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HuronSailor 
podders Helping podders - pHp 
Joined: 10 Jun 2009 Location: Owosso MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 704 |
 Topic: Wondering if torque converter isn't locking upPosted: 26 Sep 2013 at 10:39am |
I'd be interested in more info on that code reader, please.
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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :.
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp 
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
Posted: 26 Sep 2013 at 10:31am |
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Someone on another forum just recommended to me the Interceptor gauge. It includes a ton of info that the well-known Scanguage doesn't provide, allows control of the engine fans, and reads/resets trouble codes. Perfect for this situation, it shows the lockup signal and the actual torque converter slip % (or the actual tranny input & output RPMs alternatively). So it would show me when the computer wants it to lockup and if it actually is. Not cheap at $250 but I'll spend that on dealer diagnostics to tell me the same thing and there are several parameters this thing will show that I'd like to monitor but my dash display doesn't show. Time to pull out the credit card. |
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Sleepless
Senior Member
Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556 |
Posted: 26 Sep 2013 at 9:22am |
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Have you ever considered buying a code reader. I bought an inexpensive one on eBay several years ago when my "Check engine" light came on in the CRV I owned back then. Right away, the codes told me that both oxygen sensors were bad. An easy fix. Since then I have used it on various cars and SUVs to check for suspected problems. The readers are very simple to used. The most difficult thing for me was finding the socket under the dash. I carry mine in my TV, just in case. I don't know if this would pinpoint a possible existing problem in your case, but it might.
Bob |
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2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD)
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
Posted: 26 Sep 2013 at 8:27am |
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Thanks.
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Guests
Guest Group 
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Posted: 26 Sep 2013 at 6:54am |
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I have the same "package" as you - 5.3L, 6 speed, 3.42 diff. I have only had it 3 months but your figures sound low (compared to mine). As I mentioned in another post, I liked the 4 speed better.
At 70mph, I get just a bit under 10mpg and the converter almost never locks.
At 60mph, I get 12+mpg and the converter doesn't lock much of the time (but more).
Transmission temps remain under (your mentioned) 170 however, it has never been really hot (ambient air temp) when I was towing.
I have found tow/haul mode to degrade performance (with the 6 speed) and do not use it.
I'm no mechanic and it is hard to troubleshoot from several hundred miles away but, my first inclination would be to check to see if you might have a brake pad dragging on the TV. This would make the motor work harder, raise trans temps and, hurt your mpgs. After driving a while, see if any of the wheels feel hotter than the others or jack it up and give 'em a spin.
Note that when the torque converter locks, temps will climb some due to the fluid circulation (to the radiator) slowing down. If the trans starts running "too hot", try downshifting, and thus, turning more rpms and speeding up the fluid circulation.
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
Posted: 25 Sep 2013 at 11:49am |
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Pieces of a puzzle have been falling into place and I wonder if I've finally found an answer:
1. Previously when towing tranny temp was below 200 F, now it is 225-235. I blamed this on the generator box I had mounted up front for our 3-week trip this summer, but the last trip out I only had 2 small bikes mounted up front and it still ran to those temps.
2. Previously when not towing tranny temp was below 170, now it is 170-180.
3. Tapping the break at steady highway speed does not raise RPMs at all, expected when converter unlocks.
4. Per-tank MPGs have dropped from 19-20 to 17, which I would expect with no lockup.
5. MPGs for this summer's trip averaged 8.9, which is way below normal IMO.
Any opinions or ideas? The engine light isn't on so no fatal codes have been thrown and I haven't had the chance to stop by the local parts store to have them check the codes.
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Wondering if torque converter isn't locking up
