TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
In a standard torque converter, the impeller and tur-
bine are rotating at about the same speed and the
stator is freewheeling, providing no torque multiplica-
tion. By applying the turbine’s piston and friction mate-
rial to the front cover, a total converter engagement
can be obtained. The result of this engagement is a
direct 1:1 mechanical link between the engine and the
transmission.
The clutch can be engaged in second, third, fourth,
and fifth gear ranges depending on overdrive control
switch position. If the overdrive control switch is in the
normal ON position, the clutch will engage after the
shift to fourth gear, and above approximately 72 km/h
(45 mph). If the control switch is in the OFF position,
the clutch will engage after the shift to third gear, at approximately 56 km/h (35 mph) at light throttle.
The TCM controls the torque converter by way of internal logic software. The programming of the software provides
the TCM with control over the L/R-CC Solenoid. There are four output logic states that can be applied as follows:
•
No EMCC
•
Partial EMCC
•
Full EMCC
•
Gradual-to-no EMCC
NO EMCC
Under No EMCC conditions, the L/R Solenoid is OFF. There are several conditions that can result in NO EMCC
operations. No EMCC can be initiated due to a fault in the transmission or because the TCM does not see the need
for EMCC under current driving conditions.
PARTIAL EMCC
Partial EMCC operation modulates the L/R Solenoid (duty cycle) to obtain partial torque converter clutch application.
Partial EMCC operation is maintained until Full EMCC is called for and actuated. During Partial EMCC some slip
does occur. Partial EMCC will usually occur at low speeds, low load and light throttle situations.
FULL EMCC
During Full EMCC operation, the TCM increases the L/R Solenoid duty cycle to full ON after Partial EMCC control
brings the engine speed within the desired slip range of transmission input speed relative to engine rpm.
GRADUAL-TO-NO EMCC
This operation is to soften the change from Full or Partial EMCC to No EMCC. This is done at mid-throttle by
decreasing the L/R Solenoid duty cycle.
REMOVAL
1. Remove transmission and torque converter from vehicle. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC - 45RFE/
545RFE - REMOVAL)
2. Place a suitable drain pan under the converter housing end of the transmission.
CAUTION: Verify that transmission is secure on the lifting device or work surface, the center of gravity of
the transmission will shift when the torque converter is removed creating an unstable condition. The torque
converter is a heavy unit. Use caution when separating the torque converter from the transmission.
3. Pull the torque converter forward until the center hub clears the oil pump seal.
4. Separate the torque converter from the transmission.
21 - 438
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE - SERVICE INFORMATION
WK