Torque Converter lockup delayed?

joeaxial · #1 10-12-2005, 08:00 PM

Hey all,
When I start my SVX for the first time each day and drive off it takes about 7 to 10 miles of highway driving before the converter locks. After this initial delay the converter locks up right away. It seems to lock up firmly. I don't know if it took this long for lock up before the 4.44 legacy trans was installed because I purchased it with the tranny bad.

Is this normal?

Steve

Electrophil · #2 10-12-2005, 08:02 PM

Yeah, the transmission has to warm up to a certain temperature before it will allow TC lock up. I forgot what that temp was. But that's normal. (Both the temp thing and my forgetting...Both are normal.

)

Manarius · #3 10-13-2005, 04:42 AM

Tranny won't lock until it's at 50F. It also won't shift into 4th until it's at 50F either.

joeaxial · #4 10-13-2005, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manarius

Tranny won't lock until it's at 50F. It also won't shift into 4th until it's at 50F either.

In my case the tranny shifts to 4th pretty much right away, but it still takes a very long time for the converter to lock the first time. I don't think I've driven the car yet when the ambient temperature was below 50F.
Steve

dcarrb · #5 10-13-2005, 06:35 AM

It's more like 150 degrees before the TC locks; at this time of year, with a mid-sized, supplemental ATF cooler, I'm nearing the end of my 12-mile commute when I feel it hook up.

dcb

svxfiles · #6 10-13-2005, 07:44 AM

On the stock SVXi I drive, it takes about 7 miles in the mornings before they lockup. On the 4.44s, it takes longer, and is less noticable.

mbtoloczko · #7 10-13-2005, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarrb

It's more like 150 degrees before the TC locks;

dcb

That's my experience too. On highway trips in the winter, any time my ATF temp gauge dropped below about 140F, the TC would unlock.