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Torque converter clutch lockup switch

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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 03:58 PM
  #1  
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Torque converter clutch lockup switch

I know this has been covered before, and I bookmarked the thread, but I've got another question. I'd like to install a torque converter clutch lockup switch that will allow me to lock the converter at any speed/RPM but I'm a bit confused as to how the electrical circuit works. The torque converter is UNLOCKED when it has +12v to it and LOCKED when the voltage is removed? Or vice versa? Thanks.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 05:20 PM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by Skandocious
I know this has been covered before, and I bookmarked the thread, but I've got another question. I'd like to install a torque converter clutch lockup switch that will allow me to lock the converter at any speed/RPM but I'm a bit confused as to how the electrical circuit works. The torque converter is UNLOCKED when it has +12v to it and LOCKED when the voltage is removed? Or vice versa? Thanks.
Nethier.
The clutch is on when grouned, off when not grounded.


/
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 05:27 PM
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what is the point of this mod
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 05:37 PM
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From: Blue Hill Township
Originally Posted by 17fordguy
what is the point of this mod
It allows him to manually lock the converter rather than having it slip.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 05:39 PM
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From: Blue Hill Township
Originally Posted by Skandocious
I know this has been covered before, and I bookmarked the thread, but I've got another question. I'd like to install a torque converter clutch lockup switch that will allow me to lock the converter at any speed/RPM but I'm a bit confused as to how the electrical circuit works. The torque converter is UNLOCKED when it has +12v to it and LOCKED when the voltage is removed? Or vice versa? Thanks.
The solenoid always has 12 volts to it. The ECU provides the ground when it wants to lock the converter.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 05:44 PM
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So then installing a switch inline on that wire would only allow me to UNLOCK the converter when it has been locked already be the ECU, by breaking the ground. No? If I wanted to lock the converter on command then I'd need a three way switch with the center prong running to ground, no? But then I wouldn't be able to restore the originial circuit...
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:03 PM
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To UNLOCK the converter you would break the connection between the ECU and the transmission. This site has a good diagram with LEDs for ya.

http://www.forgotton.net/mods/tclock/index.htm
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:25 PM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by Skandocious
So then installing a switch inline on that wire would only allow me to UNLOCK the converter when it has been locked already be the ECU, by breaking the ground. No? If I wanted to lock the converter on command then I'd need a three way switch with the center prong running to ground, no? But then I wouldn't be able to restore the originial circuit...
No center goes to the transmission.


/
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:33 PM
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Ahhh yes it makes sense now!! You guys are awesome. Chris I gave you rep points but Bill I can't give you more until I "spread it around". Thanks you guys.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:33 PM
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What are the benefits of manually locking/unlocking the torque converter? I have no clue about how this works. When its locked what does it do? Sorry to thread jack
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:38 PM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by Skandocious
Ahhh yes it makes sense now!! You guys are awesome. Chris I gave you rep points but Bill I can't give you more until I "spread it around". Thanks you guys.
That is OK, it seams like almost no body in the 1987 - 1996 F150 And Larger F-Series Trucks forum likes to give rep points. As long as I have been on here and as many posters that I have helped I only have 159.
 

Last edited by subford; Nov 19, 2007 at 06:40 PM.
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:54 PM
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
I know Bill it kinda sucks... I know I'm not nearly as knowledgable as you but when I actually DO know something, I don't get the rep for it...

Playa_fl, click on Chris's link above and it explains the benefits of the TC lockup switch at the bottom of the page.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:56 PM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by Playa_fl
What are the benefits of manually locking/unlocking the torque converter? I have no clue about how this works. When its locked what does it do? Sorry to thread jack
The computer will lock the transmission to the engine at about 43 MPH using a lock up clutch in the TC for better MPG.

If you have the Mod it can be used for towing above about 25 MPH and engine braking. This can also keep the oil cooler in the transmission.
 

Last edited by subford; Nov 19, 2007 at 06:59 PM.
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