Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

I cannot program the settings in any way (Setup Wizard, for default settings, Advanced Options, etc.).

If you're at all familiar with this controller, please have a look at this post in TCI Product Support Forum
http://www.cpgnation.com/forum/contr...10-a-8065.html

I haven't traced the controller module wiring yet.

If out-linking is verboten, sorry - wipe it, if out of order.

Thanks here...

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

What is the controller actually supposed to do?

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Changes TC lock up RPM, shift points low (and high) by TPS, shift engagement firmness, etc...

Setup Wizard bases operation on tire size, rear end gearing, does a TPS calibration for range, etc.

I had a vid of live data read, but the handheld screen doesn't show...

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

I see, well I've never had any experience w/ it, sorry. Hasn't "support" for the product gotten back to you.

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Chuck,

I've sent you a link for the install and documentation!

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

If your getting comm error,i have found the 3 wires at the controller plug are crossed.i can't remember which one is wrong,i will have to look at the local auto Z's plug.

I will have to get back to you with this info.

Pete

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Got the link (and saved) Dave; that's my control module -

Pete - I have begun the wiring trace, and found some crappy connections at a newly found device 'Dakota Digital SGI-5 C'. :confused: . I told those hacks that I wanted to COMPLETELY ANNOTATE MY FSM, and they won't give ANY RECEIPTS, PAPERWORK< OR SQUAT. :mad:

Anyway, this is what I found...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T.../IMG_4994c.JPG

I'm hoping this is the source of the Comm Error, but I know that I HAVE TO trace all lines... :(

AND THANKS FOR THE FLEXPLATE TOO THERE, PETE!!! :thumbsup:

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Schrade,

Looks like real quality work. NOT! Is that supposed to provide a VSS signal?

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

I would have thought the Dakota Digital could have been avoided. Those devices can raise hell with most of the things that are troubling you. I believe the cruise is difficult to accomplish and who knows whatever else.

I guess it's sort one device at a time!

When I looked at the transmission controller it seemed pretty straight forward and I believe I understood it, I understand what it would have taken for the VSS to function as intentioned also.

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Yep. That's what it is.

http://www.dakotadigital.com/pdf/sgi-5c.pdf
Can't tell by pic but it looks like there's no sensor ground.

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Yep. That's what it is.

http://www.dakotadigital.com/pdf/sgi-5c.pdf
Can't tell by pic but it looks like there's no sensor ground.

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

I'm presuming Dominic, that it is a signal adaptor of some sort, although it's of course not part of the TCI EZ-TCU control module. I haven't found reference to an external / 3rd party device yet in the schematics, or install instructions...


Still digging though.............................

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

You won't find reference to it. I don't believe there's a necessity for it unless there was something done foolishly internally of the transmission that would have eliminated the drive/driven combination for the VSS. All C4 Corvette 700R4, 4L60 and 4L60E tailshaft housings I'm quite sure are the same for the one piece case that was used. I would have thought unless the controller wanted to see a different type of signal it could have been assembled with a 15 tooth drive gear and maybe a 41/42 tooth driven using your VSS from the ZF. The 15 tooth drive is a tough find but I believe I could. The source might be very expensive. Very!

It could be done with a 17 and a 45 but the speedometer would read a little fast. 45 is the MAX driven available.

I believe that the 4L60E uses a relluctor wheel and a different VSS originally but I would have guessed that it could have been accommodated in the transmission build. It may very well not have been able to have been done because the output shaft is differently part numbered, maybe my thoughts are all wet but I've seen extensions made for the 2-piece case 4L60E that offer up the drive/driven VSS combination needed. I had found information that mentions the internals remained interchangeable.

I actually thought maybe the build would have been done with a 2-piece case since there's a QuickTime housing that mates the LT5 directly to the center case and there's a 6 to 4 bolt adapter and extension to finish it off. I did it on paper but wasn't able to confirm one dimension which would have confirmed the build was a dimensional fit correct for the C-beam and the drive-shaft. It's generally mentioned that any 4L60E can be fitted to the C4 using a cut-off wheel to shorten the output-shaft by 1".

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

So I'm starting by install instructions first, before wiring trace...

1) Connect main harness connector, and VSS connector to tranny...

Back end up, and ...

And I got new fluid on the floor.

I thought that maybe just an over-filled tranny had blown off excess fluid, and was happy. Not so...

It's running down the C-beam, with the front on ramps. WHAT ORIFICE IS ALLOWING THIS??? Certainly not the VSS connector - it's DRY.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q...0/IMG_5012.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y...0/IMG_5015.JPG

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Alright there Dave - driveshaft yoke centers are about 27.0". Cannot get a good draw on the C-beam just yet here...

And a part # on the output shaft / yoke:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--.../IMG_5016c.jpg

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

So I felt with my grubby digits on the C-beam, where the yellow arrow is.

Dry.

:confused:

Felt the rear end of the C-beam, and of course, wet.

:confused:

Then I saw the one telltale drop. Under the output shaft yoke - see pic.

My output shaft seal is leaking, and dripping off the yoke.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C.../IMG_5018c.jpg



Leaking only because the front end is on ramps? So what if I park on a hill with such a shallow incline? Gravity feed will never equate to gaseous pressure from heat while in operation.

