I install a TCI lock up kit in my 200 r4 transmission and it seemed to work for a while but now the power wire seems to have developed a short somewhere. I installed a new lock up solenoid when I put the kit in. Could this solenoid be the culprit.

 

I'm not familiar w/ the TCI kit, but if it is similar to the kit I used from BTO (a simple relay connected to the brake lamp circuit that opens 12V going to the solenoid in the trans which is wired through a 4-th gear switch to prevent lockup unless in 4th gear), it COULD be either a bad L/U solenoid, bad 4th gear switch, bad relay, open wiring in the circuit somewhere or a blow fuse. I suppose it could also be a wire shorted to ground somewhere between the relay and the transmission, but if that occurred, the fuse would definitely be blown.

 

I think I've figured out this problem. Now trying to figure out how to wire the 12 volt wire thru a switch that will disconnect the lock up when applying the brakes. Would the cruise disconnect switch have continuous 12 volt until you step on the brakes. I'm thinking the brake light switch is just the opposite. Trying to figure how to do the disconnect without putting a toggle on the dash. Thanks Larry

 

I bought a GM brake light/cruise control switch ( like 10 bucks) and used the cruise control for the torque converter and then the other for the brake lights. Then I ran a vacuum line line from the vacuum switch ( I attached it above the electrical switch) to a port on back of the Q-jet. This will unlock the converter when you step on the throttle. At least that's what I have done, don't know if it works yet car under construction, 64 F-85 Pro Touring. I believe the green wire was not used so I just covered it, didn't want to cut it.

 

Therobski has it correct. The pink wire from the cruise-cancel switch supplies the 12v until you brake, and the black from the vacuum switch supplies ground. An internal switch on the valve body is also used on the solenoid ground side, this switch is normally open until closed by 4th gear pressure, completing the path to ground.