Looking for some wisdom, but I'll admit it's for another car. I have a GM vehicle with a 200-4r trans (suspect this issue will be spot on to a 700-r4 issue). Torque Converter lockup occurs...too early, which causes engine lugging. It's overdue for a fluid change, which I intend to do when I add a trans cooler. I have seen products that claim you can flick a switch to avoid converter lockup until you want it, but don't want to drop $175 to get them. Is there a way to install a switch on one of the four wires going to the trans, or something to control converter lockup? I had considered just unplugging the trans, but converter lockup is nice on longer trips (has a 3.73 rearend, every bit helps). Anybody dealt with this and come up with a shadetree solution?

 

Look at the tech articles. There's one on how to do this relatively cheaply.

 

Thank you. Looked up tech, and maybe I'm looking in the wrong spot, but the info I found was a way to get your converter to lock. I have the opposite problem - it locks now, I don't want it to unless I flick a switch. I have adjusted the TV cable to no avail.

 

The TV cable has nothing to do with the converter lockup. All it controls is shifting by letting the trans know how much throttle is being applied.

The info in the tech articles is what you need. You just may need one extra step. Add an inline switch in the wire that switches the relay. If you leave the switch off the converter will never lock. When you want it to lock just throw the switch.

 

I had the same problem with my 700r4. It would lock up at 38mph. I am not a tranny guy nor do I have much wisdom when it comes to transmissions (those little monsters) I had my friend adjust the weights or springs, can't remember. And that seemed to fix the problem

 

Weights and springs are part of the governor, which dictates shift RPM when the trans is in drive. I'm not sure how that would affect converter lockup, as that is almost 100% electrical. The system works through the ECM, which will lock the converter in 4th gear (there's a 4th gear switch in the trans that tells it to lock) and it can also lock the converter in any other gear but 1st. There is a switch on the brake pedal that unlocks the converter when you step on the brakes (to prevent converter shudder). The converter will also unlock when you floor it and use passing gear (3rd) as this will also kick the trans out of 4th gear (a stock 3rd gen 700R4 will only hold 4th gear below about 30% throttle angle).

 

Would a switch on the pressure switch behind the brake pedal work? Will any drama ensue if the cruise and converter think the brake is applied, thus not locking? Or will all that do is bypass the switch, hence the cruise won't turn off when I hit the brakes? Appreciate your help.

 

If you bridge the switch wiring the system will think the brake is on all the time and the converter will never lock, but your brake lights may also be on all the time. The cruise would also never engage for the same reason.

 

if you are on the drivers side of the trans you will see a 4 prong electrical plug use a test light find the one that has power on it cut it run a wire from each side to where ever you would like the switch a simple on off button style or the toggle style will work i have had this problem numerous times to bad it doesnt work for the newer 4L60E

 

Thank you, I will try that tomorrow and see how it works!!