Vehicles with an automatic transmission feature a torque converter as part of its transmission. It’s one of the key parts that allows the vehicle to shift between gears automatically. It changes power from the motor into fluid pressure that at the end of the day manages the way the vehicle shifts. A failing torque converter is one of the more common transmission issues seen, and when it fails it typically results in other inner transmission damage.
A torque converter is a responsive part that is filled with automatic transmission fluid that produces the hydraulic pressure it requires to function correctly. There are many indicators that you may have a torque converter problem:
- Acceleration Loss
When your vehicle feels more unresponsive than it should, or it is physically shaking when stepping on the gas pedal—as if it’s fighting to accelerate as it usually would—this is an indicator that there could be a transmission issue and the torque converter is a possible culprit.
- Gear Slippage
Automatic vehicles should shift effortlessly between gears. You can normally feel it to some degree, particularly when accelerating or decelerating swiftly. Nevertheless, you might also feel the vehicle slipping when shifting between gears or noticing that it is having issues staying in a certain gear. When the shifting feels funny or strange, there’s a good possibility that you have a torque converter problem.
- Vehicle Won’t Shift at All
A certain sign of a declining torque converter is when your vehicle will not shift into a certain gear whatsoever. When you are unable to get it to go into drive or reverse won’t go into gear, then it’s most likely you have something amiss with your torque converter.
- Transmission is Overheating
Similar to your engine, your transmission has a responsive temperature gauge that is going to alert you when your transmission is overheating. An overheating transmission is a significant concern, so you are going to want to get your vehicle gone over by a transmission specialist sooner than later. It could be a declining torque converter or some other inner damage that must be addressed.
- Transmission Fluid Leak
Transmission fluid is crucial to the wellbeing and performance of the torque converter (and the transmission system in general). Torque converter seals can be easily impaired or get worn out over time, so they are a typical origin of a transmission fluid leak. Whenever you see a transmission fluid leak, you are not going to want to take chances. It’s an early indication that something is at issue, and it can lead to significant internal damage when left ignored.
- Bad Transmission Fluid
When you are checking your transmission fluid and notice that it is dark, burned, chalky or filled with debris such as metal shavings, then you are going to want to get your transmission serviced straight away. That might be all you require to get fresh fluid going throughout the system again. It might also be an indication of inner transmission or torque converter issues, so a proper inspection from a professional transmission tech is also wise.
Road Runner Converters Offers Many Torque Converter Replacements
Road Runner Converters offers many torque converters for sale online. We offer GM Torque Converters, Ford Torque Converters, Diesel Torque Converters, Towing Torque Converters, Street Torque Converters and more.
