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Theres nothing wrong with a locked-up torque converter; as a matter of fact, lock-up torque converters have been making automatic transmissions more efficient for decades. Youll only encounter brief periods during your driving cycle where converter lock-up is not beneficial.

Converter Operation

Torque converters are fluid couplers. A turbine fan attached to the outer case (which is bolted to the engine) pushes transmission fluid through a matching turbine on the transmission input shaft. The engine doesnt push enough fluid when idling to engage the transmission turbine. As rpm rises, that fluid will begin to push against and spin the transmission-side turbine, engaging it and moving the car.

The Problem

Because there was no direct connection between the engine and transmission, a non-lock-up converter will always get worse fuel mileage than a manual transmission, which uses a clutch.

Lock-Up Function

A lock-up converter uses a clutch pack very similar to those inside the transmission itself to lock the converter case to the transmission input shaft. At about 25 mph, the computer sends a signal to an electronic actuator inside the transmission to engage the clutch pack and lock the drive line together.

An automobile is a combination of various parts working in perfect harmony, with the goal of delivering comfort and utility to its owner. Your vehicle requires proper maintenance to operate efficiently. The ignition lock is one of many heavily used components on an auto; eventually, wear and tear takes a toll and the lock will need to be replaced. The procedure is simple and once it is replaced, your new ignition lock will provide reliable service for years to come.

Instructions

1

Park your vehicle in "Neutral" and set the parking brake. Open the hood and disconnect the negative cable from the battery using a wrench.

2

Locate the screws holding the steering cover in place. The steering cover consists of two halves fastened together with a pair of Phillips screws; the screws are located on the underside of the steering column. Use a flashlight if you need more light to see the screws. Remove the screws with the Phillips screwdriver. Remove both sections of the steering cover to expose the cylindrical ignition lock.

3

Remove the screws holding the ignition lock in place using a flat-head screwdriver. Be caul not to damage the wiring connected to the lock through the wire grip. On some vehicles, a bolt secures the ignition lock and youll use a socket wrench to remove this bolt.

4

Remove the ignition lock caully. Once unscrewed, it will slide out easily. Detach the wire grip connecting the lock to the vehicles electrical system. Discard the old ignition lock.

5

Connect the wire grip to the new ignition lock. The wire grip is fragile so handle it caully.

6

Reconnect the negative battery cable and test the new ignition lock. Turn the key from "Off" to "On" several times. If the ignition lock turns smoothly and performs as expected, start the car several times.

7

Disconnect the negative battery cable again with a wrench before proceeding.

8

Secure the new ignition lock in place. The wires leading to the wire grip may be different lengths so you may need to maneuver the lock to avoid crimping the wires.

9

Fasten the ignition lock in place using the Phillips screwdriver to tighten the screws you removed earlier. Reattach the steering cover, starting with the lower half and then the top. Tighten the Phillips screws to secure the steering cover in place.

Nearly everyone locks their keys in their car at one time or another, usually paying a locksmith to open it, but a large variety of lock-pick tools are available for opening locked automobiles yourself. Locksmiths typically use an assortment, depending on the type of vehicle they must open. There are a few tools that are most commonly used when opening a locked car or truck.

The Loop

The loop is a simple device made of lightweight polyethylene that helps locksmiths open locked automobiles. A loop snaps onto other lockout tools to grab door and window handles. It glows in the dark, making it ideal for nighttime use and for work in dark areas like parking garages. Loops are strong, but flexible enough to maneuver into almost any angle. The loop is a time-saving device for locksmiths who are unlocking car doors with manual locks.

Slim Jim

A slim jim is a tool most people are familiar with. It is often used by locksmiths to unlock car doors. Slim jims are inserted through the weather stripping around the car window and bypass the keyhole to open the door. This tool is made for a variety of cars, but when using one, check to make sure it is designed for your cars make and model. In most cases, you should allow a professional to use a slim jim to unlock your automobile instead of doing it yourself. Damage can occur to your window or lock if a slim jim is used improperly.

Try-out Keys

Try-out keys, also called jiggler sets, are a set of skeleton-like keys which will open many varieties of automobiles (foreign and domestic). They are made from a spring temper stainless steel that doesnt bend, so a tension tool is not necessary to use them. They look much like a set of keys, but the ends arent cut and the metal is much thinner. Often used by locksmiths, repo companies and automotive detailers, try-out keys will pick a lock quickly.

Gas-Cap Tool

Gas cap tools or keys will lock and unlock most types of automobile gas caps. Typically, gas cap keys are double ended and work like a try-out key, picking the lock. Rather than leave your gas cap unlocked or off, which can lead to having your gas stolen or some prankster putting something into your gas tank, a universal gas cap key allows you to lock and unlock your gas cap even if youve lost your original key.

Wedge

Wedges are sold as either solid pieces of plastic or as inflatable devices. Essentially, wedges fit in the gap at the side or top of the door where it meets the body of your car. Wedges are used to pry the door slightly open and hold it there so that another tool can be inserted to open the lock.

Tension Wrench

There are a wide variety of types of tension wrenches used in locksmithing. They are typically used in conjunction with lock picks and help to provide turning tension to the pick in order to turn the pins inside the lock. Tension wrenches are designed for different applications and there are several specifically designed for opening automotive locks.

Problems with remotely locking and unlocking a cars doors can be frustrating. Your Toyota Corolla is likely to experience remote locking issues from time to time just like all other vehicles of different makes and models. Whether your doors never unlock remotely or unlock only sometimes, you can do some quick troubleshooting to find out if the problem is with your Corolla or the remote keypad.

Keypad Battery

Most keypads operate on AG13 button-cell batteries. These batteries are typically used in power laser pointers and other small electronic devices. If your vehicle does not respond at all when you attempt to lock it remotely -- that is, the horn wont honk and the doors wont lock -- replace the battery in your keypad.

Internal Wiring

If you press the "lock" button on your keypad and none of the doors lock, but you are able to honk the horn, it is likely that internal wiring is the cause. This indicates that the Corolla is receiving the lock signal from the keypad but cannot execute it. Unless you are an experienced mechanic, youll need to take the car to a dealership or repair shop to fix this problem.

Keypad

If you are seeing an inconsistent response, where sometimes the door locks remotely and sometimes it wont, the keypad itself or the keypad receiver installed in your vehicle may be to blame. Installing replacement parts yourself can be done with minimal time and effort. Many auto repair shops and online outlets sell do-it-yourself kits for this situation.