The principle of this modification is to achieve more direct drive from the transmission. By locking the torque converter we can prevent the constant hunting caused by locking and unlocking the converter. It is important we still maintain the factory driveability of the vehicle and this is why we choose to only lock the converter above 80km/h automatically. Below 70km/h the trans can tend to lug as it selects a taller gear and relies on the converter to slip. We have a secondary automatic low speed mode available to lock below this speed and when used in conjunction with the active select mode you can manually hold it down a gear and achieve engine breaking downhills.
Each kit supplied includes a speed sensing controller that controls when the lockup is on or off. This controller has two channels which has allowed us to create dual speed automatic modes.
We pre-program the default speeds which will work out of the box. these speeds are approx:
- Low Speed Lock – 35km/h
- Low speed un-lock 30km/h
- Auto – Speed Lock – 75km/h
- Auto – Speed un-lock – 70km/h
The Lockup Kit:
- Reduces transmission temperatures up to 50 degrees C.
- Prevents the slipping action and gear shuffling.
- Reduces fuel usage when towing 3T caravan. Increases distance/ range.
- 100% engine Breaking achievable downhill, 2nd gear and above.
- Fully Automatic.
In Prado & Hilux 2.8L we use a 12v signal to control the torque converter solenoid. This prevents the clutch from slipping whilst going into lockup. Using this method will give the transmission more life as it is not causing friction whilst going into lockup.
Using 12v signal can cause the life of the SLU solenoid (the solenoid which turns lockup on or off) to reduce, as we are switching the solenoid on more frequently than factory specifications.
