Torque Converter Lock Up Switch

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TC Lock Up Switch

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Original Write Up By THURENfab.

So I wanted a switch to lockup the torque conveter clutch, but I wanted this switch in a VERY easy spot to toggle it off and on. I took the wheel/airbag apart last week and found an extra port on the clockspring, so I decided to try and use that port for my switch connection.. Working out good so far!!

I don't know what this connection is supposed to be for, so some trucks may be using it, or not have it at all... Not sure..

Step one.... PULL BOTH BATTERY GROUNDS!!!! AND LET SIT FOR A MINIMUM OF 2 MINUTES TO ENSURE COMPACITORS ARE EMPTY Unless you want the airbag to blow in your face.

Parts used... This switch has a VERY light feel so a slight nudge will lock/unlock..

http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc1.jpg

Wiring up an LED to come on when the TC is locked..

Im no wiring pro, so I stacked two of the 680ohm resistors..

http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc2.jpg
On....

http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc3.jpg
One of the torx screws is WAY up there, so I just used a tight fitting allen..


http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc4.jpg

Slide the tilt handle to the rear of the truck..

http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc5.jpg

Pop open the panel under the column and remove it by pulling the two screws on the bottom...

http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc6.jpg

10MM socket to remove the 2 airbag screws behind the wheel..


http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc7.jpg
Three connection for the airbag..

http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc8.jpg

Extra port we'll be using..

http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc9.jpg


Extra plug just sitting there under the column..


http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc10.jpg

Un-tape and follow the wires back about 10 inches.. Cut off and stub..

http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc11.jpg


Two dead slots in the clockspring plug we'll use..

http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc12.jpg

Extra dead plug that was removed. Unlatch the back cover, and push and twist a heavy paperclip.. You will feel a very distinct release when it's ready to come out.

http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc13.jpg





Close up of the terminal..
http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc14.jpg

Take two of the cut leads and make a switch harness..
http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc15.jpg

Close up of the harness end..
http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc16.jpg


Switch installed.. (NOTE: Install your switch as close to the center metal as possible. Mine rubs the cruise switch once re-installed)
http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc17.jpg

Plugged in and tied to the rest of the wires..
http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc18.jpg



Remaining two leads plugged into the extra ports in the clockspring plug..
http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc19.jpg

Two wires ready for final hookup..
http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc20.jpg


Ready for action..
http://www.thurenfabrication.com/tc21.jpg

VERY slight touch on the switch and my OHM meter zeros out. This instal is going to be using a latching relay to operate the on-LED, and control the converter. You would NOT want to use this switch technique using a direct connection as the clockspring probably can not support the direct electrical load.

More to come when the special little relay comes in!!
Stay tuned..

--Iker42 22:15, 9 July 2007 (EDT)