Torque Converter Lock-Up
See TRANSMISSION under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS.
The purpose of the transaxle torque converter lock-up feature is to eliminate power loss of torque converter stage when vehicle is in cruise condition. Converter clutch will engage under the following conditions: vehicle is moving faster than a precalibrated speed, engine is at normal operating temperature, throttle position sensor output is not changing (indicating a steady road speed), transaxle is in high gear and brake switch is closed.
When vehicle speed is great enough, the 4-speed Electronic Automatic Transaxle (4EAT) control module energizes converter clutch solenoid mounted in transmission. This allows torque converter to directly connect engine to transmission. When operating conditions indicate transmission should operate as normal, converter clutch solenoid is de-energized. This allows transmission to return to normal automatic operation.