Basic Control

When the car in Drive Range Third Gear reaches the speed where the converter clutch engages, the C3 or governor pressure switch (depending on the system) will activate the solenoid which closes the exhaust valve. This allows solenoid circuit oil to move the converter clutch control valve against line pressure. With the converter clutch control valve in the apply position, regulated line oil flows from the converter orifice control valve and passes into the converter apply passage. The oil then flows through the turbine shaft to the apply side of the converter clutch. The regulated line oil flows from the converter orifice control valve, and the oil controls the apply feel of the pressure plate.

As the pressure plate begins to move to its applied position, the release oil from the front side of the pressure plate is redirected back between the turbine shaft and the pump drive shaft. From here the oil is exhausted at the converter clutch control valve through an orifice in order to time the clutch apply. When the converter clutch control valve moved to the apply position, orificed converter feed oil entered the converter-to-cooler passage in order to provide oil to the lubrication system.

Summary

The forward and direct clutches are applied, the converter clutch is applied, and the intermediate band is released; the transmission is in Drive (D) Range - Third Gear.