Automatic Transmission 2-Speed thru 10-Speed GM Autos | Converters | Shift Kits
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Tcc locks then unlocks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 9, 2024 | 05:27 PM
  #1  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default Tcc locks then unlocks

So this is a rebuild with a new converter. During the test drive I notice that the tcc, when commanded to lock, locks for about a second. The slip goes to zero, then goes right back to slipping the same rpm as before the lock was initiated. All while the computer says that it is commanded to be locked. It is as if it loses pressure almost instantly. If I command max pressure it shutters. Only out about 10 miles on it at the most. Literally right down from my house and back. What are your initial thoughts? I have to pull the transmission anyway to fix a front seal leak. ​​​​​​
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2024 | 06:43 PM
  #2  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default


Reckon that would do it!?
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2024 | 07:39 PM
  #3  
FranksCustomTrans's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 1,159
From: BERWICK PA
Default

Originally Posted by reubone

Reckon that would do it!?
Solenoid missing ? yes that and other issue pressure wise. Seen that on dyno more than a few times lol.
Thus since i have no dyno now I photo everything , not jus for me but customer too , That was i can look over all when done and double check again at end .
__________________
Frank formerly of Performabuilt, Now just me, What can I build for you today? Call or message me. Click sig pic for my facebook



Reply
Old Aug 9, 2024 | 08:45 PM
  #4  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

Originally Posted by FranksCustomTrans
Solenoid missing ? yes that and other issue pressure wise. Seen that on dyno more than a few times lol.
Thus since i have no dyno now I photo everything , not jus for me but customer too , That was i can look over all when done and double check again at end .
that’s a great idea!
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2024 | 08:51 PM
  #5  
FranksCustomTrans's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 1,159
From: BERWICK PA
Default

Originally Posted by reubone
that’s a great idea!
Yes it takes up a little time but when you have that MOMENT of did i do this or that ? It's so nice to just be able to look at the photos and go WHEW!
I did or DAMN well Least I know. lol,
Then of course always the slight risk you will have a customer take something to someone claim you didn't do this or that of install that part or this one. But since you not only took photos or in my case i send them to customer as I build , It's pretty indisputable
__________________
Frank formerly of Performabuilt, Now just me, What can I build for you today? Call or message me. Click sig pic for my facebook



Reply
Old Aug 10, 2024 | 12:35 PM
  #6  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

Originally Posted by FranksCustomTrans
Yes it takes up a little time but when you have that MOMENT of did i do this or that ? It's so nice to just be able to look at the photos and go WHEW!
I did or DAMN well Least I know. lol,
Then of course always the slight risk you will have a customer take something to someone claim you didn't do this or that of install that part or this one. But since you not only took photos or in my case i send them to customer as I build , It's pretty indisputable
agreed.

Well, I took the transmission back out put a new pump seal on a new tour converter clutch seal, swapped out another torque converter put a different wiring harness and TCC s solenoid in. And own solenoid. Same issue. No change at all.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2024 | 12:38 PM
  #7  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

Video
Attached Files
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2024 | 01:15 PM
  #8  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

Well if the video had sound you could hear the engine rpms change as the lockup hits. Hits then goes away running up the rpms until it is completely unlocked. Like a temporary pressure spike. How likely is it to be a bushing of some sort?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 10, 2024 | 04:23 PM
  #9  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

So I took the trans back out….again. This makes 5 times!! I took the pump out and the stator bushings are basically brand new appearance wise. I took a few input shafts and old statues out of the scrap bin to compare and both stator bushings in the new unit were in better shape and had less slip than any of the old parts. I double checked for cracks and teflon ring damage. Nothing. So I re vacuumed checked the pump. Perfect. So I too the valve body off and vacuum checked the tcc bore and valve. Perfect. Took it out anyway and it was “type two” according to Transgo. With a very large stiff spring holding the two valves apart. So I swapped it out for the Transgo tcc valve and blue spring. Vacuum checked better than before but only by 2-3 numbers. That could not have caused my symptoms I did not think. I am at a loss here fellas.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2024 | 04:24 PM
  #10  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

I also plunged the tcc valve, which is the sonnax valve, up and down its bore a few times to make sure it didn’t stick. It also vacuum check perfect.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2024 | 04:29 PM
  #11  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

Also one other test I ran. I forced the tcc lockup valve on while in park and dropped it into reverse. With the breaks engaged it should have stalled the engine. You could barely tell the load was a tad heavier than normal. Cycling it on and off showed very small load increases. Barley noticeable. That’s why I pulled it to double check the stator bushing.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2024 | 07:59 PM
  #12  
FranksCustomTrans's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 1,159
From: BERWICK PA
Default

I actually ran into one doing what you have on the dyno and it was not the trans, its was our dyno converter , the plate was hyper extending basically it would apply firm then travel to far and vent itself , I had forgotten about it, You could actually see the pressure drop when the converter released
__________________
Frank formerly of Performabuilt, Now just me, What can I build for you today? Call or message me. Click sig pic for my facebook



Reply
Old Aug 10, 2024 | 10:02 PM
  #13  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

Awesome well thank you for offering that. This is an off the shelf “Orieley’s” TC1169 converter. I wonder if I can tell visually somehow. Let me know if you think of a way. Thank you again!
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2024 | 11:34 AM
  #14  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

new torque converter this morning, now it is worse than it ever has been. put my gauge on it and i have over 60 psi at idle. 240 psi when the solenoid is maxed. Near 100 psi idle in reverse that blips to 200 plus when your press the gas. Still no tcc lock up and arguably worse than yesterday.

