Diagnosis - A/T: Description: Notes

NOTE: ECM is often referred to as PCM in diagnostic charts.

The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) assembly consists of a 3-element torque converter with the addition of a converter clutch. The converter clutch is an internal mechanism with friction material attached to front face. It is splined to the turbine assembly in converter.

The purpose of the torque converter clutch feature is to eliminate power loss due to slippage when vehicle is cruising. This allows the convenience of an automatic transmission and the fuel economy of a manual transmission.

When the TCC solenoid ground circuit is completed by the Electronic Control Module (ECM), the torque converter clutch is applied, resulting in a direct mechanical coupling between engine and transmission. When TCC solenoid is deactivated, the torque converter clutch is released, allowing torque converter to operate in a conventional manner.