Converter Locking Points

Ford Guru Tony Gonyon talks Converter Locking Points and where to find that sweet spot on this Tech Tuesday.
00:19 What you’ll need
00:35 Testing for the lockup point
1:11 What to look for when locking up the converter
2:24 What happens if the converter is locked up too soon or too late
3:35 Why to lock up the torque converter
5:52 Where that lockup point is based on vehicle needs
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[@gordowg1wg145]

Good video, Not my style of racing and I REALLY don't like auto's, but very well explained, overall. To clarify, folks, what he is doing it trading off some slippage, which sosts torque, for running the engine in a rpm range where the increased torque production is greater than the loss in slippage against 'lock up' where there is less torque from the engine, but also less loss due to converter 'slippage'. Depending on the specific vehicle, traction, etc, I would expect there will be times it 'may' be beneficial to lock up a little earlier to allow the chassis to 'settle' over the drive tyres rather than immediately 'blow' they tyres off because the load trandfer wasn't yet complete?

[@allenoliver1907]

Awesome Tony

[@TheTuningSchool]

Yes, Tony is extraordinarily awesome!

[@jimbrown563]

I got all this figured out on my own, works great. Now if HPTuners would just give me access to all the "Coast-Mode" settings, I could make my Trans absolutely perfect in every way. But evidently Gen III is now ancient history, with no time for further refinement. I can understand that there are probably higher priorities, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. ;) I may have to switch over to a MegaSquirt GPIO Board with MegaShift Software installed to control the transmission, but work out how to keep my stock 411 box connected, and informed, as to what gear the trans is in, VCC Signal, etc. But for now, it will have to be manual switch control of the TCC for everyday cruising, WOT lockup is smooth and perfect, midway between 2nd & 3rd. ( 3500 rpm Converter in a Daily Driver ) ( Converter stays locked above 17mph at light throttle, but "Coast Mode" kicks in whenever it "decides to", and the converter will not lock until a certain combination of throttle closings has it determine that it's no longer in "Coast Mode", ( or this could be "Performance Mode" trying to kick in automatically) P.I.A. either way ). ( also, "Coast Mode" ALWAYS PREVENTS closed throttle downshifts under any circumstances, trans will remain in 4th, with Converter Locked, until the throttle is depressed, THEN it will down-shift, regardless of Maps ) ( There are NO controls related to "Coast Mode" in the HPT software ). ( I am aware of the Over-Run Clutch not being able to engage while in O-D Range, the TCC bypasses the O-R Clutch when it is in lockup, so under lock-up, the O-R Clutch is irrelevant ). ( If I had known about this quirk, I would have had a bypass line installed to supply pressure to the O-R Clutch while in O-D Range, or, modify the Manual Valve for the same functionality ). . .

[@AlienPizza38]

Jim Brown how do you setup manual tcc control?

[@BucketList22]

So you want to lock up in the "diamond"? Is anywhere in the diamond good or do you favor one section over another?

[@pequalsnp]

I totally get what you're saying. But at the same time I wish there was manual lockup control, like a physical lever, or third pedal, haha. Lockup also helps in part throttle on the street. It helps the transmission feel more like a manual or a DCT. When the converter is unlocked and the transmission is programmed to be loose with less converter pressure, rolling into the throttle feels terrible -- the car revs but doesn't move. That kind of behavior is suited to immediate WOT, but not gradual throttle tip-in. Converter lockup solves this.

[@jjjjjj9284]

Are you guys locking converters that are equipped with a high carbon lockup clutch

[@leehinson]

that's my boy

[@TheTuningSchool]

He's the best!

[@hassanabas1549]

Since the engine usually will have more torque and more horsepower at higher rpm's shouldn't you just leave it unlocked the whole time to allow it to multiply torque thus having most power out of your engine or did I get it wrong if indeed I am wrong elaborate please!?

[@JRkota318]

What about nitrous? When is the optimal point to lock the converter?

[@trevorseals6588]

So won’t the diamond always be at 5200 rpm? I don’t see the point in the dyno pulls, just try it at 5200 in every gear till you find one that works best.

[@NHWilderness]

I have a 2022 f 250 and the torque converter locks in way to soon all the truck does is bog its completely useless I pull a trailer with my mow equipment and plow it locks in at 1.5 thousand rpms and once it's in it will not disengage no matter how slow ur going can it be fixed?

[@MegaDysart]

Put it in tow haul mode

[@NHWilderness]

@@MegaDysart that doesn't work it still locks in and won't come out

[@4BillC]

But you didn't actually show us anything! Good info but... If the person watching know how to do it, then it makes sense. If the person doesn't know exactly what you're talking about then it doesn't make complete sense.

[@TheTuningSchool]

Yep! Gotta save the good stuff for our students who enrolled. We call this our "Free Knowledge."

[@miguelleon6914]

my tuner said i dont need to lock converter because i will bog. All motor 6l80 with an fti 3600 gmc truck

[@zacharymorris9917]

Miguel Leon get a new tuner

[@zacharymorris9917]

"Which is was most dynos are setup for" ???? Say what???? That's the mathematical relationship, not dyno settings.

[@yamahaSHO]

He's talking about the lines physically crossing. Some dynos are setup with HP and TQ on different scales. When this is done, they don't cross at 5252. ;)

[@zacharymorris9917]

@@yamahaSHO wrong

[@yamahaSHO]

@@zacharymorris9917 No, not wrong. Clearly you have not used enough dynos, or simply do not understand what I said. Maybe in another 3 years?

[@zacharymorris9917]

@@yamahaSHO 🙄

[@topherwayne4398]

How many times is he going to cover the same thing in one video, just get to the point

[@davidhoover2446]

You showed me nothing. That could have all been opinion for all I know. Really poor information.

[@TheTuningSchool]

Gotta save some of the good stuff for our students. Consider taking one of our courses! Until then, thanks for watching our Free Knowledge series and big thanks for your feedback!