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I have a '98 Integra and understand your question. The Honda 4-speed automatic has 3 lockup positions: partial, half, and full. If you select D3 on the shifter, it will not engage the torque converter -- otherwise, the TC can engage in 3rd or 4th gear in D4.
So how to know? The easiest way to know, is to watch for a small drop in RPM. Full lockup is about a 500 RPM drop, with the other two slightly less.
Lifting the gas pedal and re-applying the throttle will definitely tell you if you're in lockup. If the engine RPM goes up with no drop, it's not engaging. If it slips down a bit -- you're engaging.
Personally, I have a quite the issue with TC engagement. Coolant temp is a big factor. The Honda Transmission Control Unit (TCU) is the "End-All Be-All" in transmission decisions. If you engine-off coast, then it confuses the hill-logic control circuit, and will not engage the TC until the calcs satisfy a condition of higher-speed cruise. It uses engine load, speed, acceleration, deceleration, and throttle position to determine if a your going up or down a hill.
Long story short, gaining access to a shop manual will help tremendously.
Best FE to you...
RH77
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“If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research” ― Albert Einstein
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