TC switch howto (with pics)

patracy · 06-25-2008, 07:40 AM

Just documenting the TC lockup switch with pictures. I've had a PM requesting info on it and the poor mans propane setup.

Middle harness. Orange wire w/black tracer (might be a navy blue).

The following information is supplied at no cost or obligation. Note that use of this method of lockup may be hard on vehicle drivetrain and may void vehicle drivetrain warranty. Use makes vehicle drive like a manual transmission in 4th gear such that vehicle may/will stall at low speeds/stops if lockup is not disconnected.

Note: Some 1996 automatics require computer to be reflashed by dealer for the lockup switch to work.
Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Install jumper wire in place of the trans relay in the Power Distribution Center (black box behind driver side battery) as shown in diagram below. This jumper wire will supply 12 volt positive to the transmission torque converter clutch solenoid. This jumper will be electrically hot thus it should be installed so as not to short against ground. I used two scraps of metal brackets to make prongs. You can get taps that will insert into the slots from any parts store. It was only what I happened to have at the moment.

Note: The position of this relay changes from one year to the next. Consult relay location chart on inside of relay box cover.

2. Install ground wire from the B11 orange wire with black stripe to a switch or relay such that the ground source can be turned on and off. The B11 wire is located in the middle computer connector located on the firewall behind the air cleaner.

3. Install the switch wherever you like. I installed mine to the left of the column. It's the black switch. The smaller switch is for my XTZ+.

4. Ground the wire. I used this screw under the dash.

5. Enjoy!

Note:You can use a double pole double throw relay from radio shack to automatically disengage the TC when the brakes are applied. I've got the relay, but haven't installed it yet on my truck. Here's a crude diagram of how it would be wired up.

The relay I bought from radio shack is
RadioShack.com - Cables, Parts & Connectors: Component parts: Relays & transformers: 12VDC/3A DPDT Plug-In Relay & Socket

I don't use mine except when I'm up to speed on the highways. I use it to counteract the annoying locking and unlocking that happens from the computer getting line noise. Hope this helps.

__________________
1999 2500 4x4 Club cab sport. BHAF, Quad XZT+(3K tune), Xzilliradier, full set of gauges, FP light, Holley Blue pump, 1/2" big line kit, 3" glasspack, TC lockup switch, poor man's 'pane setup, BD TC, BD VB, Billet input, Dearle pan.DURAMAX>Cummins

***mahdey*** · 06-25-2008, 08:35 AM

thank you very much sir!!

__________________
2000 2500 QCLB AT, 4x4. Coaltrain tranny..billet input, flexplate, DD TC., Coaltrain 5" Exhuast. Airdog 150, injectors, adrenaline, fresh coaltrain vp.
Companies that have been good to me:
Coaltrain Diesel Performance
Richard 734-673-4867 Mark 419-392-1678

**ward.racing** · 06-26-2008, 11:53 AM

this should be a sticky

__________________
2001 2500 4wd. TST,Bit by the monster, FARMBOYS DIESEL, Smarty, Engineered Diesel, Spearco, Industrial Injection, FASS, NADP, Nx2, Flexalite, Maxspool, Hellman Performance, Lazaar Smith.
FOR SALE 98 2500 QC SB 12V Auto, new tires, II silver 62, 370's, 5inch exhaust. PM me

Russ Roth · 06-26-2008, 12:38 PM

Good write up. You can buy (5 for a buck, I think) 33 ohm resistors @ Radio Shack and put that in the ground line from the switch. You can leave the relay in and not set codes or have the tranny go into limp mode. Personally, I would not want my TC to unlock when I put on the brakes because you would lose the increase in compression braking that comes with having the switch engaged. I absolutely hated that from the first time I drove this rig.

I have also started hitting the switch the minute I start moving. It locks and causes the trans to stack the shifts into third. I hit third about 20 MPH and it seems to have increased my in town mileage about a mile to the gallon.

__________________
RR
'01 2500 QC long bed. 3.55 gears, auto w/lock up switch, Dunrite VB, trans temp and fuel pressure gauge, Walbro 392

crazyraysbigdodge · 06-29-2008, 08:33 PM

just made the install the wiring is rough but that can be fixed. wired it to a foot dimmer switch will take photos later oh ps it works good

__________________
2002 24v few goddies here and there
1997 12v few pump mods and air flow

patracy · 06-30-2008, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ Roth

Good write up. You can buy (5 for a buck, I think) 33 ohm resistors @ Radio Shack and put that in the ground line from the switch. You can leave the relay in and not set codes or have the tranny go into limp mode. Personally, I would not want my TC to unlock when I put on the brakes because you would lose the increase in compression braking that comes with having the switch engaged. I absolutely hated that from the first time I drove this rig.

