[bangs head against desk] Torque converter woes

[classact2575]

Agh. Just got off the phone with the tranny shop guy and they couldn't find anything wrong with my car. Sounds great, right? Noooope.

 

(Long story short - my TC takes a long, long time to lock up, even in 90+ degree weather. It's been doing this forever, and it drives me nuts... driving along the highway at 3000 rpm going 55, plus the drastic drop in fuel efficiency equals .)

 

The funny part? When I figured out the stored TCU codes, all of the ones that *didn't* come up have something to do with TC lockup.

 

 

This car is awesome, and I don't want to get rid of it... but the lockup issue is starting to really get to me. :-\

[idosubaru]

fluid change? try another TCU...can usually find a used one for cheap and give it a whirl.

 

you could get crazy and wire in a switch to control lock up yourself. there's only 2 solenoids in A & B - i would think one of those controls the lock up function? i haven't really looked over that part of the FSM's, but i bet it wouldnt' be that hard.

 

now whether it's a good idea and when to use it, i would have no clue. but i'm sure switching it on and off in DC traffic makes it nearly useless anyway.

[porcupine73]

Yes you might be able to wire in your own lock up switch and maybe replace the TCU's connection to the lockup duty solenoid with a resistor so it doesn't see anything awry. It might still throw a code because it is comparing the input turbine speed with the output as it applies the lockup clutch (it doesn't just go lockup off to lockup on, it applies it like the rest of the solenoids, by increasing the duty cycle from 5% to 95%. Otherwise it would be very choppy and noticeable.

[CNY_Dave]

I'll take a SWAG and suggest instrumenting the lock-up lead and see if/when its getting the signal.

 

Dave

[porcupine73]

Hm maybe another thing to check is the ATF temp sensor. If it thinks the ATF is cold it won't shift into fourth much less lockup to TC.

[classact2575]

Yeah, I actually took it to the Sub dealer near work last year to have the ATF sensor checked... no dice, but a nice $100 bill though!

 

Last time I had the fluid drained/replaced with synthetic, but it didn't make any difference.

 

Since I am a total greenie when it comes to mechanical work, how difficult would it be to replace the TCU? Same for the lockup switch override... is it something a Subaru specialist could do without giving me a, "dude, you're crazy" response? Nearest Subaru specialist is Andrewtech in Gaithersburg... don't know much about them other than they do a lot of pimping out for the NASIOC crowd. :cool: