When the PCM determines EC3 clutch application is necessary, the duty cycle for the regulator solenoid is raised in rapid steps to around 50%, providing enough pressure for converter apply to begin. It is right around this 50% mark that our desired slip (20-40 RPM) is achieved under most driving conditions, and the PCM will constantly monitor and adjust the pulse width in an attempt to keep it in this window while the TCC is applied. Under some high-torque or freeway speed situations, the PCM will increase duty cycle to 98% to fully lock the TCC. This eliminates slip and prevents excess heat during high-load conditions.

This adaptive control strategy can provide nuggets of diagnostic gold: as the regulator bore wears, the duty cycle required to keep slip in the appropriate range increases. You often can spot TCC problems before they trigger codes by monitoring duty cycle with a scan tool. For example, if you have a vehicle with a few clicks on the odometer and an average TCC duty cycle of 79%, you can be pretty sure the PCM is compensating for circuit wear, most likely in the regulator bore.

A common problem with PWM and EC3 units is caused by continuous oscillation of the regulator valve, which creates bore wear over time that allows critical apply pressure to exhaust. This often results in the setting of code P1870 and/or P0894 due to excess TCC slip. Transmission builders quickly realized they could eliminate these codes (but not the bore wear that caused them) by blocking the regulator valve with an inner pump slide spring from a 700-R4, effectively returning it to an on/off system (Figure 3).

Figure 3: OE Valve - TCC Reg. Valve Blocked for Full Line

This modification allows full line pressure into the apply circuit, up to 140 psi under load. In contrast, OE apply pressures range from about 60 to 80 psi. While the extra pressure masks bore wear and provides a Band-Aid for TCC slip, it can lead to:

These problems are made worse if line pressure modifications are performed which allow even higher pressures into the apply circuit. On top of this, a sizeable line pressure leak is introduced, because the worn regulator bore is now open to line pressure, allowing it to bleed off to exhaust.

This blocking modification has been embraced by some builders of high performance or heavy towing units, even without a trouble code to conquer. There is at least one aftermarket kit that mimics blocking the valve, with the same detrimental high pressures being allowed to the apply circuit.

With this information in mind, it becomes apparent how a torque converter that was built perfectly to specification can fail due to being installed in an improperly modified transmission.

To avoid the negative repercussions of full line pressure in this circuit while still allowing slightly elevated apply pressures for better performance, Sonnax developed the TCC pressure limiter spring system, which converts the TCC regulator valve into a simple pressure limit valve. With the isolator valve removed and the PWM feed orifice in the separator plate blocked, installing the limiter behind the regulator valve regulates line pressure into the apply circuit down to a maximum of 100 psi (Figure 4). This is enough for extra holding power while avoiding the consequences of full line pressure to the TCC piston. It’s the only available modification that both eliminates PWM/EC3 operation and limits converter pressure to acceptable levels. Since the apply pressures are capped in this manner, the pressure limiter can be used with friction linings designed for on/off, PWM or EC3 with great success.

Figure 4: Sonnax Limiter Spring - TCC Apply Pressure Limited to 100 PSI

The pressure limiter is a performance-enhancing spring found in Sonnax’s popular HP-4L60E-01 Performance Pack that changes how the lockup system works. The spring is NOT a repair for a worn regulator bore, as it is designed to work in a properly functioning apply circuit. If the TCC regulator valve bore is worn, the only way to restore the valve bore and prevent pressure loss is to install Sonnax TCC regulator and isolator valve kit 77754-04K (OE apply rate) or 77754-03K (increased apply rate). The TCC pressure limiter spring works equally well in an un-worn original bore or with the Sonnax sleeve kits. Used with 77754-03K, the limiter will deliver higher levels of performance by allowing pressure of about 110 psi into the apply circuit. This is the maximum clamping power available without causing the negative results associated with full line pressure to the TCC.

Like it or not, modifications will always be a part of this business. Some of them can burn you, even when you weren’t the one that performed them. Working with transmission builders to ensure they are buying a 4L60-E converter with lining best suited to their particular build or modifications is one of the keys to long converter life and avoiding modification-related comebacks.