Bad install, and a bad tranny seal.

You busy there Pete? I'm reachin'for a sleeping bag and toothbrush...

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Not much reason to continue here - anyone believing this tranny WON'T have to come down? Can a new seal be installed with tranny in place???

1)
So the main harness, and VSS harness APPEAR connected properly (liberal usage). I'll follow the VSS harness carefully, for the speedo error, while I try to find the Comm Error of the handheld...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u...0/IMG_5023.JPG

2) RPM signal in handheld SEEMS good...

3) Handheld does SEEM to calibrate TPS in idle position, and at WOT position, ignition on, with no error messages for that function...

4) Doesn't apply.

5) Unit mounted (although with damage to dash underside panels).

6) Battery has 2 new connectors, on top of main connectors (I'm presuming those are correct).

7) Module Power / Diagnostic light comes on with key to Run; I'm assuming for now that that's correct...

8) Does not apply.

9) No new switches are installed for this feature, that I see. ???

10) No new switches are installed for this feature, that I see... BUT, with respect to the Comm Error (unsaved handheld changes):
Must this circuit be closed (or switched), in order to make ANY changes to programming? Either basic, in Setup Wizard, OR IN ADVANCED OPTIONS???

Doesn't seem likely, EXCEPT:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p.../IMG_5025c.jpg

Does this text indicate that some changes (3C, 3D, is Advanced Options stuff), cannot be written, including basic Setup Options, unless this circuit is wired???

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

and now #11...

If an electronic speedo is used, route the speedo output (of the TCU module, presumably) to the speedo.

Where? At the speedo wire of the cluster input? Or BEFORE the ECM speedo output? Or to the speedo ECM INPUT???

Or to the Dakota Digital? And from there, TO where? NOW IS TIME TO RESUME TRACING... :-x

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

The DD unit converts the VSS pulse from the trans to something the ECM can understand.

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

OK ... so, the VSS pulse (from tranny) goes to the DD FIRST? Or, IS SUPPOSED TO, FIRST???

And then FROM the DD TO the TCU Module?

And then from the TCU module TO ... where?

------------------------------

I think the path is

VSS OUTPUT -> TCU module -> Dak Dig -> ???

It's dark and chilly now (not enough Global Warming in Schrade's carport), so wire trace is incomplete...

Studying Wire Diagram for Module now ;) ...

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

The DD unit is for the speedo and ECM. Likely comes after TCU.

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

You can tap into one of the wire at the speed sensor i just can't remember which one.
I have my notes somewhere just need to find them.LOL

You can change the rear seal without having to take trans out.
On your cruise control also check the vaccum/switch at the clutch padel.
Pete

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q...0/IMG_5012.JPG

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Hey Pete,

Never mind the VSS question.

Couldn't you just use the instrument panel and the DIC to check the CCM for errors and also for possible other faults that they may have created. The VSS signal is distributed to the cruise and the cluster from the CCM. Correct? There's errors and problems at the cluster and also the NO cruise.

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

No TCI does not need two VSS signals.
What i would suggest connect the TCI saperate from the Dakota.
Why did they install the Dakota did he do a rear gear change.
I'm pretty sure TCI can handle the speedo calibrations.

Pete

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

I'm guessing that because the 4L60E uses a reluctor wheel and pick-up based speed sensor, rather than do the drive/driven gear install they opted for the DD unit. I didn't think it needed to be as complicated as it is. I mentioned my thoughts on the drive/driven a few posts ago. I've never compared the ID of a drive gear to the reluctor wheel to see if it could have been fitted.

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

In this image look at how much of the slip yoke is exposed and we can't even see the tail-shaft housing. That's just not the way I've fitted slip-yokes to a transmission. It looks excessive to me.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8...4/IMG_5001.JPG

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

OK - still trying to do pinout ID + trace, focus right now on speedo output FROM the module.

It does NOT appear to go to the DD module, although the 2 wire taps are visible at the bottom of the snappic (not ID'd yet)...


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B....pdf-pages.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q.../IMG_5028e.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-j...0/IMG_5027.JPG

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

No gear change Pete; I don't know why the DD is in there...

Line 24 exits the TCU, and is split. One lead to nowhere:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e...0/IMG_5029.JPG

and the other, through the floorboard, to the Twilight Zone.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-I...0/IMG_5031.JPG

Huh? :confused:

So the speedo signal path MUST be gettin' 'intercepted' going INTO the TCU, DIRECTLY FROM THE TRANNY???

and feeding signal to the DD? And then out to ???????????

and now I think I remember one little one [->going back to <-] the tranny..........

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

The DD unit is strictly there so the ECM can interpret the VSS signal from the TCI trans. Really has nothing to do with the operation of the trans.

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

So we have to back up in the signal path, to find the problem in the speedo.

Start AGAIN (presumably) at the Output Shaft Speed / pickup? on the right side of the schematic?

And both leads are split.

