Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) transmission lock up

[Bill Johnson]

does anyone know how to lock up the torque converter on a 2000 2500 ? while pulling my trailer down hill and let off the throttle it's like putting it in netrual. there must be a way to do this manualy.

 

[cerberusiam]

Yep, mystery switch on the wire for pin #7 of the trans control plug will lock the TC. Other choice is get a lockup controller from ATS, BD, or other place that has them and program it.



Not going to do much good without an EB and trans work though. OD is effected by an sprag so there is no braking there. You have to drop into drive to have any type of decent braking. Without an EB it is not much because there is no throttle plate.



Also, the transmission is not setup to take the reverse TQ. It unlocks the TC to protect itself.

 

[HBarlow]

Somone who has owned one and done it can tell you how to install a lockup switch but it won't help unless you also add an exhaust brake.

Diesel engines do not provide compression braking when decelerating with a closed throttle like gasoline engines do.

Even if your transmission remains locked up it will not slow when you lift your right foot.

 

[JJPage]

Here is a thread from another forum on "how to", Both the 47&48RE utilize pin 7 for this feature, the wire color may be different but if you look at the face of the plug, it is numbered.



3rd Gen Mystery Switch - DIY - Works great! - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum

 

[Bill Johnson]

thanks for the feedback on this subject, I also talked to Jim Anderson on the phone and he said the same thing you guys said. I think I better take it to a transmission place and put a billet torque converter and valve body in to be safe. I don't want to be broke down on the side of the road with a trailer behind me. #@$%!

 

[bcbigfoot]

The TC switch does help some, not night and day but it will make a good bit of difference to your brakes after a 7 mile run down a 7% grade. I liked the improvement with my 4000lb+ camper on. You won't have a issue with just the lockup switch and no exhaust brake. The issue is a exhaust brake and lockup switch without a TC and valve body upgrade.



Now after saying that I would suggest you get a TC and valve body upgrade for reliability issues, and improvement in your towing experience.

 

[Bill Johnson]

thanhs for the input Bigfoot the truck is in the transmission shop as we speak for a new tc and valve body. thats good advise.

 

[cerberusiam]

You really need one of these if you are going to use the lockup switch and much weight. This is mandatory with an EB and should minimize any potential slippage as you gear down even without and EB.



BD Power - Product: PressureLoc