The signs of a bad torque converter typically include a delay when shifting from a stop, sluggish acceleration, jerking or lugging when the transmission shifts, over-heating transmission fluid, slipping gears, a visible leak in the transmission, a clicking noise when idling in “Drive”, abnormal noises when shifting, and poor fuel economy.
A bad torque converter can also cause shift solenoid problems, transmission overheating, and transmission failure.
If you suspect your torque converter is bad, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a trained professional as soon as possible. Keeping your vehicle in good working condition is the best way to avoid any further damage that may occur from a bad torque converter.
Table of Contents
What happens when a torque converter goes bad?
When a torque converter goes bad, it can cause a variety of problems for a vehicle. These problems can range from a decrease in fuel economy, to a decrease in overall vehicle performance. Some of the most common symptoms of a bad torque converter include hard shifting, delayed shifting, slipping, and abnormal noises while accelerating.
If these symptoms are present, it is an indication that the torque converter is not properly functioning.
In some cases, a failing torque converter may lead to complete transmission failure. If an automobile is in need of a torque converter replacement, it can be a very expensive repair. This is because the torque converter is a sealed unit, meaning it must be rebuilt or replaced as a whole.
It is important to regularly check and maintain a torque converter to avoid any potential problems. If a torque converter is suspected of being bad, it is best to take the vehicle into an established auto repair shop for a professional inspection.
How can you tell if a torque converter is bad?
There are various ways to tell if a torque converter is bad. Firstly, you may experience a shuddering or vibration when you increase the engine torque, or when you shift from one gear to another. This can indicate the torque converter is not working efficiently.
Additionally, if the engine revs up but you are not getting an increase in speed, this can also be an indicator of an issue with the torque converter. Other indicators can be trouble shifting between gears, a burning smell, or a noise coming from the torque converter.
Lastly, you can check the level and colour of the transmission fluid with an oil dipstick. If the transmission fluid is burnt or dark in colour, this can indicate a potential problem with the torque converter.
What does it sound like when a torque converter fails?
When a torque converter fails, it typically sounds like loud, grinding noises coming from the vehicle’s engine compartment. As the internal components of the torque converter start to wear, metal to metal contact can occur and this will produce loud and uncomfortable noises, often similar to those created by a grinding transmission.
It’s likely that the vehicle will also experience a loss of power and reduced efficiency, as well as jerky movements and strange vibrations caused by the failing converter. If you are hearing noises like this coming from your car, it is always advised to visit a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to inspect it and determine the cause of the problem.
Can you replace a torque converter without removing the transmission?
No, generally you would not be able to replace a torque converter without removing the transmission. The torque converter is connected to the flexplate (or flywheel in manual transmissions) and is often integrated into the transmission itself, making it difficult to remove it without taking the transmission out.
Additionally, many vehicles have the transmission oil pan bolted to the torque converter as well, meaning that you would in most cases have to remove the pan to remove the torque converter. Depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, you may be able to access the back of the transmission, but for the most part, it is best practice to removal the transmission in order to replace the torque converter.
How much does it cost to fix a torque converter?
The cost of repairing a torque converter can vary greatly depending on the specific make, model, and year of the vehicle and the complexity of the repair job. Generally speaking, the labor costs alone for a torque converter repair or replacement can range in cost from around $400 to $800.
This price can also increase depending on additional diagnostic fees or other contextual factors that may affect the overall repair cost. For example, the cost of a new torque converter could range from $400 to $1500, on top of the labor cost.
Further, certain makes and models of vehicles— such as those with exotic or high-end options — may require special parts that can rapidly increase the total cost of the repair.
Can a torque converter suddenly fail?
Yes, a torque converter can suddenly fail. This failure can happen if the bearings inside the converter wear out and fail, the pump vanes fail due to metal fatigue, the turbine vanes fail due to metal fatigue, or if the stator blades fail due to metal fatigue.
In addition, a torque converter can fail if it is not filled with the proper type and amount of transmission fluid, or if the transmission fluid becomes contaminated with substances such as dirt, grit, grease, and water.
Lastly, a torque converter can fail suddenly if it is over-heated, which can occur if the vehicle is driven hard for long periods of time or there is a major transmission fluid leak. In conclusion, a torque converter can fail suddenly due to various issues, so it is important to check and service the transmission regularly and make sure that the transmission has the right amount and type of fluid.
What does a failing torque converter sound like?
A failing torque converter can cause several different sounds, depending on the type and severity of the issue. Common sounds associated with a failing torque converter include a rattling, whining, humming, or pulsating noise when the engine is running.
Additionally, many drivers report a louder than normal humming sound during acceleration. This is due to the increased pressure inside the converter, which can cause the cavity inside to vibrate and generate the sound.
In more severe cases, a faulty torque converter can cause issues like stalling or locking up entirely when shifting gears. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to have your car inspected and diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Will a bad torque converter throw a code?
Yes, a bad torque converter can cause a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) to be set if certain conditions are met. The most common DTCs that can be related to a bad torque converter are P0741, P0742, P0743, P0744, P2761-P2768, and P0745.
When the transmission torque converter is defective, it will not allow the fluid to flow correctly through the transmission. This can be caused by either worn or contaminated clutch material, or excessive heat from lack of proper lubrication.
In either case, the slipping caused by a bad torque converter can trigger many of the DTCs mentioned above.
In addition to these DTCs, a visual inspection of the transmission’s torque converter can help to determine if a problem is present. This can include wear spots on the converter’s housing, burnt or discolored clutch plates, or debris on the converter’s floor.
It’s important to note that any issue with the torque converter should be tended to immediately, as the issue can quickly lead to more serious and expensive transmission problems. If any signs of a faulty torque converter are present, it’s best to bring the car in for repair as soon as possible.
How long does it take a mechanic to replace a torque converter?
The exact time it takes for a mechanic to replace a torque converter will vary depending on the type of vehicle and how difficult it is to access the part. For a vehicle that has the transmission mounted in an easy-to-access position and is equipped with a standard torque converter, it can take a mechanic up to two or three hours.
If the transmission is mounted in an awkward or hard-to-access position, or the torque converter is an integrated model, it could take longer to complete the job, up to four or five hours. Finally, if the torque converter must be removed and serviced, or replaced with a performance model, it could take as much as eight or more hours to complete the job.
All in all, a mechanic should be able to complete the job in a relatively short period of time, but these estimated times can vary widely depending on the specific job.
Will changing the transmission fluid help the torque converter?
Yes, changing the transmission fluid can help the torque converter. Over time, the transmission fluid can become contaminated with particles, which can cause damage to the moving parts of the torque converter.
When you change the transmission fluid, you are providing the torque converter with a new, clean, smoother-flowing liquid. This also helps clean out any debris that has been built up in the valves and other components in the torque converter.
A clean, smoother-flowing transmission fluid helps to keep the torque converter functioning optimally, allowing it to transfer more power between the engine and the transmission. This increased power can help give your vehicle the extra boost that it needs.
Is it worth replacing torque converter?
Whether or not it is worth replacing a torque converter depends on the specific vehicle and situation. In some cases, the torque converter may be working properly and may not need to be replaced. In other cases, for example, if the vehicle has accumulated a lot of miles, or if it seems to hesitate, shudder, or slip during acceleration, then replacing the torque converter may be beneficial.
Replacing the torque converter may help improve acceleration and increase the efficiency of the transmission, as well as potentially resolving any existing issues. In most cases, replacing the torque converter requires removing the transmission in order to gain access and then reinstalling it after the replacement has been completed.
The amount of labor involved in the job and the cost of a new torque converter should be taken into consideration when making a decision on whether or not to replace it.
