What is a Lock-Up and How does it Work?

Do you actually know what a Torque Converter Lock-up is? Join StuDog for a drink in the shed as he schools us on what a Torque Converter and Lock-up is, what it does, how and why they were created and the evolution.

[@SuperSimmo88]

Stu, can you do a follow up "do's and don'ts" when using a lockup kit to avoid damaging the transmission, voiding warranty etc. For example, changing gears with it on, down hill decents both 1st gear low range offroad and high range onroad towing, high torque/load situations, towing, cruising, hills, etc.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

This is almost a video on its own! Yes you can change gears with the lockup engaged but back off the throttle, change gears then accelerate again. Can be used on downhill descent in low or high range to use the engine compression to control the speed, especially when towing, avoiding having to ride the brakes. 1st gear lockup is available if you have upgraded to a Nomad Heavy Duty or Extreme Valve Body. Otherwise engage lockup when you get up to cruising speed or install the Nomad Lockup which is generally set and forget! Do not use the Lockup in sand or "bouncy" rocky terrain as the torque converter needs to slip to reduce the impact on the driveline. Hope that helps, if you need this explained in more detail, send your question in an email to [e-mail]

[@mmorgz6622]

@@WholesaleAutomatics i thought sand would be recomended to lockup to reduce the heat. a couple years ago i made my own lockup loom with a switch and relay like you blokes. was all manual though so had a light to remind me to turn it off. always used it when cruising on the sand just to keep the trans temp down. turned it off on the dunes.

[@LJ07EBP]

Buses use these instead of clutches most of the time, thank you for the explanation

[@richardwalsh5570]

Thanks Stu, That's great info. Cheers

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Glad you liked it Richard

[@Ben_cowen.tasmania]

Great video, explained super well! Cheers

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Glad you liked it!

[@boxandtravel]

Thanks for the information , keep up the great videos i will be checking the new product out as soon as i can

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Awesome thank you! here is some info on the new Nomad Lock-Up Kit: automatictransmission.com.au/torque-converters-lock-up-kits/

[@FlatBrokeAdventures]

Great video very informative. What do you guys make for a 2004 Mitsubishi Challenger 3.0 V6? Cheers Jim

[@officialWWM]

I appreciate your sacrifice in order to educate us 😂

[@DB-yj3qc]

From across the pond... Good video. I especially liked how you demonstrated a TQ. Converter function, I understand that before but it explains how and why they work for non mechanical inclined people. I'm quite experienced with the heat build up in one or 3 Tq converters... 😉 I've roasted a few in AW4 transmissions. Fittingly later in your video covered the same problem on GQ's transmissions. Non-lockup in 1,2,3 only in 4th.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dudless13]

80 series had torque converter and valve body upgrade. 200 series has the gen 3 - all good from my perspective. Had a code error pop up early on but Craig and the team wher on top of it supprt wise. A test of any product is how good is the a More importantly - what is the whisky of choice? Using a proper glass is a good start.

[@ulehuleh]

Good video mate cheers

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Thanks 👍

[@TheAussieFloof]

This video was very informative! Can I ask, maybe do a video explaining a valve body and the benefits of the Nomad Valve body?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

I have emailed your sugestion to Studog as a new Topic to be covered on this channel.

[@paulmerriman5222]

Thanks stu good too know how things work things that help us

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

No problem 👍

[@glenod]

For what its worth i got a lock up kit in my kitted 200 series back in 2017 when i was in perth, sorry blokes, its the oppositions brand :), . best thing i ever invested in. Towing a 2.5 ton van around australia twice, the fuel economy improved by heaps and trans temps dropped by 40-50 degrees ( compared to when it was off ) I would recommend to any 4x4 owner with an auto to get one.

[@beme6971]

Great vid! 👍 Question - PXII Ranger, when will one be available?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

We are starting final round of software develoment 20th Nov and hope to have done by Mid Dec and for sale shortly after Brian.

[@rogerritting5111]

Do you make one to suit Y62 patrol? and can the gear change program be modified for when towing?

[@peteraust1968]

Hey, just an idea......put a link in that takes us to your shop so we can buy the product. Very informitive and love the laid back style. Now im going to look at your web page to check if you have something to suit my 4x4. Cheers.....Pete

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Yes brilliant idea Peter.

[@Retiredroamers]

Will you be doing one for RG Colorados 2017 on?

[@peterj5751]

Hi Stu. Does the lock up kit increase the clamping force on the lock up clutch in any way or just engage it at different times. Assuming the latter, does this put extra wear on the lock up clutches having them stay locked with great torque going through them? I have heard suggestions that some kits kick in the whole 12 volts from the car to get a stronger lock to prevent additional wear on the clutch but I gather from this video that the higher voltage will cause the solenoids to fail over time due to excess heat. Is this your take on it?

