TCC question

I've got a 1994 Lesabre with 130k miles on it. I had a code scanner on it after I had to replace the main computer module and monitored it while driving at 65mph. It kept giving me a TCC error code, apparently indicating that the lockout clutch is slipping by comparing the incoming and outgoing RPM.

I don't get the shudder that I've read so much about, but the big increase in mileage I used to get on the highway with this car, vs. around-town driving, has declined.

My main question is: is this usually an expensive thing to fix? I've been financially ruined by the recession, so a >$500 fix is simply not going to happen at this point. Is there anything I can try to fix it myself?

A high line scanner can command the tcc on and verify if the solenoid is working, that's
the first step in answering your question. Or find the ground side of the tcc in the harness, run a grounding switch/wire into the car see if yoiu can it to lock up bypassing the pcm.

I agree with Max, check the solenoid operation first. If it is found to be operating properly, you may have a bad torque converter clutch apply valve, or worn housing in the valve body. For more info; Click Here (http://www.sonnax.com/system/instructions/SC-4T60E-IN.pdf)

Need to know the P0xxx Code...

also the TCC slip need to be monitored when the PCM commands the TCC on... What the PCM is really looking for is a drop in Rpms when the TCC is commanded on... The PCM does the math and determines the slip via vehicle speed, Engine speed as well as current gear and gear ratio iirc...

You could easily slip 80 Rpms with no codes or errors... Its when there is no drop that you have errors and codes come up...

OK, I got the Actron scanner back from my brother and tested the car cruising at 70mph.

TCC Applied: No
TCC Brake Switch: Off
TCC Duty Cycle: varied from 20-40%
TCC Slip RPM: 9-20, mostly within 11-15
TCC Solenoid: On

TCC disengaged when lifting the throttle going downhill and disengaged once, when going up a steep hill, at which point Slip RPM increased to ~255.

I'm guessing from this data that the TCC may be working properly. I'm not getting an error code. The only odd thing to me is that TCC Applied reads 'No' when it also tells me that the Solenoid is On.

Of course, I'll probably be glad to find out that I was wrong and that the TCC is working right.

according to your inputs it is working. Up hill based on engine load and tps it would disengage.

How clean is your trans oil?

The TCC applied : NO

The above may be a glitch in the actron firmware... There were a couple of glitches with the actron...

But being that you could read the duty cycle, the TCC slip and TCC ON... This is good...

all of the items you listed are in the normal range... The TCC is functioning exactly like it should... The slip RPM's you listed are about as good as they get... 0-15 Rpms or so is very good..

As asked in the above post, I also wonder what shape your trans fluid is in.. Also you may want to see if the TPS is off at all or if the voltages change while holding steady...