Half-clutched State
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Nissan Versa. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The current output from the TCM to the torque converter clutch solenoid is varied to steadily increase the torque converter clutch solenoid pressure.
In this way, the lock up applying pressure gradually rises and while the torque converter clutch piston is put into half-clutched status, the torque converter clutch piston applying pressure is increased and the coupling is completed smoothly.