Hello all, I have a 200R4 in my 1985 Le Sabre that shifts as smooth as butter, except that the lockup clutch is screwed up. It engages way too soon (around 18 MPH in 2nd gear, even with a cold engine) and wont release until it just about stalls the car coming to a stop. Also for example when turning street corner in town around 10-15 MPH it still stays engaged in 2nd gear and my transmission responds with a low growling/rumbling sound until it gets up to speed. I disconnected the wires for the lockup at the transmission and hooray!, problem temporarily solved. I know the tranny will run a little hotter but I think that's better than having it sound like its going to shred to bits. Does anyone know what the problem might be with the lockup? Also, where can I buy a good, strong rebuild kit for this tranny?
its possible that the lockup solinoid is no good and has to be replaced. its inside of the tranny pan closest to the convertor..
All it takes is just a particle of debris to cause the internal valves or solenoids to stick...Lockup solenoid staying energized (not likely),lockup solenoid sticking (highly likely) or converter clutch apply valve sticking (very likely), or few other very unlikely causes. Unplud the 4 pin connector on drivers side of trans, take for short drive; if still locking up in second, it is the solenoid sticking (sericeable from inside the pan) or the apply valve (located in side of front pump assembly, the valve CAN be serviced in car),
Yeah, I've heard a lot of stories about lockup solenoid problems. Good news is that it usually isn't too expensive for a transmission shop to replace. -BC
I had the same problem with a 200r4 and what I did was run a toggle switch and turn the lockup on and off myself, I like this because I really only want it locked up when I am in 4th gear at over 65 mph. I bought the TCI lockup kit and added that, now I have lockup at over 8 hg of vacuum when I have the switch in AUTO mode, or in ON mode it is locked up until I flip the switch or touch the brakes. The brake switch is important because the engine can stall if you hit the brakes with the lockup on. I say screw the factory setup and use a TCI lockup kit. At least wire the lockup yourself so you can find out if the solenoid is working properly or not then go from there.
Same thing with my 200r. Locked up as soon as it hit second gear. The check ball was stuck, i removed the ball and from the solenoid, it did not lock up any more. Replaced it with a new solenoid, works great. you should do this on your own. as soon as you drop the pan you have access to the two bolts that hold the solenoid. two bolts and two wires.
STOP! NO! DON'T! I HIGHLY recommend that you verify all the electrical system having anything to do with the transmission, before you even dream of pulling that pan off. Since you pulled the wiring from the trans and the lockup now stays disengaged, that tells me that your solenoid is fine. Also if the lockup never comes on in 1st gear that is also telling me that everything inside the trans is working perfectly fine. However, at least make your fluid is in good condition and at the correct level. This is the most simple guide I've seen for 2004r wiring. http://store.atechmotorsports.com/instructions.asp?File=tci-376600.pdf
