the tcc isn't engaging the torque convertor at a low enough rpm.
either that or
the computer isn't engaging it when the throttle input is at cruising speed.

when driving the tcc only locks the torque convertor when applying throttle for acceleration.
not when cruising.
(I have to accelerate in order for the torque convertor to lock, if I let off the throttle from accelerating to cruise at my desired speed, it unlocks, and wont lock unless I accelerate.)

That's backwards of how it usually works. Any chance you have your 'lock' and 'unlock' mixed up? When locked the RPMs should drop. If you are at cruising speed steady throttle and you tap the brakes the TCC should unlock and then relock a bit later.

I don't have them mixed up. the torque convertor wont lock at a cruising speed. and I have to be accelerating for it to lock.

its not locking early enough, like I said... its annoying... what controls when the torque convertor locks?
at least on the electrical side? I have the detent adjusted all the way one way to shift up at the lowest rpm possible already in case you needed to know that.

unplug it at the trany and see what happens, for some reason I seem to remember that some of the older mechanics I know say it will revert to its startup mode I think is what they said. I had to do that to a 99 Buick we gave our Kennel girl who helped Melanie clean the kennel. it ran great after that for her for years. I was at his shop one day to have it scanned and he saw that it was still plugged in and unplugged it and told me it would lock the converter up permanently if it was left plugged in. I think that was the 3800

Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't



Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 11-17-2013).]

Mine started locking up all the time, unplugged it and it runs so much better.
Installing a new solenoid soon.

Am I reading correctly? Unplug and leave unplugged and it works better? Not unplug and replug in so it can reset itself?

From what I remember of my automatic tranny, just cruising on level ground, or decelerating even slightly, would allow the TC to unlock. Accelerating just a bit, like hitting a *very* slight upgrade, would cause it to lock. Applying more throttle would cause it to unlock. Applying even more throttle would cause a downshift.
It sounds counter-intuitive, but if you're on level ground it only takes a few horsepower to keep moving. If the engine is in an "over-run" condition, the converter will unlock, to prevent the engine from revving higher and sucking more gas.
Try this... with the converter locked, tap the brake. Any activation of the brake should cause it to unlock.

what I'm saying is that it wont lock when its supposed to at cruise. I have to be accelerating just a hair for it to lock like it should, and If I let off the throttle just a little bit to get back to a cruising speed, it will unlock.

I WANT THIS THING TO LOCK WHEN IT SHOULD, OR EARLIER THAN IT SHOULD...

does the tps have anything to do with it engaging or not?

ALSO, what wire do I splice into to put 12V to it to lock it on a switch?