If Shudder Occurs After TCC has Applied

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Some transmissions are equipped with an electronically controlled capacity clutch (ECCC), which does not allow the clutch to fully lock to the torque converter cover. The clutch maintains a small amount of slippage, approximately 20 RPM, in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th gears, depending on the vehicle application. ECCC was developed to reduce the possibility of noise, vibration or chuggle caused by TCC apply. Full lockup is only available at highway speeds on some applications.

If shudder occurs after the TCC has applied, most of the time there is nothing wrong with the transmission.

The TCC is not likely to slip after the TCC has been applied. Engine problems may go unnoticed under light throttle and load, but they become noticeable after the TCC apply when going up a hill or accelerating. This is due to the mechanical coupling between the engine and the transmission.

NOTE: The TCC will not engage until the engine is in closed loop operation and the vehicle must be in a near-cruise condition, not accelerating or coasting, and on a level road surface.

Once TCC is applied, there is no torque converter (fluid coupling) assistance. Engine or driveline vibrations could be unnoticeable before TCC engagement. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls in order to avoid misdiagnosis of TCC shudder and the unnecessary disassembly of a transmission or the unnecessary replacement of a torque converter.