Thank you to Mr. Frank for taking the time to listen to me ramble about this issue. He has givien me a few checks to run and seems to have pin pointed the issue. I will update later.

Last edited by reubone; Aug 11, 2024 at 11:52 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2024 | 06:27 AM
  #15  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

Well as Mr. Frank suspected, we had a converter charge issue. The tell tail sign was the slow to prime issue the really reared it's head the last time I was filling it up. Number 5 out of six attempts. It took about 3 start ps and shut downs before it primed enough to transfer any power through the transmission. I had initially thought that the pump was bad or I had broken the rotor but the pressures checked out fine. 65-70 PSI at idle, 90+ in reverse idle. 240 PSI max. SO I was really puzzled when the tcc still did not lock even with out any load on the rear tires. It was still up on jack stands. So out it comes for the 6th time and I built a different pump and installed it. The PR bore and boost valve both vacuum checked low so in went the transgo PR valve and the sonnax boost valve. That got everything up to snuff and in it went. Back in it went and presto chango, we have a working transmission for the first time. The other pump vacuum checked perfectly. All new components and cleaned. I still have no idea where to look to find the failure, but I intend to figure that out. Has me kinda spooked as to how to prevent this in the future. I would have bet money that the pump that was in there was working fine. I was dead wrong. Thanks again for all the help.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2024 | 09:38 AM
  #16  
tayto's Avatar
TECH Regular
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 463
Likes: 179
Default

probably would have shown different pressures loaded/street driving vs unloaded on jackstands
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2024 | 11:20 AM
  #17  
FranksCustomTrans's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 1,159
From: BERWICK PA
Default

Originally Posted by reubone
Well as Mr. Frank suspected, we had a converter charge issue. The tell tail sign was the slow to prime issue the really reared it's head the last time I was filling it up. Number 5 out of six attempts. It took about 3 start ps and shut downs before it primed enough to transfer any power through the transmission. I had initially thought that the pump was bad or I had broken the rotor but the pressures checked out fine. 65-70 PSI at idle, 90+ in reverse idle. 240 PSI max. SO I was really puzzled when the tcc still did not lock even with out any load on the rear tires. It was still up on jack stands. So out it comes for the 6th time and I built a different pump and installed it. The PR bore and boost valve both vacuum checked low so in went the transgo PR valve and the sonnax boost valve. That got everything up to snuff and in it went. Back in it went and presto chango, we have a working transmission for the first time. The other pump vacuum checked perfectly. All new components and cleaned. I still have no idea where to look to find the failure, but I intend to figure that out. Has me kinda spooked as to how to prevent this in the future. I would have bet money that the pump that was in there was working fine. I was dead wrong. Thanks again for all the help.

Most likely you have a bad crossleak in the old pump. If you had a lathe I would say put halves on and you will see , But also look for dull spots on faces that will usually also tell the tale. But also something could be blocking the feed at the stator on with pump back.
__________________
Frank formerly of Performabuilt, Now just me, What can I build for you today? Call or message me. Click sig pic for my facebook



Reply
Old Aug 12, 2024 | 12:14 PM
  #18  
FranksCustomTrans's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 1,159
From: BERWICK PA
Default

Originally Posted by reubone
So this is a rebuild with a new converter. During the test drive I notice that the tcc, when commanded to lock, locks for about a second. The slip goes to zero, then goes right back to slipping the same rpm as before the lock was initiated. All while the computer says that it is commanded to be locked. It is as if it loses pressure almost instantly. If I command max pressure it shutters. Only out about 10 miles on it at the most. Literally right down from my house and back. What are your initial thoughts? I have to pull the transmission anyway to fix a front seal leak. ​​​​​​
Not in anyway picking at Reubone , but more as example. Note in the original post he did not mention the difficulty with filling and priming, This was a critical point for diagnosis. This included would have immediately point to a converter feed issue and the problem with lockup.
It's always important to include every little detail when posting asking no matter how seemingly unrelated. Converter feed oil is also lockup supply. So of you have an issue with converter filling slow it helps with determining a solution, We all do it at times even me, But it is important to include every little detail .
__________________
Frank formerly of Performabuilt, Now just me, What can I build for you today? Call or message me. Click sig pic for my facebook



Reply
Old Aug 12, 2024 | 03:47 PM
  #19  
reubone's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 39
Default

Agreed. we were just about to get off the phone when I decided to mention it. I learned things on this deal.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:52 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE