Torque converter lock and towing, is there a final solution?

[MadBison]

I have just started towing with the Pajero and will be doing a lot more. I have done a lot of research on getting the torque converter to lock, and towing in 4th seems to be the option.

My question is, is there a mechanical fix for this that will fix the issue? Also interested in any cost benefit analysis others have done on a mechanical fix.

Cheers
David

[TC.Barky]

I have just started towing with the Pajero and will be doing a lot more. I have done a lot of research on getting the torque converter to lock, and towing in 4th seems to be the option.

My question is, is there a mechanical fix for this that will fix the issue? Also interested in any cost benefit analysis others have done on a mechanical fix.

Cheers
David

Have a search about torque converter lockup switches. Wholesale auto in Bayswater (vic) are probably the most well informed mob about this, worth giving them a ring and having a chat.

[pauld]

With and NP and now an NX, with making my own kits for a while, I've concluded it's better off to just use 4th, shifting to 5th if you can maintain lock (tail wind, down hill or light towing) by observing engine RPM. It depends on speed a little & the load but some people have also found that 4th provides better economy. The auto specialist that rebuilt the gearbox in my NP (at half the price of Wholesale Automatics and in a booked in 4 days rather than a booked in 3 weeks that WA wanted) recommended any heavy towing in 4th anyway, regardless of TC lock or not.

[stevemc181]

I am running one of wholesale automatics lock up switches. I had a few issues with it initially, but we have tracked it down to a faulty resistor in the wiring that was getting too hot and causing the Paj to throw a fault code. Have a read up on it here. http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/...ad.php?t=43878

I have had no further issues since changing the resistor, but I also have a 100w resistor in my spares kit, just in case the supplied 50w resistor plays up again. I don't use it a lot, only when fully loaded and on long hwy runs, but it certainly drops the transmission temp substantially when engaged.

[pauld]

Careful with those resistors, they can start fires if not mounted to metal and free of other wiring and plastics. The high wattage ones will take a long time to heat up but if it's a long haul they will eventually get there

[MadBison]

Thanks for all the replies. I have had a good look and some of the issues concern me at this stage so I will just leave my Paj as it is for now. Maybe look at it once the warranty has expired.

I have been trialing driving techniques and found that keeping it in 4th most of the time, but pushing into 5th for the downhills has improved fuel economy greatly, and has kept TC temp low. I can now spend the cash saved on a second battery! :-)