What if you hear any unusual noises coming from the engine? Or let’s say the transmission becomes overheated, and the converter’s seal gets damaged, which results in fluid leakage! It doesn’t matter what you’re going through, all of these are the common signs of a “bad torque converter.”
Cool! I dig quite deep by doing plentiful research on bad torque converter symptoms and how to fix them permanently. Although most people will suggest you go for the replacement straight away, I don’t think it’s necessary as there are a couple of efficient techniques to fix the issues with torque converter.
So, sight tight and let me show you all the nooks and crannies right here. And trust me, you’ll find them quite effective while fixing problems with your transmission system or torque converter.
Bad torque converter symptoms and how to fix them? Slipping, shaking, overheating, fluid leakage, and contaminated fluid are some of the common signs behind your torque converter that has become bad. Using the right fuel, getting the right amount, and taking experts’ help are the common ways to fix the issues with a bad torque converter.
Related: P1744 FORD Code: Causes and Fixes, torque converter clutch code
Six Probable Symptoms of Torque Converter Issues:
I’ve listed out some of the common and noticeable symptoms of your torque converter issues. Although there can be lots of other signs occur, I’ve incorporated the most noticeable ones right here down below:
1. Slipping
Chances are torque converters may slip out of your car’s gear when the bearing appears to be damaged. The reason? Because almost every torque converter tends to convert its torque into the pressure of hydraulic, which is mandatory to shift and engage transmission’s gear.
Similarly, excessive or insufficient fluid is another culprit behind running the gears in the wrong way. Afterwards, the converter will begin malfunctioning, which will result in unexpected slipping.
2. Shaking Violently
Your vehicle starts shaking abnormally while you’re riding on a completely flat surface yet feeling like the road is uneven! This may occur from time to time, especially when you find issues with the lockup clutch that is situated in your torque converter.
3. Issues with Overheating
A few cars have included extra indicator that gives you a signal of when the transmission of your vehicle gets overheated. Transmissions begin working abnormally in case they end up with overheating issues.
Accidental slippage is one of the common reasons behind overheating issues. It isn’t a bad thing for every converter as it causes wearing off the interior parts of your transmission system. Furthermore, the converter will become unable to keep on its function due to overheating problems.
4. Contaminated Fluid
Every torque converter includes ATF, aka automatic transmission fluid. This may become contaminated anytime once it contains grime, debris, or stuff like that at a massive amount. Thus, the whole transmission system gets damaged.
Alongside it, the grimy fluid provides negative results in your torque converter’s component, this includes the turbine’s fins and stator’s bearing.
5. Leakage of Fluids
Seals of your torque converter may get damaged for a couple of reasons. You’ll experience issues with fluid leakage when they get ruined. As a result, the converter won’t hold the required amount of fluid due to the major leakage.
So what will be the result? Well, both converter and transmission will become damaged as the converter is failing to transfer power.
6. Awkward Noises
Have you noticed anything like “whirring” or “humming” sounds? If yes, then it’s a clear sign of torque converter issues. A converter that becomes worst tends to emit awkward sounds at times, and you should focus on it.
So whether you notice those types of noises from either turbine fine or damaged bearing, going for a replacement will be a must job.
Note: Give this video a look to get familiar with the three common signs and how to fix them all without much effort.
How to Fix the Issues with Bad Torque Converter?
Now that you’re familiar with some of the probable reasons behind the symptoms of a bad torque converter, it’s better to learn how to get rid of them once and for all. Let me show you step-by-step:
The Way to Fix Shaking and Slipping:
When you notice the torque converter or transmission gets shaking or slipping, checking out the level of fluid is what you’ll do first. As you already know, these two common symptoms occur when you either take the wrong fluid in your hands or use the inadequate amount in your transmission system.
So, there’s no rocket science! Simply get your transmission the right fuel or fill it up with adequate amounts of fuel.
The Way to Fix Contaminated Fluid
Problems with contaminated fluid mean there might be something bigger issues inside of your converter. You may notice that bushing or bearing pieces, clutch material, or such components are coming apart.
In that case, you either need to change those parts right away or take help from experts to get it done.
The Way to Fix Seal Damage and Overheating
When you find out the seal of your torque converter becomes fully damaged, there’s nothing to do except to change it. Although a few things are available these days to repair the damages, most of these are temporary and won’t give you a long-term result.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, a few cars are available with an extra indicator that gives you a signal of when your car’s engine is getting overloaded or overheated. So you better spend some extra bucks on such essential components to get a pre-warning of torque converter overheating issues.
Alongside it, using the right fuel and getting an adequate amount of fuel is another go-to to get rid of such overheating problems.
Related: How Long Do CVT Transmissions Last
Wrapping It Up!
Dealing with a poor torque converter can be the worst nightmare to most car-owners, especially to those who don’t have enough idea on bad torque converter symptoms and how to fix them. By giving this whole article a read, I hope you’ve got what you wanted to learn.
So, from now on, determine the problem first and then follow my above-mentioned techniques to get rid of those bummers.
Meta Description: In this post, you’ll learn about bad torque converter symptoms and how to fix them without much effort. I’ll teach you the easiest way possible!
James is a certified auto technician specializing in commercial vehicles. With 30 years of experience under his belt, James has encountered almost every type of automotive issue there is! Besides his day job at the repair shop, he is also an amateur race car driver.