I have also started hitting the switch the minute I start moving. It locks and causes the trans to stack the shifts into third. I hit third about 20 MPH and it seems to have increased my in town mileage about a mile to the gallon.

Just be careful. Locked shifts aren't nice on stock transmission shafts.

__________________
1999 2500 4x4 Club cab sport. BHAF, Quad XZT+(3K tune), Xzilliradier, full set of gauges, FP light, Holley Blue pump, 1/2" big line kit, 3" glasspack, TC lockup switch, poor man's 'pane setup, BD TC, BD VB, Billet input, Dearle pan.DURAMAX>Cummins

Russ Roth · 06-30-2008, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patracy

Just be careful. Locked shifts aren't nice on stock transmission shafts.

I have been doing it for months with no issues. If you look at Dunrite's ads Tony advertises his VB as being capable of locked shifts.

__________________
RR
'01 2500 QC long bed. 3.55 gears, auto w/lock up switch, Dunrite VB, trans temp and fuel pressure gauge, Walbro 392

patracy · 06-30-2008, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ Roth

I have been doing it for months with no issues. If you look at Dunrite's ads Tony advertises his VB as being capable of locked shifts.

Yes, the VB might be able to handle locked shifts, but the input shafts weren't designed for it. Just do a search on input shafts to see some of the carnage.

Romping on it is what would lead to the issues of breaking. If you're not hard on it, it's likely you'll not have a problem.

I just want to state, I'm not responsible if anyone breaks their input shaft from misuse.

__________________
1999 2500 4x4 Club cab sport. BHAF, Quad XZT+(3K tune), Xzilliradier, full set of gauges, FP light, Holley Blue pump, 1/2" big line kit, 3" glasspack, TC lockup switch, poor man's 'pane setup, BD TC, BD VB, Billet input, Dearle pan.DURAMAX>Cummins

crazyraysbigdodge · 07-01-2008, 05:10 PM

guess i should have mentioned that i have a built tranny but this thing makes my truck sound like a 3rd gen when im at low speeds. pretty neat bomb

__________________
2002 24v few goddies here and there
1997 12v few pump mods and air flow

Graphic Man · 07-01-2008, 05:11 PM

good job...it's now a sticky and moved to the tech section

__________________
Half the post = Half the B/S....unlike some other " Admin" .....when i get old i wana be just like BBRam

2001 4X4 Q-cab Sport black, full billet DTT trans, billet F-plate Mach 7's, B1-B2 twins, Blue Chip Special X VP, Adrenaline, studded & O-ringed, BD-RAD,Flex-A-Lite electric fans, Autometer Gages, Egt, Boost,Fuel, Oil &,drive pressure, trans temp, RASP, Big line kit, Track bars 2" leveling kit, 271 T-case, DSS, 3rd gen trac bar 623 HP 1175tq with old set-up

06-25-2008, 07:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
patracy On Thin Ice !!!!! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Buchanan, GA Posts: 976 patracy's Truck Pics	TC switch howto (with pics) Just documenting the TC lockup switch with pictures. I've had a PM requesting info on it and the poor mans propane setup. Middle harness. Orange wire w/black tracer (might be a navy blue). The following information is supplied at no cost or obligation. Note that use of this method of lockup may be hard on vehicle drivetrain and may void vehicle drivetrain warranty. Use makes vehicle drive like a manual transmission in 4th gear such that vehicle may/will stall at low speeds/stops if lockup is not disconnected. Note: Some 1996 automatics require computer to be reflashed by dealer for the lockup switch to work. Step-by-step Instructions: 1. Install jumper wire in place of the trans relay in the Power Distribution Center (black box behind driver side battery) as shown in diagram below. This jumper wire will supply 12 volt positive to the transmission torque converter clutch solenoid. This jumper will be electrically hot thus it should be installed so as not to short against ground. I used two scraps of metal brackets to make prongs. You can get taps that will insert into the slots from any parts store. It was only what I happened to have at the moment. Note: The position of this relay changes from one year to the next. Consult relay location chart on inside of relay box cover. 2. Install ground wire from the B11 orange wire with black stripe to a switch or relay such that the ground source can be turned on and off. The B11 wire is located in the middle computer connector located on the firewall behind the air cleaner. 3. Install the switch wherever you like. I installed mine to the left of the column. It's the black switch. The smaller switch is for my XTZ+. 4. Ground the wire. I used this screw under the dash. 5. Enjoy! Note:You can use a double pole double throw relay from radio shack to automatically disengage the TC when the brakes are applied. I've got the relay, but haven't installed it yet on my truck. Here's a crude diagram of how it would be wired up. The relay I bought from radio shack is RadioShack.com - Cables, Parts & Connectors: Component parts: Relays & transformers: 12VDC/3A DPDT Plug-In Relay & Socket I don't use mine except when I'm up to speed on the highways. I use it to counteract the annoying locking and unlocking that happens from the computer getting line noise. Hope this helps. __________________ 1999 2500 4x4 Club cab sport. BHAF, Quad XZT+(3K tune), Xzilliradier, full set of gauges, FP light, Holley Blue pump, 1/2" big line kit, 3" glasspack, TC lockup switch, poor man's 'pane setup, BD TC, BD VB, Billet input, Dearle pan.DURAMAX>Cummins

