TC lockup?

[dirtbikeAutist]

I got my truck a few weeks ago. I just installed the hydra and ran the 65hp fuel sipper tune and it just seems to shift smoother, not that different. I'd like it to lock all gears except 1st, I read I could try different hex codes that may work with my PCM? Mine is VHAEJ92. I think XLE4

[cleatus12r]

The torque converter clutch will apply in all forward gears except first gear so long as your right foot is far enough "in it". It takes over 50% APP (accelerator pedal position) for this to occur in second gear but the torque converter clutch will stay applied through subsequent shifts from that point so long as the APP stays high.

With the E99 vehicles with the DPC-402 hardware, VHAE9J2 is your only option from the Hydraflash server. Try using a tow tune or performance labeled calibration for firmer shifting. The "Fuel Sipper" calibrations offered can be quirky due to upshift/downshift point changes and don't alter shift feel chatacteristics from stock much.

Custom tuning from other vendors can get yout transmission and torque converter clutch operation closer to what you desire, but be warned that these era of Powerstroke vehicles (through 2002) have rudimentary controls over many systems; especially the transmission controls. They base shift scheduling primarily on two things, APP and vehicle speed. They can't differentiate between acceleration and deceleration and the later ones base some decisions on the rate of change in pedal position but for the most part, they are too simple to do exactly what we think they should. Also the shift pressure control stuff is SLOOOOOOW. To have the torque converter clutch applied in every gear under all circumstances makes for a terribly harsh driving experience as any upshift or downshift is going to be jerky/rough. Your particular model year vehicle does not have any torque limiting during shift capability and the ones that do (2000-up) doesn't work worth a darn and serves to only make the shifts MORE harsh when altered to a lower value than stock due to the engine basically cutting-out instead of limiting anything in a gradual way.

After tuning these now for 16 years, I have learned that the factory programming is usually always the best bet except for a few torque converter apply/release strategies that I change to MY liking. I have many of the same concerns as others regarding that one piece of the puzzle....but until a person fiddles with this stuff on a daily basis for years at a time, what is desired vs. what is achieveable/tolerable to drive daily really is a crap-shoot. These computer control systems and the very rudimentary systems controlled by them are a huge limiting factor in what can realistically be done. With the VHAE9J2 and many of the pre-2001 calibrations, the only real changes I make personally are the 3-4 upshift speed, the 3rd gear torque converter clutch apply speed, and the 2nd gear torque converter clutch apply APP.

[dirtbikeAutist]

Thanks for all the info. Thinking of getting the Minotaur software to reduce the torque converter clutch engagement APP threshold with the fuel sipper. Since it seems to me like torque converter unlocked => more revs => less mpg. I like how it shifts and locks 3rd when I give it ~50% APP.