Torque Converter Clutch
See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS .
Torque Converter Clutch (Non-Electronic Transmission)
The purpose of the transmission/transaxle converter clutch feature is to eliminate power loss of torque converter stage when vehicle is in a cruise condition. This allows convenience of automatic transmission/transaxle and fuel economy of a manual transmission.
Fused battery ignition is supplied to TCC solenoid through a brake switch. On some models, gear hydraulic apply switches (located within the transmission) may also be in series with solenoid power or ground circuit. For wiring reference, see wiring schematic under MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in the SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.
Converter clutch will engage when vehicle is moving faster than a precalibrated speed, engine is at normal operating temperature, throttle position sensor output is not changing (indicating a steady vehicle speed), transmission 3rd gear switch is closed (if equipped), and brake switch is closed.
When vehicle speed is great enough (about 20-45 MPH as indicated by the vehicle speed sensor), PCM energizes TCC solenoid mounted in transmission. This allows torque converter to directly connect engine to the transmission. When operating conditions indicate transmission should operate as normal, TCC solenoid is de-energized.
This allows transmission to return to normal automatic operation. Since power for the TCC solenoid is delivered through the brake switch, transmission will also return to normal automatic operation when brake pedal is depressed. To check TCC system, perform functional check of TCC system. See MISCELLANEOUS CONTROLS in the SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.
Torque Converter Clutch (Electronic Transmission)
The torque converter clutch functions similarly to the non-electronic type except instead of a single internal TCC solenoid, 2 solenoids are used. A standard TCC solenoid is used in conjunction with a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) solenoid that regulates hydraulic pressure to make locking and unlocking of the TCC smoother.