Torque Converter Clutch Break-In Procedure (CONCORDE, Intrepid & 300M): Description

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 120 other vehicles, including the 2002 Saturn Vue, 2002 Saturn SL2, 2002 Saturn SL1, 2002 Saturn SL, and 2002 Saturn SC2. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) employs a strategy which modifies Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) operation. This strategy conditions the TCC disc for optimum converter clutch engagement and feel throughout the life of the transaxle. The cycle inhibits Full Electronically Modulated Converter Clutch (FEMCC) until six hours of Partial Electronically Modulated Converter Clutch (PEMCC) operation have taken place, or the vehicle has been driven 3750 miles. The cycle automatically terminates when either the time or mileage has been achieved, however, the mileage may vary slightly from vehicle to vehicle. The TCC break-in cycle must be restarted using the DRBIII® scan tool, and upon the following:

Replacement of TCM on vehicle with less than 3750 miles or less than 6 hours of PEMCC operation.
Replacement of torque converter assembly at any vehicle mileage.

This procedure is used to properly condition TCC to prevent shudder during clutch engagement. Break-in procedure must be used if torque converter is replaced at any vehicle mileage, or PCM is replaced with vehicle mileage less than 3750 miles.