Torque converter lockup?

[LwlrMk]

I am asking the "throbbing brain" (dsm community)
Don't know if this is the case or my tranny is going. Here's what happen's, comming to a stop the car clunks, at about 5mph. It feels like when you kill a car with a manual, I had one. Although car doesn't die.
I think either the torque converter isn't unlocking or my second gear clutch pack is all burn't. Checked fluid, it's ok levels, not burn't at all.
any input appreciated.

btw-"throbbing brain" is a reference that a local radio station uses to ask it's listeners for answers.

 

[transdude]

Originally posted by LwlrMk
I am asking the "throbbing brain" (dsm community)
Don't know if this is the case or my tranny is going. Here's what happen's, comming to a stop the car clunks, at about 5mph. It feels like when you kill a car with a manual, I had one. Although car doesn't die.
I think either the torque converter isn't unlocking or my second gear clutch pack is all burn't. Checked fluid, it's ok levels, not burn't at all.
any input appreciated.

btw-"throbbing brain" is a reference that a local radio station uses to ask it's listeners for answers.

The complaint that you are experiencing is fairly common in auto trans DSM's- it is a downshift clunk. There are a variety of causes for this and also a variety of fixes.

It doesn't have anything to do with a converter that isn't unlocking or burnt clutches.

-John
Owner, import performance trans

 

[transdude]

It is tough to diagnose this problem when I don't have the car at my shop, but it is sometimes caused by a bad or misadjusted TPS closed throttle switch.

There are also sometimes internal transmission causes of this, which the installation of a shift kit often will cure.

The complaint is generally not something that is very harmful to the trans, it's more of a drivability issue.

-John
Owner, import performance trans

 

[LwlrMk]

funny you say about the TPS, I just had my local dealership readjust it after I put on my 62mm throttle body.
I didn't know how to adjust it. Tried doing it according to Vfaq, but voltages never matched.
Any tips?

 

[transdude]

Here's the deal. Mitsu has a closed throttle switch incorporated into the TPS.

The tps auto zeros when the vehicle is started, so the adjustment is only for the closed throttle switch.

The switch (terminal 2 on the tps) must have 0 volts at closed throttle, and have either 12 volts or 5 volts, depending on the system, when the throttle is just cracked open. Check this with the key on, engine off, with the other end of a volt meter going to a good ground.

Mitsubishi transmissions are not designed to shift 2-1 rolling to a stop- they stay in second and downshift into first as soon as any throttle is applied to take off.

If the switch is misadjusted, you could get a 2-1 shift- which is always very harsh.

Hope that helps.

-John
Owner, import performance trans

 

[LwlrMk]

Well, went out and tried it. I first tried it with the plug on, put probe down #2 wire channel (it's 4-3-2-1 as you stand in front of the car?) used battery as gound. got nothing. cracked throttle, nothing. Turned ignition on, same steps nothing all around.

Then I didn't know if i was hitting the wire, so i disconnected the cap. tried it all again except i never turned the ignition on afraid of if it will screw up my computer, pop a code.

who knows...thnx for the help, I appreciate it a lot.

update: Went back to the Vfaq settings and tried the settings again. everything matched up to the Vfaq specs. Pin 1(pos)-4(neg) read 5k ohms Pins 2(pos)-4(neg) read .9k ohms at closed.

-mike

 

[transdude]

At this point, mark where the TPS is now, and move it all the way to one direction, drive it and see if the problem goes away. If not, try the other direction, you can always put it back to where it was if you mark it.

It just seems like too much of a coincidence that after it was adjusted by the dealer that it now has a related problem.

-John
Owner, import performance trans

 

[LwlrMk]

update...Ok don't know what's going on, but the problem when slowing down is gone or at least subsided.
What is happening now is when i'm on the freeway say 60-65. when i lift off the throttle, in low boost just normal cruising speed, the car kinda jerks a couple of times, like 2 or 3 times then nothing...?

any suggestions on that one?

also meant to ask, I put a front mount on my car, i noticed it blocks the stock tranny cooler. should i upgrade the cooler since it's not getting as much air?

-thnx for all the help..

 

[transdude]

Originally posted by LwlrMk
update...Ok don't know what's going on, but the problem when slowing down is gone or at least subsided.
What is happening now is when i'm on the freeway say 60-65. when i lift off the throttle, in low boost just normal cruising speed, the car kinda jerks a couple of times, like 2 or 3 times then nothing...?

any suggestions on that one?

also meant to ask, I put a front mount on my car, i noticed it blocks the stock tranny cooler. should i upgrade the cooler since it's not getting as much air?

-thnx for all the help..

Is the jerking actually shifting between gears when it shouldn't be?

You never really want to block the trans cooler. I'm sure this is not what is causing your problem, but it isn't good for the trans. Get another cooler and put it on.

-John

 

[Defiant]

Originally posted by LwlrMk
I put a front mount on my car, i noticed it blocks the stock tranny cooler. should i upgrade the cooler since it's not getting as much air?

Isn't the transmission cooler inside the radiator? If the car's not overheating, the transmission cooler isn't, either.

 

[LwlrMk]

no, it's not between shifts, almost like the lockup unlocking or something..


As for trans cooler, thats what i was thinking, but i'm still going to get a B&M and relocate it to under the car.

 

[LwlrMk]

Ok new info. Only does that shutter when slowing down when O/D is on. Otherwise all good...

 

[doug]

Originally posted by Defiant
Isn't the transmission cooler inside the radiator?

No, most (if not all) 98-99 A/Ts have an external tranny cooler located right in front of the radiator.

 

[STECARS]

Originally posted by doug
No, most (if not all) 98-99 A/Ts have an external tranny cooler located right in front of the radiator.

the 95 's have ean external tranni cooler that mounts like the stock sidemout intercooleer , except on driverside of car . I dont know how to post pics or else i would sorry.
steve

 

[doug]

Yep, that's where I'm planning on putting my aftermarket cooler. And one day after I get a FMIC, I'll relocate it to the other side where the stock SMIC was so the hose routing will be shorter.

 

[STECARS]

^^^^^ Thats pretty funny t6hats what i'm doing this week.My motor is being put together and installed. I just got an oil cooler from a member on this site. So, im gonna put the oil cooler wre the stock tranny cooler is , and put the aftermarket tranny cooler where the stock sidemount was. Space was my first thoughts but the shorter route also helped me decide on where my stuff was going . Anyway , we think alike . Goodluck on your car and ill post and keep you guys updated with mine .