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Trans power/comfort switch


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So my 91 Big Ton 2wd has the power/comfort switch for the trans and it works perfectly. What I'm wondering is does that switch control the TCM or the actual solenoids in the valvebody because I want to convert to 4WD. Also, electrical wise, how much is different between a 91 AW4 and let's say a 97 and up AW4? Thanks!

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If you swap to a later transmission but keep the original TCU will you still be able to change shift modes?

 

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I don't know. I would not keep that switch in anything. 

 

 

 

I actually like mine. My mj with its wore out engine, over sized tires and not correct gearing behaves better on the highway in the comfort vs the power setting. Seems like its not shifting into OD as much, even though it is still struggling to stay in it regardless...

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So my 91 Big Ton 2wd has the power/comfort switch for the trans and it works perfectly. What I'm wondering is does that switch control the TCM or the actual solenoids in the valvebody because I want to convert to 4WD. Also, electrical wise, how much is different between a 91 AW4 and let's say a 97 and up AW4? Thanks!

 

The P/C switch applies a ground signal to TCU pin C11 in the POWER position. I haven't traced it out any further since I hard-wired that switch permanently to the POWER position a long time ago.

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The P/C switch applies a ground signal to TCU pin C11 in the POWER position. I haven't traced it out any further since I hard-wired that switch permanently to the POWER position a long time ago.

 

 

mmm how about turning that feature into a auto/manual? switch.. interesting...

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I think you could toss a relay into the fused line for the TCU, which would turn the TCU on or off, allowing you to shift with the gear lever. Assuming pulling the trans fuse has the same effect as unplugging the TCU.

I'm actually tempted to try this out now. Got no use for the "comfort" setting, just makes me think there's something wrong with the truck whenever I bump it.

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So my 91 Big Ton 2wd has the power/comfort switch for the trans and it works perfectly. What I'm wondering is does that switch control the TCM or the actual solenoids in the valvebody because I want to convert to 4WD. Also, electrical wise, how much is different between a 91 AW4 and let's say a 97 and up AW4? Thanks!

 

The P/C switch applies a ground signal to TCU pin C11 in the POWER position. I haven't traced it out any further since I hard-wired that switch permanently to the POWER position a long time ago.

 

Renix supplies voltage to C11 of the TCU in the Power mode.

Therefore, if your 7.5 amp "trans" fuse is blown, you will be stuck in comfort mode and have no reverse lights.

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I think you could toss a relay into the fused line for the TCU, which would turn the TCU on or off, allowing you to shift with the gear lever. Assuming pulling the trans fuse has the same effect as unplugging the TCU.

I'm actually tempted to try this out now. Got no use for the "comfort" setting, just makes me think there's something wrong with the truck whenever I bump it.

It will shift 1,3,4 if you do that. 

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I think you could toss a relay into the fused line for the TCU, which would turn the TCU on or off, allowing you to shift with the gear lever. Assuming pulling the trans fuse has the same effect as unplugging the TCU.

I'm actually tempted to try this out now. Got no use for the "comfort" setting, just makes me think there's something wrong with the truck whenever I bump it.

 

Pulling the fuse for the TCU is one of the diagnostic procedures outlined in the FSM for the AW4. I believe when shifted manually and the TCU is disconnected there is no second gear (or maybe there's no first gear). You would also need a toggle switch to control torque converter lockup.

 

Many, many years ago, on whatever the predecessor forum was to NAXJA, there was a retired AMC engineer named Frank Sweigert who had put an AW4 in a Hornet (IIRC) station wagon. He went the other route -- he used a TCU and he controlled it entirely electrically, using a six-position rotary switch.

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