Lock-Up Operation

The duty solenoid allows the pilot pressure to be applied to the "engaging" end of the lock-up control valve spool. The lock-up control valve then opens the clutch engaging circuit's port that communicates to the torque converter's impeller chamber, allowing high pressure fluid to flow to the lock-up clutch. The clutch then engages.

• The TCM controls the current to the duty solenoid by gradually changing the duty ratio. As a result, the lock-up control valve also moves gradually, so the clutch engagement pressure increases smoothly. This causes the lock-up clutch to become initially in a half-engaged state and then in a fully engaged state, thus preventing shock during engagement.

This operation is performed for all the speed gears and always when the 4th gear is selected in the D range.