XJ4life92

ive searched all over the place to find out about how exactly the torque converter locks on my 92 cherokee. is it a hydrolic lock that has something to do with pressure in the trans, or is it fully electronic? i want to know whether to look for a transmission mechanical problem (dropping the trans pan and changing fluid/flushes and what not) or to look for some sort of messed up electrical connection/switch. my reverse light switch is kinda messed up and only works intermittently. i dunno if i can give any more info other then my torque converter doesnt lock anymore. it used to be on/off/on/off and used to drive me insane. now its driving me insane because the engine is constantly working harder then it has to. i understand that the t/c is controlled by the tcu....and theres that one wire that locks it, but im not worried about that, im wondering about anything else.....

Bustedback

An electric solenoid controls hydraulic flow to the lock up clutch in the torque converter. There are some things that can keep the solenoid from being switched on, such as coolant temp too low, a sticking brake light switch, and other electrical issues can cause problems too.

XJ4life92

thanks! i have a 92 with ABS... i know the brake switch is alittle different then non abs, and i did just reset the brake light switch, so i know the one that controls the lights is good, but not sure about if theres another one.

also is it possible to get to the electronic solenoid to maybe clean it?

repair

If the sol is bad just replace it, you cannot clean or repair the sol.

If you have access to a scanner you should check to see if the computer is calling for lock up...it will let you know if it's a sensor problem or something else.

repair

Here is the techinal desciption.......

The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid is with the three-speed automatic transmissions. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) operates the TCC solenoid by energizing the TCC relay.

Circuit T17 from fuse 3 in the power distribution center supplies voltage to the coil and contact sides of the TCC relay. When the PCM provides a ground path on circuit K54 for the coil side of the relay, the relay contacts close.

When the relay contacts close, they connect circuit T17 with circuit T22. Circuit T22 supplies battery voltage to the case grounded TCC solenoid. Circuit K54 connects to PCM cavity 54.


Here is an easier description....

On the chrysler transmission the computer grounds a solenoid on the side of the valve body that sends fluid through the input shaft(part 17) into the torque converter where the the fluid applies a clutch that locks the input shaft to the body of the converter eliminating all of the slipage.

XJ4life92

that is a very good, but very complicated explanation. i do not know the circuits by number, but i do not have access to an OBD1 scanner. OBD2, yes... but i could always find that wire that they talk about in this write up
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ma...rter-tc-14114/

"The color is white with a black stripe and the number on the plug is C14."

and put a meter on it, drive 40 or 45 mph, and see if it puts out 12 volts at 40 mph... that will tell me if its a computer problem right?

if it is calling for a lockup (i believe it is), then should i drain the fluid, replace the filter, and while doing that should i replace the solenoid if its easy enough to get to?...or should i find the circuit that goes to the solenoid, and see if the solenoid is even being triggered?

gmv93

torque converter is a huge torus shape thing. it works with oil pressure and transfer the rotational movement of engine. when selenoid opens oil pressure make it locks internally and it matches speed of engine and transmission. also torque converter clutch can go bad.

on my previous car, nissan pathfinder, i checked all selenoids to see if they were in range shown on its FSM(during rebuid session). I wonder if you can find such detailed FSM for jeep but when you apply 12 volts to selenoids you need to measure proper resistance values with mulitmeter.

there should be a relay for torque converter. i am new to jeep world so i am not sure about locations but relays can go bad sometimes.

repair

I can't say for sure what color the wire will be because my alldata is only for 1995 and 2000 Jeeps.

To replace the sol I think that you will have to pull the Valve body....

Bustedback

That is some great info Repair, Thanks!

XJ4life92

im starting to think it would just be easier to swap in a ax-15...i might get on gathering the parts...haha.\

so now it becomes a question about...is an ax-15 a direct bolt into my auto jeep with a 242 t-case?
i read on another thread i will need : ax-15 from an xj (not sure what years to match a 1992 w/ 242 trans case), master/slave cyl set up, pedal assembly, possibly a new crossmember???, and some sort of sensor or something? i also might need to mess with the drive shafts?

also what about the shifter? will it fit in the same hole as the auto shifter? and my 242 linkage...will that remain stock?

repair

If you have a pull it your self junk yard you might be able to find a doaner vehical and get it all for a great price......plus a yard should be able to tell you what will fit.