Auto Torque Convert lockup switch

[glen_ep]

4 years on I still have the switch installed and no trans issues. Although it's quite rare that I'd use it.. does the job when required but not really fond of how it feels for regular use.

[carco]

Yes the solenoids are 5v but loads of owners have done just as Glen for dyno pulls without cooking the solenoid, a short time seems to be the go.
There was a forum member here who was selling lock up kits for the 90/120's, at around $350 from memory.
Having just had my auto rebuilt, the workshop advised against fitting a convertor lock for everyday use to an old auto, she'll kill the convertor clutch in no time.
Once the convertor has been upgraded it seems they'll cope OK.

[getaway ray]

If you read the info on the website at Wholesale Automatics it will tell you that a simple relay or switch can cause damage they know they tried it, some solenoids are not rated to take 12 continously thats why they have developed their kit.

[williade]

Thanks a tonne Declan, you had it spot on. I've wired up a switch today and it's tested ok. This should make the dyno more productive!

You know I was looking at the wiring diagrams for the 80 series last night and just to satisfy my curiosity I wired up some LED's to each of the transmission solenoids (80 series transmission solenoids behave very similar to those of the 90 series) and observed their operation. Its got me thinking that with a few relays, some rocker switches and a simple programmable micro controller like an Atmel AVR or similar, I could take complete control over gear selection and torque converter lockup or revert back to automatic mode at the flick of a switch. The electronics wouldn't cost more than $10-$20 and the programming would be very simple. Something I will experiment with more when I have the time.

[glen_ep]

Thanks a tonne Declan, you had it spot on. I've wired up a switch today and it's tested ok. This should make the dyno more productive!

[scottkz]

Not too sure the guy was a pretty good 4wder so he Wouldn't misuse it not even sure on how it was wired up pretty sure it was very basic set up

[williade]

Be very carefull how you go about this.... I've seen personally toyota autos blown to bits from doing this.... It can be done but trust me do it correct the first time even if it costs a bit more

blown to bits simply by misusing the lockup clutch or because of incorrect wiring?

[scottkz]

Be very carefull how you go about this.... I've seen personally toyota autos blown to bits from doing this.... It can be done but trust me do it correct the first time even if it costs a bit more

[williade]

Hi Glen,
The transmission only has 3 solenoids. Two of them are for selecting between the forward gears and the third controls the TC lockup.
I'm pretty sure you can just splice an cheap SPDT switch onto the SL wire of ECU. You either have it connected directly to 12v to manually engage the torque converter lockup or connected to the ECU. Pretty sure your Gregory's wiring diagrams have all the info you need.

You know the TC wont lock in first gear, even with a manual override, right? Need an upgraded valve body for that.

[JoshF]

post directly on Wholesale's facebook page, they are pretty responsive

[glen_ep]

Rang a couple of the big 4x4 mobs here (and an auto shop) but they don't stock it. I'm trying to find any kind of quick solution this weekend - because my dyno tune is on Monday. If I could just find the wiring information I could do it myself!!

[croozza]

There is a kit available from wholesale automatics in Melbourne. but I'm pretty sure you could get it from any auto trans specialist.

[glen_ep]

I thought I've read guides on how to install one, but can't find anything now. Does anyone have any info for the 90 series?