Torque Converter Clutch

Torque Converter Clutch

Description
In a torque converter there is always a certain amount of slip between the impeller and turbine. This will contribute to a reduction in fuel economy especially during high speed cruising. This is eliminated by the torque converter lock-up mechanism. The lock-up mechanism is attached to the turbine and controls a lock-up clutch, which is integral with the torque converter. The lock-up mechanism comprises of a torque converter solenoid valve, a torque converter control valve and a torque converter clutch. The lock-up control is provided by the TCM, which operates the torque converter solenoid valve. The TCM controls the clutch engagement and release according to the lock-up schedule programmed into the control module and the vehicle speed and throttle angle.

The performance of the clutch is monitored. If the level of slip detected when the clutch is locked exceeds a vehicle speed dependant threshold then an error is detected.