usmc320

iTrader: (3)

I put in a Fuddle 4k stall a couple of weeks ago, and it randomly locks/unlocks on the highway. I got a tune and turned down the misfire tables, and it still did the same thing. So I took it back to the tuner, and he completely took out the misfire tables to test it. It still randomly locks/unlocks. I'm thinking it must be mechanical in the TC itself.

I was wondering if anyone else has any ideas or things to check before I start pulling the TC out to send it in for servicing. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

usmc320

iTrader: (3)

I remember doing a search awhile back about a way to test if it's a computer or mechanical issue, but I can't seem to find it now. It had something to do with an LED light and the trans connector. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

Yes I wrote it .
1-go to radio shack get a 12 volt LED any color "not a light bulb" and some wire along with a blue side splicer connector . using the wire and splicer attach the negative side of the LED to the Tan wire with the black stripe in the harness that plugs into the trans, Then the positive side to 12 volts in the fuse box, Whenever the PCM commands lockup enable the LED will light up and whenever it turns it off the LED will go off then you will know if this issue is being commanded and wether its a tuning or converter issue. However It sounds more tuning related as converter generally as a rule cannot lock and unlock themselves randomly ,

usmc320

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for chiming in and reposting that test. What in the tuning, other than misfire tables, could cause it to lock/unlock randomly?

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

I am not a tuner so can not answer that but the test will show you which way to look

lt170chevelle

iTrader: (2)

I was having similar problems with mine and just yesterday I lost 4th gear. I am thinking this was related to my problem...could be the same for you

usmc320

iTrader: (3)

Thanks again for the help, performabuilt.

lt170chevelle: That sucks man. I hope that's not the case with mine. The tranny only has 36k miles and about 300 miles with the converter (none of it long distance). Good luck with yours as well.

omcar

iTrader: (10)

Perhaps the lock up is too low..I set mine at 48mph...

usmc320

iTrader: (3)

My lock up is set at 40. Could that cause a problem? Another thing is when it does lock up it seems that it unlocks too easily. Giving it just a little throttle unlocks it no matter how gradual I increase the throttle. Even with cruise control on it will unlock just to maintain speed on the highway.

juniorsws6

I had the same problem but my would rev up to 3000 rpms when the converter would unlock I replace the tps and everything went back to normal good luck bro

usmc320

iTrader: (3)

Well I did the test Performabuilt suggested. The LED turned on and off at the appropriate times, so the computer and tuning are right on. With the light steadily on it would still go in and out of lock-up, so it must be a mechanical issue in the converter itself.

usmc320

iTrader: (3)

Well the Fuddle converter went out on me. I put the stock converter back in. The Fuddle had pieces rattling around in it and the converter and tranny were full of metal shavings. I replaced the filter and fluid, ran it a couple of minutes, changed the fluid and filter again and took an air compressor to the tranny cooler. I took it on a short highway test with the stock converter. It is slipping and the RPMs went up to 3-4K with just moderate throttle at about 70mph. The LED light showed lock up was being commanded.

Could it be something in the transmission? I installed a Transgo HD2 shift kit (w/o the internal parts) at the same time as the Fuddle converter. I also shimmed the converter when I put that in.

I'm not sure what to do now. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks.

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

Unfortunately when a converter fails and metal goes through the trans from it ,The metal and debris end up in the trans lube circuit and the valve body clogging filters in the solenoids etc, While you may be able to remove the valve body and clean it there is no way short of tearing down the trans to get the debris out of the input shaft and planets lube holes which may become clogged. It is likely you may end up with a trans failure to boot soon

usmc320

iTrader: (3)

Oh I forgot to mention - It drives fine at lower speeds, but at highway when it should be locked up it seems to slip.

performabuilt - Thanks for the input. I was afraid that may be the case. I've been planning on a 4l80e swap sometime in the future. Guess I should consider getting together parts soon.

I am going to change the fluid and filter 1 more time to try to get any remaining debris out that is worked loose. I will drop the valve body while I'm in there.

usmc320

iTrader: (3)

BTW When I go 4l80e I wanted to put a used one in for now to get the car going again. I hear it should be more than adequate in stock form. Should I do the Transgo shift kit as well or not bother. I plan on running a Yank PY3600 converter.

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

You would want the shift kit the 80e stock shifts are kinda lazy

usmc320

iTrader: (3)

Do you carry the transgo shift kit for the 4l80e?

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

No I a afraid at this time we do not carry parts at all

usmc320

iTrader: (3)

One more question, Performabuilt or anyone else who may know. I did a 4l80e conversion using the stock PCM. This led that I wired no longer works when lockup is engaged. Is the 4l80e lockup command wire different than the 60? I am using the Speartech harness adapter, so I thought it would be the same wire. Guess not.

I'm not having any lockup issues, but was just curious if this changed.

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

Yes lockup uses a different wire with the 80E not sure about the colors on the speartech harness though