[@scrotumguts5139]

Great informative clip mate, I have a 2002 series 3 TB48 GU RE5. Should I wait for the Gen 3 to put in the GU or just go the gen 2 lock up? thanks.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

I would wait if you want the best system.

[@scrotumguts5139]

@@WholesaleAutomatics thanks for that, how long will I be waiting please?

[@greglever4519]

Great vid Stu..thanks. Before modifying my 200, I’d like to know more about the standard converter and how it locks up. I’m towing a large van and are worried about trans temps due to slippage etc. I believe that if I drive in S4 the converter locks up at around 70 kmh. I typically tow between 90 and 95, if the converter can be locked using s4 mode, why would I need the modified torque converter lock? Cheers..

[@XploringFive]

I had the exact same question.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

You are correct that S4 will allow the Torque Converter Clutch to engage automatically, however due to towing it will also unlock easily due to the extra load. The Nomad Lock-Up Module allows you to program the speeds, gears, and throttle inputs that you would like to maintain Lock-Up while driving and/or towing. In addition, you can use the Manual Lock-Up function to aid in downhill descents and offroad road environments where neither the OEM Lock-Up or the Nomad Lock-Up will engage automatically.

[@taranis616]

Stu, could you talk through the differences between a standard torque converter and one of your HD billet ones - what are the real world pros and cons?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

I wil put this on his to do list, he will like this one.

[@jeep2701]

Thanks for the video, do you think you will do a lock up kit for 2016 Colorado 7 (non DPF) please? Cheers Mark

[@jeep2701]

Guys, really keen to see if your doing a kit for my Trailblazer 7 Colorado please thanks Mark

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Unfortunately the Trailblazer 7 Colorado has the 6L50 Transmission with an internal transmission control computer. This means we can't interface with the torque converter clutch.

[@theclinchdrive]

Are you fellas doing some RnD for the RE7 jayco Y62 transmission? I would like to get mine built and up the line pressure along with a bigger pan and cooler kit. Apparently the Arabs add extra clutch packs and beed them up

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Yes we are doing a development programe for the RE7 but need another 9 months. automatictransmission.com.au/select-your-vehicle/nissan/patrol/y62-5-6l-v8-petrol-with-7-speed-auto/?make=Nissan&model=Patrol&series=Y62%205.6L%20V8%20Petrol%20with%207%20Speed%20Auto

[@einfelder8262]

Hi Stu, thanks for the video. I have one question I'd like to ask - vehicle is GU Patrol ZD30CRD Auto with Nomad valve body fitted. Is the transmission harmed changing from 4th to 3rd with the TC locked? There's no smoothing so does it do harm?

[@taranis616]

I’d also be keen to know this. Mine is an LC80 with valve body and gen 1 lock up. Does it do any harm to simply leave the lock up on whilst manually shifting through the gears?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

No not at all Ein because you already have most of the mass (inertia) going so very little load on the lock in comparison to what the load would be on the 1st to 2nd gear shift and again 2nd to 3rd where you are still trying to get the mass of the vehicle up and going.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

You would not run it on the 1-2 and 2-3 gear shift but would be fine for the 3-4 and 4-3 gear shifts.

[@einfelder8262]

@@WholesaleAutomatics Thanks for the reply. I have been a bit reluctant to use it fearing damage, but it's really frustrating having to constantly encourage lockup in 4th at around the 80kph mark, because of my 33" tyres. My lockup is manually switched and also disengages at 60kph and re-engages at 65kph so 1st to 3rd shifts are excluded unless I really need to plant it. Now I can lock it on those long outback corrugated tracks where best speed is ~80 and it's mostly in 3rd or 4th. Thanks again :)

[@Stephenja]

G'day Stew how are you. Do you know which Auto box would Work best in a 1989 Triton. May last year I had my left leg amputated above the knee and as a consequence , I cannot reach the clutch pedal. I have looked info it and found that the early Triton was not Auto. I realise that the costs of doing a conversion is going to be expensive. But I own this car and have striven to keep it as originally correct as possible.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Hi Stephen, the problem with converting the 1989 Triton is that is would cost far, far more than simply selling and upgrading to either the same model that is already factory fitted auto or a later model if budget allows.

[@davidgoatcher1755]

Can you explain about when a lockup can be used and cant be used regarding throttle position whilst towing a large van eg can it be engaged at full throttle eg up steep hills or long climbs thanks

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Hi David, rule of thumb is have some mechanical sympathy and your transmission will last longer. Engaging the lockup at full throttle, or shifting gears under full throttle with lockup engaged is not going to do your transmission any favours. Back off the throttle, engage or change gears and accelerate again. On steep climbs, remember that the vehicle does not know you are going up a hill, and certainly doesn't know if you are towing a big heavy weight behind the vehicle. In these cases, act early, shift into sports mode and shift down into a more appropriate gear for the length and steepness of the hill. Hope that helps, if not, send an email to [e-mail] and our techs will explain further.