So let's go the DD, and see what those 4 leads go to ... (voltage, ground, signal 1, and ? )

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

So here's the DD circuits:

power, ground, of course, and Input, which comes from a tap / splice, on socket 29. And number 29, is one of the 2 'Output Shaft Speed' leads. You guys knew that tho', didn'tcha???

And note the crappy connections for Input and Output. IS THAT THE SOURCE OF THE SPEEDO FLUCTUATION AT IDLE?????

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d...0/IMG_5032.JPG

and the tap splice for DD Input:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p...0/IMG_5033.JPG

DD Output, brown to orange

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L...0/IMG_5034.JPG

and orange, splice to a yellow, near the back of the tranny:

(and $20 says that yellow, which is going into an existing harness, is the speedo feed, to the ECM???

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L...0/IMG_5035.JPG

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

There's no Sensor Ground which is NOT the same as Ground which is for Power. The VSS sensor is looking for ground.

What wretched electrical work! :mad:[-X:thumbsdo::jawdrop:

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Thanks for the words of encouragement there buddy! :mrgreen:

True tho', and this truth hurts!!!

So the speedo signal path, in sum:

Shaft Speedo Output, from tranny signal generator, TO controller module, INTERCEPTED by DD splice / tap, INTO DD, OUT, to OEM yellow lead.

I cannot follow this yellow lead harness, as it rises behind driver's cylinder head.

I will find VSS input at ECM, which hopefully is yellow, and do continuity to the DD output. And IIRC, '94 VSS is yellow (or purple) ?

And remember, speedo is functioning, except for fluctuation from 0 - to 30, 50, 40, and back...


So before I attempt to make better connections at the DD, the question is, why did they even put it in?

Why can I not use the TCU speedo output?

Should I try wiring in the TCU speedo output, while I have the DD disconnected?

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

I'm willing to bet that the fluctuation is due to the fact the VSS sensor doesn't have a solid signal ground. Its probably jumping to the power ground. I had this happen once when TPS sensor was connected to my WB so I could see TPS% as part of WB O2 datalog. Worked great until one day it didn't. TPS was all over the place. Needless to say motor ran like crap. Until I removed the TPS signal from the WB and then everything worked. I was using power ground for the signal ground. Didn't like that. Needs to be separate which is why ECM has separate sensor grounds from power grounds. Each sensor needs a reference ground along w reference signal. Some sensors may share.

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

I'm not following here Dominic...

VSS (as now wired), doesn't have a dedicated ground? Or the DD needs another ground? Or just 2 better connections? (which I'm about to do)

Do I need to trace the leads from the VSS, from the case connector???

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Heres a good thread from CF. Altho this is for an OBDII PCM, the idea is the same. You can see were Pin A31 and A32 are for VSS Ground and VSS Signal. The DD unit takes that signal from the trans and translates into something that our ECM will understand. The micro switch settings on the unit are for that purpose.

Here's an interesting post from this thread:

"If 85-89 used a 2k pulse per mile VSS, there must be a typo
in the 89 service manual.

It shows a block diagram lower right corner that the VSS is 4k pulses
per mile.

If he needs to correct the VSS frequency so it can be
used on the 87 Dash Cluster he can use an electronic ratio
adapter.

If the wires are connected, I would think he would get some kind of reading on the display even if the frequency was off.

Something similar to the Dakota Digital's SGI-5 may work.
The SGI-5 can convert a sine wave from 4K to 2K but the converted
output signal does not appear from their description to be a sine wave.
You would need to contact them to see if it would work."

Here's the thread.
http://forums.c**f**m.com/c4-tech-pe...gnal-help.html





http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...pcm_conn_a.jpg

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Alright - copy on this post fully Sir.


But what's missing (or cross wired) in my wiring?

Is it as simple as getting a line to ground, at the DD, where it says 'Signal Ground'?

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Took a ride, and the speedo is still jumping around from 0, while stopped, even after re-connecting the previous connections. Simple spring clamp connectors, like your stereo speakers. They had a strand or 2 in the clamp.

Theirs:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T.../IMG_4994c.JPG

Mine:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q...0/IMG_5037.JPG

Didn't really matter... At speed, it shows in perfect sync with the handheld.

And handheld still hangs at "Turn Key Off For 10 Seconds To Save Changes". Comm Error.

Speedo seemed to behave for a few minutes after startup. Closed Loop might be energizing a circuit that causes speedo interference???

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

Maybe got a lead on the fluctuation at 0...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w....pdf-pages.jpg

Re: Anyone familiar with TCI handheld controllers for auto?
 

You said this 3 times Dominic, and I'm just now catching what you're meaning.

Signal Ground terminal, FROM DD to [a ground]. Will TRY that tomorrow - hope a little Global Warming comes in...




Looks like they went with the Yellow one there, Pete. Purple will work also? Any chance at all that the fluctuation at 0 MPH could be because they went with the Yellow instead of Purple?

And I guess that only a jumper wire is necessary for the clutch pedal Cruise kill switch?


No, but I think I might need to go to 3.23, or 2.73, with the new OD @ .67, instead of .5 of ZF 6th. Shift light shows up near 70mph...

Dave; I don't know if the speedo drive is magnetic or what (will have to wait for small claims decision for paperwork, or info from tranny maker (RPM Transmission).