A torque converter transfers rotating power (torque) from the engine to the rest of the drivetrain.
Symptoms of Wear or Failure
- Illumination of the Check Engine Light
- Engine stalling
- Clanking or rattling type noise as engine speed changes
- Abnormal vibration
- Lack of power
- Transmission fluid leak
- Abnormal noise when the starter is engaged
Related Repair Advice
- In addition to transferring the power from the engine to the driveline, the torque convertor will "slip" at idle, allowing the engine to remain running while the drive wheels are stopped
- To increase fuel economy, all modern vehicles have an electronically controlled clutch inside the torque convertor which "locks" the torque converter at freeway speeds, eliminating any internal slippage
- If the torque converter clutch does not disengage at idle, the engine may stall
- Simply draining the transmission, or removing the pan and filter, does not drain the old fluid from the torque convertor. A fluid exchange procedure must be performed to remove and replace all of the fluid in the transmission, torque convertor, and cooler system.
- The torque convertor should be replaced when the transmission is overhauled or replaced