[@ronbeurs208]

have watch this video 3 times now and have more question's than before have got my ranger book in for Friday if we can get through the flood waters so I hope that we can talk to yours self or Rocket in person then

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Hi Ron, Hopefully you got your questions answered, if not send an email to [e-mail] and one of our techs will answer them for you.

[@kelvinrf]

I would like to tap into your knowledge please. Is there a kit for the old Borgwarners that they had in the late sixties Falcons.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Unfortunatly the old Borg Warners dont have lock-up capabilities so no way of adding the lock-up kit sorry Laurel.

[@dougwookey6641]

Are you doing a nomad kit for a landrover discovery 4?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

What auto does your Disco 4 run Doug?

[@gregpaterno1446]

Hi buddy I've got a 2021 dmax don't like the way it hangs on to 3rd will a change of va!ve body make it change better what can you think cheers

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Replacing the valve body won't change when it changes gears as thay are managed by the transmissions computer.

[@TORANA1253]

Hi guys so now understanding how it works what ar the advantages and were would you use it like step descents for engine braking or sand ??

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Check out these two videos as they will explain a little better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZK7oWagop1ohaM kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGm4nJmrf82MpsU

[@YoufishingTV]

Would this increase the likelyhood of torque converter shudder ?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

No not at all, we have done a few thousand of these kits now and have never had this happen. They are brilliant for 100% engine braking and genuine fuel saving.

[@mmorgz6622]

would love one of your kits but you dont cover my car. need to cover some suzuki models. mine has the 5spd auto i believe from the dmax and prado. '09 grand vitara 3.2 v6.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Where are you located Morgz?

[@mmorgz6622]

tasmania

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

If you are part of a group and know of someone close to us here in Bayswater Victoria, we would be happy to build a range of products to suit and I believe we would already have deep cast pan, Nomad Valve Body, Temp Gauge with only the cooler kit to test fit and we would have a full line up. We just need a test vehicle to see what is required to double check.

[@mmorgz6622]

Unfortunately I'm not and don't. Will say that the exhaust crosses below the trans sump so a deeper sump would only work if the exhaust was re routed behind the transfer case. As for the rest, well 🤷. Would love to offer mine for test fitting but may be a little difficult.

[@Brianbb63]

I am wondering why you no longer do a lock up kit for an NP Pajero?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

It's not that we can't as we can and we in fact have kit that will work with the NP Pajero. The problem is inconsistent wiring in the vehicle that makes fitting instructions difficult. We can do these in house in Bayswater Victoria.

[@pierrejeanes]

Noob question: in modern cars (year2000+)does the torque converter lock when using engine brake ??

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

You can choose which way you want it to work for each of the 5 presets.

[@jameshenderson5485]

When will you have it ready for the 6 speed ford ranger?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

We are completing these kits now James. We are hoping for Feb

[@DavidOastler]

Hi will you be doing at land cruiser 300 version

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

We're looking into this David as we have our own 300 series that we are doing development on. We are currently working on a Nomad Valve Body and then the lock-up next.

[@istevecomau]

Gen 2 👍

[@nicholaschip5820]

One thing I don't understand. If the lock up is not locking up the gear as such, then why does it matter if it locks up in 3rd or 4th? I thought the lock up would just connect the engine and driveshaft directly one to one. So the speed would rise directly with engine speed.

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

The lock-up kit locks the clutch within the torque convertor to give you 100% transfer but it doesn't lock it in a gear. The transmission can still change up and down the gears while lock-up is engaged.

[@markorlando4817]

Did the video explain why you would want to change the way the converter works?

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

A lockup kit allows you to engage the Torque Converter Clutch in situations where the Factory ECU will not engage. For instance the ECU does not know when you have a big heavy van behind the vehicle or if you are descending a very steep hill where the van is starting to push the car. In these situations you can engage lockup to reduce the heat generated in the torque converter or to increase engine braking reducing the need to ride the brakes. You will also notice a drop in fuel consumption when towing.

[@perpelle]

You would think that vehicle manufacturers would be interested in lowering fuel consumption to meet the regulations but that's not the case with these torque converters? Why do they slip so much? Save the driveline? My hilux (2021, 2.8) can slip a lot and you really feel the difference in power when the converter locks. I don't get it.

[@simmo6035]

I have a 2020 Hilux and a 21 Dmax. The Dmax is very eager to lock up and the hilux, not so much. The Hilux is by far the nicer car to drive. I have been thinking about a lock up kit for sometime for the lux but I just figure Toyota know better than me

[@_mywayaround]

Are they a diy kit

[@WholesaleAutomatics]

Yes, they certainly are Jamie. Here is a link to the install instructions. automatictransmission.com.au/technical-support/lock-up-kits/genii-installation-instructions/