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06-25-2008, 08:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
*mahdey* Cummins Fanatic Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lima, Ohio Posts: 188 mahdey's Truck Pics	thank you very much sir!! __________________ 2000 2500 QCLB AT, 4x4. Coaltrain tranny..billet input, flexplate, DD TC., Coaltrain 5" Exhuast. Airdog 150, injectors, adrenaline, fresh coaltrain vp. Companies that have been good to me: Coaltrain Diesel Performance Richard 734-673-4867 Mark 419-392-1678

06-26-2008, 11:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
ward.racing Oklahoma Chapter Prez. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wilburton Ok Posts: 826 ward.racing's Truck Pics	this should be a sticky __________________ 2001 2500 4wd. TST,Bit by the monster, FARMBOYS DIESEL, Smarty, Engineered Diesel, Spearco, Industrial Injection, FASS, NADP, Nx2, Flexalite, Maxspool, Hellman Performance, Lazaar Smith. FOR SALE 98 2500 QC SB 12V Auto, new tires, II silver 62, 370's, 5inch exhaust. PM me

06-26-2008, 12:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Russ Roth Cummins Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 152 Russ Roth's Truck Pics	Good write up. You can buy (5 for a buck, I think) 33 ohm resistors @ Radio Shack and put that in the ground line from the switch. You can leave the relay in and not set codes or have the tranny go into limp mode. Personally, I would not want my TC to unlock when I put on the brakes because you would lose the increase in compression braking that comes with having the switch engaged. I absolutely hated that from the first time I drove this rig. I have also started hitting the switch the minute I start moving. It locks and causes the trans to stack the shifts into third. I hit third about 20 MPH and it seems to have increased my in town mileage about a mile to the gallon. __________________ RR '01 2500 QC long bed. 3.55 gears, auto w/lock up switch, Dunrite VB, trans temp and fuel pressure gauge, Walbro 392

06-29-2008, 08:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
crazyraysbigdodge Cummins Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: covington Texas Posts: 191 crazyraysbigdodge's Truck Pics	just made the install the wiring is rough but that can be fixed. wired it to a foot dimmer switch will take photos later oh ps it works good __________________ 2002 24v few goddies here and there 1997 12v few pump mods and air flow

07-01-2008, 05:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
crazyraysbigdodge Cummins Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: covington Texas Posts: 191 crazyraysbigdodge's Truck Pics	guess i should have mentioned that i have a built tranny but this thing makes my truck sound like a 3rd gen when im at low speeds. pretty neat bomb __________________ 2002 24v few goddies here and there 1997 12v few pump mods and air flow

07-01-2008, 05:11 PM	#10 (permalink)
Graphic Man Administrator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mississauga ont. Canada Posts: 7,053 Graphic Man's Truck Pics	good job...it's now a sticky and moved to the tech section __________________ Half the post = Half the B/S....unlike some other " Admin" .....when i get old i wana be just like BBRam 2001 4X4 Q-cab Sport black, full billet DTT trans, billet F-plate Mach 7's, B1-B2 twins, Blue Chip Special X VP, Adrenaline, studded & O-ringed, BD-RAD,Flex-A-Lite electric fans, Autometer Gages, Egt, Boost,Fuel, Oil &,drive pressure, trans temp, RASP, Big line kit, Track bars 2" leveling kit, 271 T-case, DSS, 3rd gen trac bar 623 HP 1175tq with old set-up