Dumb Torque Converter question
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Solon, Iowa
Dumb Torque Converter question
I admit, I know nothing about transmissions and diesels! I have read in many of the threads on here that it is critical to have you torque converter locked up when towing, or it will create a lot of heat and fry your tranny.
My question is how do you know if your torque converter is locked up? How can you tell?
I just got a 2003 F350 Dually with 79,000 miles on it, no mods and a stock tranny. I will be towing an 10,500 lb 4 horse trailer that when fully loaded will be about 15,000 lbs...mostly on flat ground, but with an occasional long hill here and there. Nothing like in the mountains, though.
Thanks for answering my dumb question!!
My question is how do you know if your torque converter is locked up? How can you tell?
I just got a 2003 F350 Dually with 79,000 miles on it, no mods and a stock tranny. I will be towing an 10,500 lb 4 horse trailer that when fully loaded will be about 15,000 lbs...mostly on flat ground, but with an occasional long hill here and there. Nothing like in the mountains, though.
Thanks for answering my dumb question!!
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 506
Likes: 5
From: South Florida
If you dont feel the truck moving and the RPM's are raising....................the trans is not locked. this usally happens at a lower RPM value. If you press the gas and it goes.................its locked. 
Go Bills !
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 65
From: Buffalo, NY
Another way to put it. Same thing as George put it..
While taking off from a light. It will be in first..gear. When it goes second gear give more Go peddle. If the rpm rises like a sllipping clutch. (tc not locked). When it shifts again hit the peddle. If it revs to say 2500. Feels like the clutch is slipping. (tc not locked)
If feels just like a gear change. But when it happens and you hit the go peddle, it will lug the motor rather than Rev the motor. (tc locked)
Not a dumb question. I had to take my dad for a ride to discuss this same thing because he was asking me about it. he couldn't tell. But after the ride he had it. I think it is good your asking about it.. I try to go easy on starts until the TC locks. Once it locks then i "boot it" pulling the camper.
Adding LEDs and a TC lock manual button is another conversion.
While taking off from a light. It will be in first..gear. When it goes second gear give more Go peddle. If the rpm rises like a sllipping clutch. (tc not locked). When it shifts again hit the peddle. If it revs to say 2500. Feels like the clutch is slipping. (tc not locked)
If feels just like a gear change. But when it happens and you hit the go peddle, it will lug the motor rather than Rev the motor. (tc locked)
Not a dumb question. I had to take my dad for a ride to discuss this same thing because he was asking me about it. he couldn't tell. But after the ride he had it. I think it is good your asking about it.. I try to go easy on starts until the TC locks. Once it locks then i "boot it" pulling the camper.
Adding LEDs and a TC lock manual button is another conversion.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 506
Likes: 5
From: South Florida
Once you have established that your transmission is working properly, look into some upgrades to make your towing more safe and enjoyable. ( gauges, 6.0 trans cooler, valve body or kit, etc )
Here at FTE, the members are always willing to help...............with that said, no question will ever be taken as a dumb question.
Here at FTE, the members are always willing to help...............with that said, no question will ever be taken as a dumb question.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,287
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
Not to hijack but Dan triggered a related question: Can you hook up an LED to show when the TC is locked? Not using a lock switch just an indicator light.
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Go Bills !
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 65
From: Buffalo, NY
YES.. I have a green light that comes on when the TC is slipping not locked. A simple relay can reverse that to show lit when it is locked. I also have a red LED to show that i have the manual pushed.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 516
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY
I know I have seen a wring diagram for wiring for the EBPV to be a exhaust brake, which after reading another post is straight forward. But can't seem to find the info on the torque converter lockup. Anybody have it handy?
Thanks.
Thanks.
