Copied from the torq-lock owners manual.
The difference between the AutoLoc and TorqLoc is that the AutoLoc automatically
controls the TCC lock up signal once it receives a power signal from the exhaust
brake switch and the TorqLoc has a manual position, automatic (or AutoLoc
position), and an Off position.
So, in comparing between the AutoLoc and the TorqLoc, the TorqLoc will force the
convertor clutch to lock up & the AutoLoc will only hold an already locked up
convertor clutch. When you ask for an overdrive to third gear shift, the TorqLoc
doesn’t wait for the computer to lock up the clutch, it sends its own signal to the
convertor clutch, and as long as you are A) above the set speed and B) the
transmission is hydraulically correct, [throttle pressure is applied], the TorqLoc will
force a lock up.
The AutoLoc cannot force a lock up, but can only hold it on deceleration. The
Chrysler transmission does not lock up in third gear, unless the overdrive is turned
off. Also, the Chrysler transmission won’t allow an overdrive to third gear downshift
if the TC clutch is locked up. This holds true not matter what system you are using
to hold the TC locked up.
While driving with the overdrive turned off, and the AutoLoc is turned on, the
transmission shifts from first to second to third, and then locks up.
Anytime after the lock up has occurred and you take your foot off the accelerator,
the AutoLoc will turn the exhaust brake on and hold the torque convertor clutch
locked until about 25mph when it will then turn off the torque convertor clutch.
When driving on the freeway in overdrive, the torque convertor clutch will be locked
up and the AutoLoc turned on, if you release the throttle the AutoLoc will apply the
brake and hold the TC clutch lock up.
To increase the amount of retarding horsepower, turn off the overdrive and the
AutoLoc will sense this signal and cut the signal that’s holding the torque convertor
clutch applied, the transmission will then downshift into third gear. At this point you
should apply throttle pressure until the factory computer says everything is okay and
locks up the torque convertor clutch.
As soon as this happens you should remove throttle pressure and the AutoLoc will
turn the exhaust brake on and keep the torque convertor clutch applied until you get
down to about the 25mph mark. The set speed is adjustable, one can set it for a
higher mph, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn off the overdrive
or lower if one has 4:10 gears.
Now suppose you’re driving along, overdrive is on, the AutoLoc is on and you need
to make a stop or slow down, but don’t need the extra retarding horsepower of third
gear or you don’t have time to wait for the downshift, applying throttle and waiting
for lockup, (this would all take about 4-6 seconds) and you don’t want the shuddering that would occur when you have a locked up torque convertor clutch &
you’re going to be doing less than 35 mph in overdrive.
You can do any of the four following actions to cancel out the system: 1) turn off the
AutoLoc switch, 2) turn off the overdrive, 3) lightly step on the throttle pedal, or 4)
pull the gearshift lever down into second gear. Turning off the overdrive or the
AutoLoc are the best of the four options.
Now enters the TorqLoc, it should only be used under light throttle applications. No
matter whose torque convertor you are using, the converter clutch has only so much
holding power & if you exceed this you will start to slip the clutch, thereby starting
the demise of your convertor clutch.
An example of when to use the TorqLoc position would be when you are on a
winding road where you are on and off the throttle a great deal and you don’t want
to keep locking and unlocking the convertor clutch. The TorqLoc will hold the
convertor clutch locked up, preventing that from happening.
You must keep in mind, while doing this, that if you apply too much throttle
pressure, especially at the lower rpm band, you may start to slip the convertor
clutch. A general rule of thumb when holding the convertor clutch locked up is no more that 1 lb of boost for every 100 rpm of engine speed.
