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LAST EDIT: Jul 2021
Introducing.... lockup-mate, auto-mate, and now auto-matePRO. The most advanced transmission lockup-kits available.
Why have a lockup-kit?
Improved fuel economy when towing(10% is typical) and much lower transmission temperatures (70-80 degC max is typical).
For the Challenger/Triton MN, they solve the LIMP mode problem afflicting these vehicles when towing up long steep hills or even on the flat into a head wind.
How it started... back in May 2017
I had terrible problems managing transmission temperatures while in the Victorian High Country in Jan 2017. My mates with a lockup-kit didn't.
I had a TCC lockup kit I designed myself for my old Pajero, the NP -simple relay based one. For my NX I wanted something much better.
In my NP I found manual control over it was distracting and I sometimes I accidentally overloaded the drivetrain (i.e. bad shudder) and a few times stalled it while fumbling for the switch - not good.
Nothing was available that met my needs (and still isn't btw), so as a qualified electronics engineer I started to design one that is exactly what I wanted.
The goal of my kit was to be completely automatic in operation and be much simpler to install.
I also want it to be affordable.
Well, that was in September 2018. There are now more than 1000 happy customers of lockup kits, with the number growing every week.
Here’s what lockup-mate does (features):
auto-mate - adds a new DRIVE mode optimised for towing
auto-mate takes lockup-mate to the next level.
And in the Challenger and Triton it makes the auto simply awesome in comparison!!
lockup-mate works in both DRIVE and SPORT modes of the transmission, but in DRIVE it only works at speeds >75kph because when in DRIVE the factory ECU is in control of the gear changes.
auto-mate replaces DRIVE mode and controls all the gear changes at all speeds. Great if you're towing in hilly terrain.
auto-mate has the following additional features:
All the features of auto-mate plus two memory settings and more configuration parameters for smoother operation, especially with re-tuned/chipped engines.
Prices: (includes Express Shipping within Australia)
lockup-mate $495 Pajero NS, Challenger/Triton MN,MQ
lockup-mate PLUS+ $695 Toyota Prado 150, 200
auto-mate $795 Pajero, Challenger, Triton MN, MQ
auto-matePRO $895 Pajero only
More info is available on our web page http://www.mm4x4.com.au. You can also subscribe by entering your email address so I can directly send you updates when the products are released.
cheers, Marshall
Introducing.... lockup-mate, auto-mate, and now auto-matePRO. The most advanced transmission lockup-kits available.
Why have a lockup-kit?
Improved fuel economy when towing(10% is typical) and much lower transmission temperatures (70-80 degC max is typical).
For the Challenger/Triton MN, they solve the LIMP mode problem afflicting these vehicles when towing up long steep hills or even on the flat into a head wind.
How it started... back in May 2017
I had terrible problems managing transmission temperatures while in the Victorian High Country in Jan 2017. My mates with a lockup-kit didn't.
I had a TCC lockup kit I designed myself for my old Pajero, the NP -simple relay based one. For my NX I wanted something much better.
In my NP I found manual control over it was distracting and I sometimes I accidentally overloaded the drivetrain (i.e. bad shudder) and a few times stalled it while fumbling for the switch - not good.
Nothing was available that met my needs (and still isn't btw), so as a qualified electronics engineer I started to design one that is exactly what I wanted.
The goal of my kit was to be completely automatic in operation and be much simpler to install.
I also want it to be affordable.
Well, that was in September 2018. There are now more than 1000 happy customers of lockup kits, with the number growing every week.
Here’s what lockup-mate does (features):
- automatically activates the TCC lockup when the conditions are right; but more importantly, then disables it under conditions that would put excessive stress on the drivetrain - to avoid that horrible shudder
- then, re-locks it again when suitable
- it automatically adjusts for low or high range 4WD selection
- works best when transmission is in SPORT mode. In D mode, the gear chosen by A/T ECU is almost always to high for lockup conditions, and as a result, when in DRIVE it will only lockup at speeds > 75kph - it's best if driven like manual in SPORT mode. auto-mate overcomes this and works best in DRIVE.
- doesn’t required cutting into wires of the factory harnesses to get speed or statuses. Instead it reads all info from the CAN-Bus (e.g. speed, RPM, headlights, gear, trans mode P-N-R-D-SP 2WD,4WD etc etc)
- processes all this data using a micro computer to use an optimum algorithm, rather than a simple speed on-off based one.
- can be enabled or disabled by the driver
- uses PWM signals to control the lockup clutch, exactly like the factory ECU does. It also uses the same activation profile as factory (which takes 3 seconds). It's not just on/off control.
- is adjustable to your preference. (sensitivity of lockup, lockup start gear (2nd is default), LED brightness)
- Integrated LED status indicator/switch - off=TCC unlocked,ON=TCC is locked. LED brightness is linked to headlights on/off so is automatically dims more at night. Brightness is user adjustable.
- headlight dimming of the LED can be overridden while driving if in the daytime if you want to drive with the headlights on. (just press cruise control CANCEL button for 5 seconds to toggle intensity)
- You can still use OBD2 devices. So, it still allows you to connect up and use an Ultra gauge (or your own favourite ODB2 device like a scan gauge, ELM327 bluetooth adaptor with Torque app, GPS head up display etc). This was an essential requirement for me, and I'm please to have cracked it
- Self diagnostic mode, to assist with post-installation tests and fault finding.
auto-mate - adds a new DRIVE mode optimised for towing
auto-mate takes lockup-mate to the next level.
And in the Challenger and Triton it makes the auto simply awesome in comparison!!
lockup-mate works in both DRIVE and SPORT modes of the transmission, but in DRIVE it only works at speeds >75kph because when in DRIVE the factory ECU is in control of the gear changes.
auto-mate replaces DRIVE mode and controls all the gear changes at all speeds. Great if you're towing in hilly terrain.
auto-mate has the following additional features:
- Full control of the gears in DRIVE mode for optimised torque converter lock up and fuel savings.
- User adjustable transmission shift profile – to adjust for your specific car (say with larger tyres or remap), or for a sportier response.
- Displays the current gear number in the instrument cluster, even when in DRIVE.
- 5th gear lockout. Ability to set the top gear as 4th.
- Will hold the lower gear during downhill engine braking even after switching back from SPORT to DRIVE. (Except MQ Triton)
- Fully automatic operation – set and forget!
All the features of auto-mate plus two memory settings and more configuration parameters for smoother operation, especially with re-tuned/chipped engines.
Prices: (includes Express Shipping within Australia)
lockup-mate $495 Pajero NS, Challenger/Triton MN,MQ
lockup-mate PLUS+ $695 Toyota Prado 150, 200
auto-mate $795 Pajero, Challenger, Triton MN, MQ
auto-matePRO $895 Pajero only
More info is available on our web page http://www.mm4x4.com.au. You can also subscribe by entering your email address so I can directly send you updates when the products are released.
cheers, Marshall
I woul;d also like to see a small led included that would light up when the lockup is applied. Not necessary but just a handy thing to have to monitor the set up.......yes/no?
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