Can I drive with my TCC unplugged?

[MotorCityBuick]

Is it bad to drive with the TCC unplugged?

I have been having weird problems with a surging trans the last bunch of times I have driven my 87 gn. I tried unplugging the TCC, and all problems disappear, car drives perfectly(of course no lock-up). Now, I know I need to replace it, but in the meantime, what harm will come from driving with it unplugged? It is a completely stock trans if that helps.

 

[JC'sGN]

Sound as if it needs a new lockup solenoid..

 

[MotorCityBuick]

I know. Thanks. But, can i drive with it unplugged until i get money to get one & install it?

 

[Real-T]

Actually what is interesting is that unplugging the TCC actually made a difference.

The ECM commands a ground which engages the TCC, when the ECM doesn't want lockup, the ground floats and doesn't engage the TCC.

Unplugging it is the same as removing the ground/power so maybe the power/ground circuit is stuck and is causing the TCC to stay locked ?

Maybe there is nothing wrong with the TCC, but more in the circuit.

If possible, pull the connector off and check it with a voltmeter. There are little letters marked on it, A is +12 and D is Ground. with the key on, there should be no reading there (Open circuit).

To answer your question, there are no problems with driving unplugged. The other thing to consider is that the 3rd and 4th gear switches are also disconnected so unless your chip uses it for some reason (I think the only reason is to engage lockup) there "should" be no problem....

 

[Renthorin]

Mike, I was informed by a Tranny guy on this board that driving with the TCC unplugged will damage the Tranny. It will over heat and also burn up your planetary gears.

When the TCC locks up it forces extra fluid to the cooler or something like that.

My tranny was doing the same thing but after plugging and unplugging the TCC a few times the problem went away.

I bought a new Delco solenoid but never installed it.

 

[bison]

Mike, I was informed by a Tranny guy on this board that driving with the TCC unplugged will damage the Tranny. It will over heat and also burn up your planetary gears.

When the TCC locks up it forces extra fluid to the cooler or something like that.

My tranny was doing the same thing but after plugging and unplugging the TCC a few times the problem went away.

I bought a new Delco solenoid but never installed it.

This is corerct. Driving for extended periods especially on the highway will cause planetary failure and fill the transmission with metal shavings. Running a non lockup valve will reroute the oil to the cooler eliminating this problem. Sounds your problem is related directly the the solenoid itself. Its an easy fix by dropping the pan and unplugging and unbolting the bad one. If you plan on ever locking up at WOT get a GM 700-R4 lockup solenoid and use some washers to take up the gap between the case and the solenoid. Its a much more reliable solenoid for WOT lockups.