Torque converter clutch problems

Bucking and stalling can be a torque converter clutch problem. These two conditions can also be caused by many other things. This is why I wanted to discuss it a little further. This lock-up device is important because it helps provide maximum fuel economy for the vehicle when cruising.

I did touch on the operation and the basic principles behind how the converter clutch works on my page about the transmission valve body if you want more information.

More importantly there are some vehicles that have specific problems with this electronically controlled torque converter clutch. Example, the 700r4 installed in the rear wheel drive G body (Monte Carlo) and the F body that includes the Firebird and Camaro.

Another one that comes to mind would be General Motors vehicles with the 125C automatic transaxle installed. This is a very popular transmission that was used across the General Motors product line for years.

Some extremely popular vehicles such as the Cavalier and the Grand Am also used this transmission. When the torque converter clutch malfunctions often it will apply and stay stuck on.

This can cause a stalling and bucking condition when the vehicle is slowing down or stopping. The torque converter clutch is supposed disengage when you step on the brake pedal or when the transmission begins to downshift when the vehicle is slowing.

When people would complain about torque converter clutch problems and the 125C was installed in the vehicle a quick test would be to disconnect the four wire connector from the torque converter clutch solenoid.

image of GM lockup solenoid This was not a scientific test and if the solenoid was permanently stuck applied it would not tell you what was wrong with the car.

But often simply disconnecting the clutch solenoid connector solved the shuddering or stalling condition. The problem with doing this is that the torque converter clutch would no longer apply and the vehicle would get extremely poor fuel economy.

Some customers would try to avoid the repair which would be replacing the torque converter clutch solenoid itself that mounts in the valve body. But after several months of receiving very poor fuel economy they would usually come back and have the operation performed.

How the lockup torque converter works

The lockup converter clutch assembly is controlled by the engine computer or transmission control module depending on the model and the year of the vehicle. The control module energizes the relay which then sends 12 V to the lockup solenoid.

The module decides when to turn on the solenoid by receiving signals from different sensors that confirm it is time to apply the clutch. Some of these sensors include the engine coolant temperature sensor, vehicle speed sensor, and the map sensor which determines vehicle load and of course the TPS sensor which is the throttle position sensor.

In the case of the 125C automatic transaxle when the solenoid is activated it seats a check ball that prevents line pressure from being vented. When this line pressure builds up it will apply the clutch essentially providing a one-to-one direct connection between the engine crankshaft and the transmission input shaft.

This provides maximum efficiency and bypasses the power loss experienced by a typical torque converter. The mechanical connection of the clutch takes away the natural slipping of the fluid coupling that a torque converter is based on. The advertised fuel economy ratings can't be achieved unless this system is working properly.

Lock up clutch repair kit

In the General Motors 125C automatic transaxle the solenoid is an electrical device that converts its power into a mechanical force. In this case a check valve seats to allow the line pressure to build up as stated above.

The most common problem associated with this transmission is that the solenoid will become sticky and stay applied when it should be released.

Keep in mind that this is not the only problem that can be experienced. The solenoid is electrically controlled by a relay and in turn a control module. When you have problems with your lockup system you should really diagnose it completely before jumping in and installing a new solenoid.

Diagnosis will also differ with the make model and year of the vehicle. So in the end I do recommend that you follow a diagnostic tree chart from web based factory auto repair manuals for your specific vehicle.

Bookmark or share this car problems page with a friend.

This is a single page from my automatic transmissions section. If you are interested in reading additional articles that discuss the theory and operation as well as additional articles about specific problems this next link will take you back to the automatic trans section from this page about the torque converter clutch

Search through this car repair website and the Internet at the same time.

Custom Search

For more information about what other types of auto repair information is covered on the you fix cars website the homepage is a good place to get a brief rundown of what is available. You can also find out where and how to ask car repair questions.