Help - auto transmission - does it have a lock up converter?

[sr-winter]

Hi!

I have a 1985 tercel 4wd with an auto transmission. The transmission is acting as though it has a lock up torque converter which is always in lockup. As soon as the gear selector is brought to any drive position, the car lurches and dies. I have checked and adjusted the linkage coming from the carburetor as per the repair manual.

My question, does this transmission have a lockup torque converter, and if so does anyone know of the wiring schematics for this? I have a complete repair manual (855 pages) but I cannot find any information regarding wiring for a lockup switch on the transmission. I have searched the wiring diagrams and both transmission sections of the book.

Any information is much appreciated

[Petros]

I do not know much about the auto trans in these cars, but it sounds like it may be bundled up, and you need a new one. How many miles are on it?

Where are you at? The local yard has a 4wd TErcel with an auto trans, only has about 80,000 miles on it. If you bring your tools and pull it yourself the trans would be real inexpensive.

Good luck.

[sr-winter]

Petros: neh, the transmission acts fine otherwise. if i'm clever i can get it to go forward or reverse, tickling the throttle and rolling in and out of neutral. it shifts fine first through third as well. it just won't slip which to me seems like it is stuck in lockup. i did some more research and found that the lockup is simply hydraulic, so with that i guess i could pull the pan and valve body and check for problems there???

I do have access to an excellent manual for this car. the best i've seen, suspecting it is directly from toyota? it includes the schematics for transmission valving. i guess i was hoping to hear of someone else who had the same issue... thanks!

btw i'm near Boise, Idaho....

[4wdchico]

I'm fairly sure that the auto does not have a lockup. That tranny manual should tell you for sure with a detailed reading of the torque converter section.

The trans may be fine as you say, it sounds like the torque converter is frozen up, as in failed and locked solid. Please do not construe my using the locked solid term to indicate that it may be a lockup style torque converter.

[Petros]

4wdchico is correct. The torque converter has internal vanes that circulates the fluid, and allow it to "slip" when at idle. Sometimes these vanes can fatigue and break-off inside, causing the torque converter to loose its ability to slip. If this is the case it sounds like you need a new converter. There are companies that rebuild them, you might consider seeing how much a rebuilt converter alone costs (might save you a trip to Arlington). OTOH, if you like the autotrans, you might take a trip out here to get a whole "spare" transmission from the local wrecking yard.

Unfortunately you have to remove the whole transaxle to change the converter.

Good luck.

[xirdneh]

i have an automatic that i'm pretty sure is good
and its free
the governor body is bad (look in FSM for picture)
thats the connection between the differential and the tranny
should be able to use the one you have in your tranny

[sr-winter]

Thanks for the replies guys!! I have found out that for sure the transmission does have a lock up torque converter. I also found out that a new motor was swapped in the car, and for some reason the cable running from the motor to transmission was replaced. Apparently this cable controls fluid pressure and might be out of adjustment, which makes perfect sense seeing as the lock up converter is hydraulically activated via valves and springs. Any one else have anything else to comment?? Thanks again... love this car!!

[takza]

If you get it working at least 1/2...you might try a flush and replace with Mobil synth ATF plus Lubegard...there's a writeup.