at BD Power
BD Power does sell a kit called a Torque Unlock, it consists of a 3 way toggle switch to manually lock and unlock the torque convertor, with a 3rd position for stock operation. Unlike most home-made kits the BD torque unlock kit will automatically release the convertor under 20MPH to prevent engine stall and having to switch the controller off every time you come to a stop.
There is some advantages to unlocking the the T/C like building more RPM but there is also issues with building to much heat in the transmission, also getting less efficiency out of the transmission. On the other side of that coin there is huge advantages to keeping the T/C locked up on deceleration especially with a big load or with use of an exhaust brake.
Hope this helps
dave@bd-power.com
There is some advantages to unlocking the the T/C like building more RPM but there is also issues with building to much heat in the transmission, also getting less efficiency out of the transmission. On the other side of that coin there is huge advantages to keeping the T/C locked up on deceleration especially with a big load or with use of an exhaust brake.
Hope this helps
dave@bd-power.com
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 662
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From: Surrey, BC
Originally Posted by CSIPSD
The SP Diesel kit unlocks at what ever speed you choice to have it unlock. All automatic as well
We do sell a Tow Loc kit as well that works off of RPM rather than speed allowing you to bring the cut off speed much lower by downshifting but it only works with a BD Exhaust Brake.