Toggle switch to activate Torque Converter Lockup

[WadeMetzinger]

Just a few weeks ago I printed out instructions for inserting a jumber in a fuse/panel box and connecting it to a toggle switch that would allow you to cause the torque converter to lock up. Last week I cleaned my house, first mistake, and I think I threw them away. Does anyone know where those instructions are so I can print them out again. I'd rather spend $3 on a toggle and 20 minutes on installation rather than buying one of those BD torque boxes. I think I can remember to turn it off when coming to a stop.....

 

[inarush76]

I caution against using a switch to force lockup to stay on or to come on too soon. Lockup at too low of a rpm can cause lugging and or slippage if too much throttle is given. Also the temptation to use heavy to full throttle with the conv locked up can and likely will cause the conv to slip and can cause major trans failure . The instructions are located on the TST site, but I'd recommend calling Diesel Trans Technology and asking about thier TC Saver or thier Smart Controller. The TC Saver may be what you need, however if you plan on installing an E-Brake you may need the Smart Controller. Is your Trans stock? If you pull a good bit the DTT conv/vb is a good addition to the truck and lockup becomes less of a concern as the conv is much more efficient. E-mail me if you have any questions.

By the way, I'm an old Mopar nut, last race car was a '68 fastback Barracuda.

James Northum

DTT installer/dealer

 

[mikel]

Give Bill a call at DTT. He'll answer any questions that you have.





Mike

 

[WCrovo]

Useing that switch was one of the reasons my auto didn't fair well. If you don't increase the pressures don't use the switch. That switch was t he straw that broke my autos back

 

[Mopar-muscle]

NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

do not add a mystery switch , unless of course you want to damage your TC and possibly your transmission ... the inefficent design of the stock TC , and some of the milled stators convertors , are the reason many have resorted to a mystery switch , so far only one TC on the market will give you the type of performance that will make the mystery switch not an option unless you are running an exhaust brake with an auto , in that case you need a controller .



dumb question why do you need a mystery switch .

 

[WadeMetzinger]

Don't have the money for TC & TB

I don't have the money for a $300 TB and a $900 TC. I thought if I could flip the switch once am at 45-50mph I would get better gas milage and when towing it wouldn't try to kick out. Kind of like making my auto a 5-speed with cruise on when towing. If it starts running out of power, don't change gears just slow down. I would think that it does more damage to the transmission when it downshifts under a load then just keeping the TC locked up in 4th as long as the EGT's are at a safe level.

 

[WCrovo]

As I was lead to believe if you force the TC lockup without increasing the line press's you fry the TC. That was one of the factorss that contributed to my autos demise. Do Not Do It or overhaul it.

 

[Joe G.]

Wade,



Most people who have these switches misuse them. Towing with the TCC manually locked is NOT a good idea. Hard excelleration with it manually locked is a real bad idea. Haveing said that, I have a switch and have used it for many miles. Mine is NOT wired like the one on the TST web site. I use a single pole double throw switch with center off. That way I can force the TCC to stay UNLOCKED in high power situations thus overriding the automatic lockup in situations where my #5 plate might damage the TCC. I only use the manual lock up so my exhaust brake will work and have a foot switch button in series with the dash switch so I can easily unlock it when stopping.

 

[danandamy]

Learn from others

When I first joined the TDR, mystery switches were all the rage. Everybody was puting them on their trucks. Now, you post about it and everyone hops on here saying DON'T DO IT. Why? Because ALOT of people fryed their trannies doing this. One of the great things about this site is you can learn from other's mistakes. I can sure relate to not being able to afford to upgrade your valve body/torque converter right now. Ask yourself this, how much more would it cost to replace your whole transmission? Beleive it or not, it is harder on the transmission to force it to stay locked up than it is to downshift at hard throttle. It's designed to do that, it's not designed to stay locked up under hard throttle. The best thing you can do for your transmission regardless of if you're stock or upgraded if you pull, is to keep your rpm's up. When pulling, my transmission never has to downshift itself, if it starts losing speed, I back out of it and downshift it manually and then get right back after it. Takes some getting used to because these things roar so much when the rpm's are up a little but the transmission and the engine both like it better that way.

 

[Bad340fish]

Heh

When pulling, my transmission never has to downshift itself, if it starts losing speed, I back out of it and downshift it manually and then get right back after it

Dan... . your close now all you need is a Manual Lock up pedal on the floor lol

Clark