Torque Converter Won't Lock up in -20 Weather

[R_Lefebvre]

We had a cold snap last week with temps into the -20's (when it's that cold, it doesn't matter if it's F or C ) Since my office is less than a 1/8th mile from the highway, I ended up getting up to speed while the engine/trans is still quite cold. I noticed a couple times that it seemed like the torque converter wasn't locking up. The engine was turning about 2500rpm to do 60, IIRC. I dropped it down to 3rd gear to check, and it downshifted, then shifted back when I put it into Drive, which is what makes me think it's the TC.

Seems to be fine when warmed up.

Is this normal for a D2 when it's this cold, or a sign of another problem? (tranny oil too old/thick, etc.)

 

[Roving Beetle]

100% Normal - it will not allow it to lock until the trans is close to "normal" operating temps. It's the way the computer controls it.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Cool, thanks!

 

[singingcamel]

We had a cold snap last week with temps into the -20's (when it's that cold, it doesn't matter if it's F or C ) Since my office is less than a 1/8th mile from the highway, I ended up getting up to speed while the engine/trans is still quite cold. I noticed a couple times that it seemed like the torque converter wasn't locking up. The engine was turning about 2500rpm to do 60, IIRC. I dropped it down to 3rd gear to check, and it downshifted, then shifted back when I put it into Drive, which is what makes me think it's the TC.

Seems to be fine when warmed up.

Is this normal for a D2 when it's this cold, or a sign of another problem? (tranny oil too old/thick, etc.)

shhhhheeeeeeet thats not cold try 40 below

my disco did'nt want to even roll down hill

 

[pjkbrit]

they all do it....wish I could add a switch to lock out the torque lock on demand for running uphill at 40-50mph to stop the car bogging!