Will unplugging it damage the transmission? No, directly unplugging the TCC solenoid will not cause immediate physical damage to the transmission. However, it will significantly alter how the car drives:
* Reduced Fuel Economy: The torque converter clutch is designed to lock up at higher speeds, improving fuel efficiency. With the solenoid unplugged, the clutch will remain unlocked, resulting in significantly lower fuel economy.
* Sluggish Acceleration: The lack of a locked torque converter will lead to slippage and a less direct connection between the engine and transmission, resulting in slower acceleration, especially at higher speeds.
* Increased Transmission Temperatures: The constant slippage can cause the transmission to overheat, which *could* lead to damage over prolonged periods of use. This is the primary potential long-term risk.
In short: Unplugging it won't instantly break the transmission, but it dramatically affects drivability and puts increased stress on the transmission over time due to increased heat. It's best to only unplug it for troubleshooting and not as a permanent solution. If you're having transmission issues, diagnosing the problem correctly rather than simply unplugging components is crucial.