Fromage: You say that the test light that you have connected up to the lockup solenoid never comes on? This would indicate that the TCM is not turning on the solenoid OR there is a problem with the wiring from the TCM to the solenoid. It is also possible that the solenoid or wiring is shorted to ground. If it is a wiring or short problem, it seems that the TCM would show a code 34 but maybe not. I never got a bad VSS code even when I had them disconnected. Are you hooking up your test light at the transmission end or the TCM end? If at the transmission end, it may be worth testing at the TCM end to rule out a wiring error.
I don't think that even if you had a line pressure problem, that it would prevent the TCM from trying to lock up the torque converter. After all, there is no way that the TCM can know that there is a line pressure problem - there are on pressure sensors within the transmission that feed this information to the TCM.
It is possible that the TCM is defective, that the lockup solenoid drive circuit is fried. Can you get your hands on another TCM to try?
If you end up pulling the pan, verify continuity all the way from the TCM connector to the lockup solenoid. The lockup solenoid is the one farthest to the right.
You can easily test the solenoid. First, the resistance across the solenoid coil should be around 12 ohms. You can easily test the function of the solenoid. Remove it from the valve body by removing the one 10 mm head bolt and then pulling it straight out. Check the o-ring on the valve body end. You should be able to blow through the solenoid from the o-ring end except when power is applied to the solenoid. If you use your mouth to blow through the solenoid, be careful how you apply power. After all, the solenoid is an inductor and therefore has the characteristics of an ignition coil. It probably won't kill you, but it could be a memorable experience
The other thing that you may want to check is the transmission temp sensor along with the associated wiring. After all, the TCM will not command a lockup if it thinks the transmission is cold. The FSM gives the resistance values for different temps. Be sure to do the resistance check from the TCM connector so as that will also verify the wiring. You may want to substitute a 300 ohm resistor for the temp sensor. This would fool the TCM into thinking that the transmission is up to operating temperature.
Good luck!
I don't think that even if you had a line pressure problem, that it would prevent the TCM from trying to lock up the torque converter. After all, there is no way that the TCM can know that there is a line pressure problem - there are on pressure sensors within the transmission that feed this information to the TCM.
It is possible that the TCM is defective, that the lockup solenoid drive circuit is fried. Can you get your hands on another TCM to try?
If you end up pulling the pan, verify continuity all the way from the TCM connector to the lockup solenoid. The lockup solenoid is the one farthest to the right.
You can easily test the solenoid. First, the resistance across the solenoid coil should be around 12 ohms. You can easily test the function of the solenoid. Remove it from the valve body by removing the one 10 mm head bolt and then pulling it straight out. Check the o-ring on the valve body end. You should be able to blow through the solenoid from the o-ring end except when power is applied to the solenoid. If you use your mouth to blow through the solenoid, be careful how you apply power. After all, the solenoid is an inductor and therefore has the characteristics of an ignition coil. It probably won't kill you, but it could be a memorable experience
The other thing that you may want to check is the transmission temp sensor along with the associated wiring. After all, the TCM will not command a lockup if it thinks the transmission is cold. The FSM gives the resistance values for different temps. Be sure to do the resistance check from the TCM connector so as that will also verify the wiring. You may want to substitute a 300 ohm resistor for the temp sensor. This would fool the TCM into thinking that the transmission is up to operating temperature.
Good luck!

It starts a little ruff at 15*F.