Transmission Lockup switch

[geoff&vi]

I fitted the Transmission Lockup switch from Wholesale Auto Transmissions this afternoon. At first i had a mate who is an auto electrician, but after picking the kit up this morning and reading the instructions, it looked simple enough.

It ended up being as easy as the instructions, with the entire job taking just under an hour, as you just need to splice 2 wires with the 4 from the provided loom.

There is a reasonable change in drive feel, as the revs drop with the lockup and stay that way unless you unlock the switch. The engine doesn't hunt anywhere near as much with the transmission locked and the gear changes are just as smooth, albeit a little firmer. It does however highlight the software shortcomings, where the transmission changes up too early, as with it locked the gear changes occur at the same point, however with the transmission being locked the engine is under more load. It also shows how big the gap between 3rd and 4th gear particularly.

I like the ability to be able to hold gears, locked and feed more power in, using the torque of the Chipit module. One issue i do have, is that it wont lock in 1st gear and unlocks once you get below 30kmh, which kinda defeats some of the purpose of why i wanted it - Offroad engine braking. Stay tuned, as i will be asking Wholesale if this is modifiable, as i think Pickle mentioned his locks up in 1st.

cheers
Geoff

[pauld]

It's in the write up on their website:

The NT Pajero requires our Nomad or Extreme Valve Body to work in 1st and Reverse gears.

[geoff&vi]

Thanks Paul,

In my excitement after fitting, i didn't bother reading the website

I still think it is a worthwhile mod and really simple to fit.

cheers
Geoff

[psproule]

Are you letting it change gears while locked up? Isn't that a recipe for damage to the transmission given the shock cushioning that the torque convertor is otherwise supposed to provide?

Pat

[geoff&vi]

Pat,

I asked that very question several times and was told by several different transmission specialists that it's ok. The shift feel is actually quite good, considering what I was expecting. Almost no difference compared to unlocked.

Cheers
Geoff

[marquis]

It's most likely got safety over pressure valves in the auto. If they fail it may crack the transmission. But hopefully not likely...

[geoff&vi]

I'm reasonably confident that the transmission can handle it, as it was used in the 100 series Cruiser and was reliable. The main difference being the software and electrical actuation system that Mitsubishi utilise. I have been told this by a few different transmission specialists (including Wholesale Transmissions)

cheers
Geoff

[Wrex]

Hi Geoff

Had my lockup switch fitted to my NS yesterday by an Auto Sparky. My transmission computer is on the passenger side not the drivers side as per instructions.

Mine does work in 1st gear as I can stall the car coming to a stop. All my findings are the same as yours. The big test is when i start towing the camper.

[geoff&vi]

Hi Geoff

Had my lockup switch fitted to my NS yesterday by an Auto Sparky. My transmission computer is on the passenger side not the drivers side as per instructions.

Mine does work in 1st gear as I can stall the car coming to a stop. All my findings are the same as yours. The big test is when i start towing the camper.

Wrex,

did you also have the Nomad valve body installed? Mine is having a few issues throwing fault codes, but working with Scott at the Transmission centre and Wholesale Transmissions, they believe it coul only require i different resisitor.

It goes in tomorrow for a transmission service and to replace the fluid with full synthetic. Watch this space.

cheers
Geoff

[AJC]

Hi Geoff

Had my lockup switch fitted to my NS yesterday by an Auto Sparky. My transmission computer is on the passenger side not the drivers side as per instructions.

Mine does work in 1st gear as I can stall the car coming to a stop. All my findings are the same as yours. The big test is when i start towing the camper.

Wrex,

did you also have the Nomad valve body installed? Mine is having a few issues throwing fault codes, but working with Scott at the Transmission centre and Wholesale Transmissions, they believe it coul only require i different resisitor.

It goes in tomorrow for a transmission service and to replace the fluid with full synthetic. Watch this space.

cheers
Geoff

Lads.

All Thrid Gen Paj's (NM, NP, NS and NT petrol) run the same auto (i can't recall the manufacturer but have seen it on the forum). For the NT DiD which had the substaintial power and torque increase a different auto was sourced form a different component manufacturer (Aislin or similar). That si the same auto used in the Prado 120 and 150 series, and from what Geoff said above, the 100 series). So,from what i've read, the lockup works in the older 4 and 5 speed boxes in Triton / Challenger / Paj but for the NT DiD with the diferent box, the new valve body is required.

[Wrex]

Wrex,

did you also have the Nomad valve body installed? Mine is having a few issues throwing fault codes, but working with Scott at the Transmission centre and Wholesale Transmissions, they believe it coul only require i different resisitor.

It goes in tomorrow for a transmission service and to replace the fluid with full synthetic. Watch this space.

cheers
Geoff

Geoff

Just the lock up kit mate, no valve body.

Wrex

[geoff&vi]

Geoff

Just the lock up kit mate, no valve body.

Wrex

Spoke to Rodney from Wholesale Transmissions today. The NT auto is the same box used by Toyota, however the valve body and software is specific to Mits. One of the mods that are done to the Nomad valve body enables 1st & reverse to be locked.

Cheers
Geoff